Bose 901 subwoofer?

[Tuckr]

Hi all!
You'll have to excuse me because I'm fairly new to this whole world, but I'm working on building a decent system. I recently found what I think is a Bose 901 subwoofer, but I can't find any resources on it. Did Bose in fact make a 901 sub?

 

[swechsler]

To my knowledge, Bose has never made a "true" standalone subwoofer. They have made bass modules to work with their Acoustimass systems, and maybe some built-in subs in the likes of the Wave Radio, but nothing that works with their classic line. In fact, the 901 was designed as a full range system, with the lows and highs compensated for purely with aggressive equalization.

Some pictures might help us ID what you've found.

 

[Tuckr]

To my knowledge, Bose has never made a "true" standalone subwoofer. They have made bass modules to work with their Acoustimass systems, and maybe some built-in subs in the likes of the Wave Radio, but nothing that works with their classic line. In fact, the 901 was designed as a full range system, with the lows and highs compensated for purely with aggressive equalization.

Some pictures might help us ID what you've found.

Thanks for getting back to me! Here are some photos, they're not the best, and the screens don't come off unfortunately. You can see that it has one hole in the front, and 8 in the back, and it looks like only one input. I should add that there's no serial number, or any form of identification that I can find.

 

[swechsler]

That's a custom (i.e. DIY) build. Bose never used RCA jacks in any of their speakers. Higher end models typically used thumbscrews only. They also used much thicker and better quality grill cloth.

What kind of driver(s) are inside?

 

[peterp1]

Thanks for getting back to me! Here are some photos, they're not the best, and the screens don't come off unfortunately. You can see that it has one hole in the front, and 8 in the back, and it looks like only one input. I should add that there's no serial number, or any form of identification that I can find.

I would guess it's a DIY full-range speaker. The single RCA does give it a subwoofer vibe, but's probably just a high-level speaker input. You typically only see RCA speaker connections on old, low-end, budget "all-in-one" systems where the receiver comes with its own speakers -- but as a (presumed) DIY, it's anybody's guess what the quality of components is inside.

I do kind of like the idea of building a modern DIY sub in the shape of a 901. Or a mini sub in the shape of a 301. I have no idea whether the box shapes would work acoustically, but it seems like it would be very cool have a custom modern sub in the form of a classic vintage speaker.

 

[Tuckr]

Thanks for your replies guys! I was really perplexed! I'll open it up and let you know what's inside!

 

[so_ein_pech]

It kind of looks to me like someone just cannibalized a 901 cabinet. From the photos its hard to tell if there's drivers in the "holes" as you call them. They are in the same configuration as a 901 speaker with 1 on the front and 8 on the back. Though, if it was Bose, I would expect speaker terminals on the bottom of the the speaker. So maybe just someone trying to make a homebrew 901?

 

[Yk Thom]

It looks as though it may be intended for corner placement. Very interesting, would like to hear what you think of it.

 

[50nstillhifi]

Thanks for getting back to me! Here are some photos, they're not the best, and the screens don't come off unfortunately. You can see that it has one hole in the front, and 8 in the back, and it looks like only one input. I should add that there's no serial number, or any form of identification that I can find.

That is definitely not a "sub type" cabinet

 

[whoaru99]

Some sort of 901-ish copycat. They're not Bose cabinets, not even modified Bose cabinets.

 

[muziekfreak]

901... I will score those again purely for nostalgia. They are actually not as bad as some claim it to be. By now, many that give it that tramp stamp . Are people that just parrot others from the internet.

mind you, not stating a fantastic speaker worth thousands. But couple Benjamins, for sure great party bangers.. speakers demanded beefie amplification and it could play stupid loud

 

[Tuckr]

Thanks for all of your input guys! I'm gonna crack it open tomorrow and post some pictures!

 

[David_NC]

901... I will score those again purely for nostalgia. They are actually not as bad as some claim it to be. By now, many that give it that tramp stamp . Are people that just parrot others from the internet.

mind you, not stating a fantastic speaker worth thousands. But couple Benjamins, for sure great party bangers.. speakers demanded beefie amplification and it could play stupid loud

I had a pair of series IV's back in the early 90's. They actually sounded good in that room and had really surprisingly deep bass. I ran them off an SX-1050, and they sure were loud. They are picky about placement and didn't work well with their new location when I moved them to another room. I gave them away before a move due to all 18 drivers needing to be re-foamed. The friend I gave them to did a great job on repairing them and seemed to really enjoy them. I'd like to hear a pair now, positioned properly in an appropriate space, to see if they sound like I remember.

 

[Tuckr]

That's a custom (i.e. DIY) build. Bose never used RCA jacks in any of their speakers. Higher end models typically used thumbscrews only. They also used much thicker and better quality grill cloth.

What kind of driver(s) are inside?

I just cracked it open and there are 8 Stereolab F 450 drivers

 

[Natertots]

I just cracked it open and there are 8 Stereolab F 450 driversView attachment 1832791

Someone with more knowledge will probably chime in but as posted above, it is probably a DIY speaker. Speakerlab is a company that used to make DIY kits for speakers, including clones of some popular models like the Klipschorn. Nice examples of their corner horns can actually fetch a fair amount of money, but then again Klipschorns cost even more. I am guessing this speaker was Speakerlab’s version of the Bose 901.

 

[whoaru99]

Only one of these speakers?

 

[swechsler]

My guess: someone was trying to build their own 901 clone. Not uncommon back in the 1970s when they were all the rage.

 

[muziekfreak]

I had a pair of series IV's back in the early 90's. They actually sounded good in that room and had really surprisingly deep bass. I ran them off an SX-1050, and they sure were loud. They are picky about placement and didn't work well with their new location when I moved them to another room. I gave them away before a move due to all 18 drivers needing to be re-foamed. The friend I gave them to did a great job on repairing them and seemed to really enjoy them. I'd like to hear a pair now, positioned properly in an appropriate space, to see if they sound like I remember.

I actually did a offer on a mint set with eq series IV, nothing to crazy 300usd plus tulip stands, speakers and eq.
Will see ..

I had them 20 years ago or so, when setup right really not a bad speaker at al. If you honestly ask most who hate them to ask which one they have heard. It’s rarely the 901, it comes from the need for a EQ ..A conclusion gets drawn straight up, without hearing.

Also take in account that Bose never meant to address their product(s) to audiophiles. It’s a big part of their success, aiming for a way bigger consumer ..

the average joe, when i see some audiophile post his most overrated speaker “has to be Bose never had them but we all know they suck”

I cannot even take serious

Again this is not a “Bose is best” rant, far from it. But sometimes you can prick right through some of the commentators bs opinions. Bose made some ridiculous crap, but the 901 was most certainly not one of them. They still sell, they still work and they still get admires by a fair amount of enthusiasts all over the world. And that being half a century old, say what you want fellas..

bose will still be a name in the industry even long after I am gone

 

[Pete B]

IIRC, Dr. Bose provided plans and supported his students at MIT to scratch build the 901.
The plans became available to others.

 

[maxhifi]

Did Speakerlab make a 901 inspired kit at some point? That's neat, I wouldn't mind hearing those.