• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Bose 501 Series I - Direct Reflecting Speaker - Opinions please

Fletch

Fletch

Well-Known Member
I'm looking at a pair of these that are "blown" - that's all I know. He said his Dad bought them in the 70s and that he has been using them as nightstands. I believe these are Series I. Don't know anything about Bose besides the fact that current Bose blows.

Anyway - does anyone have these? Any opinions on sound or resell value? These are HUGE so I would not be keeping them. Just as a refurb project. Sounds like I would be able to get them pretty cheap. Thanks!!!!
 
Register to hide this ad
Well Fletch,
Got myself a set of good working 501 series III as 'main speakerset' some months ago and I'm perfectly happy with them.
 
These speakers were a lot of fun and _could_ be a decent refurb project, too.

Do a search here as there have been some other threads on 501 refurb. Just hope that the tweeters aren't shot if they're series Is. You'll be able to find alternates but few original replacements. The woofer will need refoaming, too. Its a pain but the grilles are 3-sided and held on with staples.

Cheers,

David
 
They don't do too bad as HT fronts. That's where I use mine. Great quality sound? Nah, not really but they are fun.
 
Yea, I decided to pass. They are WAY too big for my place. It seems like a really hard refurb or at least time consuming and it doesn't look like there is a great deal of market out there. Thank you all for the helpful information. You guys & gals are always a great help.
 
Yes, those are passable nightstands.

You could upgrade to the more modern looking 901 nightstands for your lava lamp and princess phone. :yes:

--

I mostly stopped trying to argue or convince people about my opinions about Bose...now I just say "Yes, Bose? They make very nice little clock radios."

...And express disbelief and surprise if the Boseur* gets somewhat flustered.

A *Boseur is a Poseur who's heard 10000 TV commercials and swears Bose sells prestige high-end audio.

Susurus

(I had501s. Now I have some inefficient speakers that sound better.)
 
speedracer said:
Door stops.
Click to expand...

Geez, you're harsh. Not everything sucks.

As far as Bose voodoo technology goes, the 501's are one of their better models. I have a friend who just loves 501's. He also loves 301's, which would be my vote for the best Bose speaker. But it's all about what you want and what you like.

901's are pretty much agreed upon as...well... I guess you'd call them the Rube Goldberg of speakers...going thru an awful lot of hassle to get the desired result. They have to be actively equalized. They're terribly inefficient. They *are* unique, and fun to have, and at one time, back when all that big iron that we all love and hold dear was new, were considered high-end and/or state of the art by most people.

Free 501's? Definately worth a refoam and some listening and playing around with. Maybe they will be your new favorites. Maybe they'll end up in the den, or a bedroom, or a basement stereo. Maybe you'll flip them for something you like better. That's the fun part...exploring all these possibilities. All you have to do is be willing. :thmbsp:
 
I lived happily with a pair of Series III for almost 20 years, and they were my only set of speakers during that time.

Times change.
 
Probably the reason I resent their line, when I think about it...

(Digression: I lived with 301's, sure they were a big step up from cheapo tinny Fischer(?) ...that were in turn a step up from a pink portable 45-RPM music box... etc..)


Trouble is, in my naive progressive desensitization hypnostupor (think of the frog in a cold cooking pot, gradually heat up the water--it does not jump out til it's too late), Bose seemed sufficiently okay enough for me not to be motivated to examine slightly higher priced (and vastly superior) brands.

Thus my 501s, which had better bass than the 301s, but needed more juice.

Conclusion? :blah:

Guess I should thank Amar B for my eventually becoming dissatisfied...and seeking (still! :thmbsp:) ever-better sonics. :banana:

Susurus
 
Last edited:
Dr. Leopold Strabismus was, at last point I heard, working on a line of Direct Refracting speakers consisting of 173 clock radio speakers symmetrically arranged in a pentragram and designed to be placed upside down and sideways on pedestals specifically designed to have a WAF of < .0001%. Ought to give Amar a run for his money.
 
They probably just need new foam on the 10" drivers. The grill's are tacked down.Look close and you will see them across the edges.
You can refoam or replace your choice . Replace is easier them refoam , but refoam will be cheaper.

Get them going and you will pleased.

Barney
 
As written earlier in this thread: Got a pair of 501 Series III

Proof of the pudding is in the eating they say. And I've done a back to back test yesterday

> Went to the theatre: three musicians (incl. female singer) and acoustic instruments
> Enjoyed the 2 hours show very much
> Bought the CD of that show
> Played the CD @ home straight away

It was as if the stage had been moved to my room. All instruments incl. her voice sounded exactly the same as during the show.

So I don't need anything else and I will never part from my 501's. They are the best a man can get.
 
Susurus said:
Trouble is, in my naive progressive desensitization hypnostupor (think of the frog in gradually boiling water who does not jump out ), they were just sufficiently okay enough for me not to be motivated to examine slightly higher priced (and vastly superior) brands.
Click to expand...

Huh?

Yer nuts.:smoke:
 
You put the frog in cold water--then very slowly raise the temperature.

They don't notice til it's too late.

But it's just an analogy.

Problem is voters and consumers of electronics, not just frogs, don't notice things are getting intolerable til it's too late.

They cling to what's familiar, like a Bose brand name.

End of rant. :music:

Susurus
 
OK I went and did it...took some time and actually took a sows ear and rebuilt it. Re-foamed the woofers, recapped the newworks, replaced the covers and made them removable, repainted the cabs, put real wood veneer on them as well etc. The guy that ended up with them really did like them as did his wife!

I thought they came out at least better than original- so they can be made better than stock anyway IF one wants to invest the time to do so. I got paid for it so I'm flexable either way- but would I have them....well perhaps not unless end tables that made a nice sound were in my future.
DC
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom