Bose 901 Series VI DirectReflecting speaker system Sold from 1999 to present User Manual

							The Bose® 901® Series VI Direct/Reflecting® Speaker
System
Owner’s Guide
November 21, 2001
AM195438_03_V.pdf 
						

							2                November 21, 2001                  AM195438_03_V.pdf
English
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose the 901® active
equalizer to rain or moisture.
CAUTION
These CAUTION marks are located on the bottom of your 901 active equalizer:
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to aler t
the user to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage within the system enclosure that
may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle, as marked on the system, is intended to
alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance instructions in this
owner’s guide.
CAUTION: To prevent electric shock, match wide blade of plug to wide slot, insert fully.
Additional safety information
See the additional instructions on the Important Safety Information page enclosed with this
owner’s guide.
Please read this owner’s guide
Please take the time to follow this owner’s guide carefully. It will help you set up and operate
your system properly, and enjoy all of its advanced features.  Save your owner’s guide for
future reference.
Safety Information
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK).
NO USER-SERVICABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
AVIS
RISQUE DE CHOC ÉLECTRIQUE
NE PAS OUVRIR
ATTENTION : POUR RÉDUIRE LE RISQUE DE DÉCHARGE
ÉLECTRIQUE, NE RETIREZ PAS LE COUVERCLE (OU
L’ARRIÈRE). IL NE SE TROUVE ÀL’INTÉRIEURAUCUNE
PIÈCE POUVANT ÊTRE RÉPARÉE PARL’USAGER.
S’ADRESSER À UN RÉPARATEUR COMPÉTENT.
For your records
Serial numbers are located on the bottom panel of each 901 speaker and on the back of the
active equalizer.
Loudspeaker Serial Numbers: ____________________________________________________
Active equalizer Serial Number: __________________________________________________
Dealer name: __________________________________________________________________
Dealer phone: _______________________ Purchase date: ___________________________
We suggest you keep your sales slip and warranty card together with this owner’s guide. 
						

							AM195438_03_V.pdf                                                                                                   November 21, 2001                                                                                                                       3
Contents
Where to find…
Contents
Where to find… ............................................................................................................. 3
Warranty period ............................................................................................................ 3
Customer service .......................................................................................................... 3
Setting Up
Before you begin ........................................................................................................... 4
Unpacking the cartons .................................................................................................. 4
System compatibility .................................................................................................... 5
Choose the support for your speakers ......................................................................... 6
Choosing the location for your speakers ...................................................................... 6
Speaker connections .................................................................................................... 8
Equalizer connections ................................................................................................... 9
Testing the speakers and equalizer ............................................................................ 12
Using other equipment ............................................................................................... 13
Using your 901
® Series VI speaker system
Playing your speakers ................................................................................................. 14
Adjusting the sound .................................................................................................... 15
Equalizer compatibility ................................................................................................ 16
Connecting additional speakers ................................................................................. 16
Maintaining Your 901 speaker system
Cleaning your speakers .............................................................................................. 17
Troubleshooting .......................................................................................................... 17
Product Information
Technical information .................................................................................................. 18
Accessories ................................................................................................................. 18
Bose Corporation ..................................................................................... inside back cover
Warranty period
The Bose® 901 speakers and active equalizer are covered by a limited 5-year transferable
warranty. Details of the warranty are provided on the warranty card that came with your
system. Please fill out the information section on the card and mail it to Bose Corporation.
Customer service
For additional help in solving problems, contact Bose customer service. See the inside back
cover for Bose customer service offices and phone numbers.
A free booklet is available: Guide to Optional System Connections for Bose 901
® Direct/
Reflecting® Speaker Systems. Ask for part number 149393. 
						

							4                November 21, 2001                  AM195438_03_V.pdf
English
Setting Up
Before you begin
Thank you for purchasing the Bose® 901® Series VI Direct/Reflecting® speakers. They repre-
sent the best in Bose Corporation speaker design and engineering and will give you many
years of listening pleasure.
The installation and operating principles of this system are significantly different from those of
conventional speakers. To obtain the best possible performance and avoid problems, please
take the time to read this guide.
CAUTION: You must have a Bose 901 active equalizer for a complete 901 speaker system.
The use of 901 Series VI speakers without the 901 Series VI active equalizer will result in
improper performance. The use of graphic or parametric equalizers, instead of the Bose 901
equalizer, will result in unsatisfactory performance.
Conventional graphic and parametric equalizers may be used in addition to, but not in place
of the Bose 901 active equalizer. However, the use of such additional equalizers is not
recommended since it will not improve system performance. For adequate performance you
must use the 901 Series VI active equalizer with these speakers.
Unpacking the cartons
A complete Bose 901 Series VI speaker system consists of three matched components: two
901 Direct/Reflecting® speakers and a separate 901 Series VI active equalizer. Two cables are
included to connect the active equalizer to your receiver or amplifier. The 901 speakers and
equalizer are packed in three separate cartons. Carefully unpack your system, saving all
packing materials for possible future use.
Inspect the speakers and equalizer. If any part appears damaged, do not attempt to use the
system. Repack the speakers and equalizer in their original cartons and notify your authorized
Bose dealer immediately.
Note: Now is a good time to record the serial numbers of each speaker and the active
equalizer. Please write them on your warranty card and in the spaces provided on page 2.
The serial numbers are located on the bottom of the 901 speakers and on the back of the
equalizer.
WARNING: Each speaker carton weighs over 35 lb (16 kg). Use good lifting practice to
avoid injury.
WARNING: To avoid danger of suffocation, keep the plastic bags out of the reach of
children.
Figure 1
What comes in the three
cartons:
•  Two 901 speakers
•  One 901 active equalizer
•  Two equalizer cables 
						

							AM195438_03_V.pdf                                                                                                   November 21, 2001                                                                                                                       5
Setting Up
System Compatibility
Bose® 901® Series VI speakers and Series VI active equalizer work with your stereo
components to produce a superb music system. The active equalizer is an integral part of
the system and may be connected in a variety of ways, depending on the components
you have. The two most common methods are described in this guide. Using different
components may require different connection methods. More information is available by
calling Bose Corporation. Ask for the free booklet, Guide to Optional System Connections
for Bose 901 Direct/Reflecting
® Speaker Systems, part number 149393.
Your 901 speakers are designed to work compatibly with receivers or amplifiers rated from
10 to 450 watts per channel. In this guide, the term receiver is used to refer to an
integrated preamplifier and power amplifier (which may also contain an AM/FM tuner). The
term amplifier is used to describe configurations involving separate preamplifier and
amplifier components.
Most receivers have a TAPE MONITOR connection. The 901 active equalizer is most
commonly connected to the tape monitor connections on the receiver. If you plan to
connect a tape recorder, use the set of inputs and outputs located on the back of the 901
active equalizer marked TAPE RECORDER CONNECTIONS.
If you have recently purchased a home theater receiver, you may be considering using
your 901 speakers for the front channels. Your home theater receiver must have
accessible PRE AMP OUT/MAIN AMP IN connections for the front channels if you are to
use your 901 speakers in this way. These may also be called the ADAPTER or SIGNAL
PROCESSOR connections.
Installation steps
Follow these steps, in the order below, to install your 901 Series VI speaker system.
1. Choose the best locations and support for the 901 speakers (page 6).
2. Connect the speakers to the amplifier or receiver (page 8).
3. Connect the 901 active equalizer to the amplifier or receiver using either the TAPE
MONITOR or PRE AMP OUT/MAIN AMP IN connections (page 9).
4. Test the system to see that the audio signal is correctly processed by the active
equalizer (page 12). 
						

							6                November 21, 2001                  AM195438_03_V.pdf
English
Setting Up
Choosing the location for your speakers
Choose locations for your 901® speakers that use the walls to best advantage by reflecting
sound throughout the listening room. Refer to the drawing on page 7.
Guidelines for placement
Place the speakers along the same wall (see Figure 3):
• 4 to 12 feet (1.2 – 3.6 m) apart, with the V-shaped rear of the speaker between 8 and 18
inches (20 – 45 cm) from the rear wall. Do not aim the V toward a corner.
• 18 inches (45 cm) of clear space around the sides, top, and bottom of the speakers.
• at least 2 feet (60 cm) from sound-absorbent furnishings.
• 18 to 48 inches (45 – 120 cm) from the side and rear walls.
• 18 to 36 inches (45 – 91 cm) from the floor or ceiling. Do not place the speakers exactly
halfway between floor and ceiling.
Within these guidelines, remember that the closer the speakers are placed to a reflective
surface, like a wall, the more bass is reproduced.
Choose the support for your speakers
You may place 901 speakers on a table or shelf. You may also use Bose® floor pedestals, or
suspend the speakers from your ceiling. Refer to Figure 3 on page 7.
To set the speakers on a table or shelf
Although each speaker weighs 35 lb (16 kg), a suitable shelf or table must be able to support
140 lb (64 kg). Keep an adequate distance between the speakers and the rear wall as listed
in “Guidelines for placement” above.
To stand the speakers on the floor
Use only Bose pedestals (PS-6) as floor stands. They are designed to provide the proper
support and are available through your authorized Bose dealer. Please read the pedestal
attachment instructions before making any speaker connections. Four pilot holes on the
bottom of each speaker (see Figure 2, hole set A) are pre-drilled for the purpose of anchor-
ing the speaker to the pedestal.
To suspend the speakers from the ceiling
Use these guidelines to ensure safe suspension of your 901 speakers. Three steel support
chains are recommended. We cannot specify the ceiling attachments. The type to use
depends on the type of building construction.
CAUTION: Do not mount on surfaces that are not sturdy enough, or that have hazards
concealed behind them, such as plumbing or electrical wire. If you are unsure of your ability
to install these speakers, contact a qualified professional installer.
Note:  The speakers hang in an inverted position, with the terminal connections facing up.
Carefully rotate the Bose logo 180˚ (so it appears right side up) before hanging the speak-
ers.
Figure 2
Pedestal (A) and ceiling mount
(B) pilot holesB
B
BA A A
A 
						

							AM195438_03_V.pdf                                                                                                   November 21, 2001                                                                                                                       7
Setting Up
Hardware needed for ceiling suspension
 • Screw hooks support the chains at the ceiling. They must have at least a #10 wood
thread with a shank diameter of at least 3⁄16 inch (4.5 mm). They should be long enough
to go through any plasterboard and still have at least one inch (25 mm) of thread left to
penetrate a wood beam. For a masonry ceiling: use only high-quality metal expansion
masonry anchors that fit the thread of the ceiling hooks.
• Chain: diameter should be at least 
5⁄32 inch (0.135 in. or 4 mm).
• Screw eyes with S hooks attach chains to the speaker and must have at least a #10
wood thread with a shank diameter of at least 
3⁄16 inch (4.5 mm) or larger.
• All hardware (screw hooks, chain, screw eyes, S hooks) must have a manufacturer’s
safe-load rating of 40 lb (18 kg) or more.
General notes on ceiling suspension
• Suspend the speakers 18 – 36 inches (45 – 91 cm) from the ceiling; do not mount them
flush to the ceiling.
• To ensure an accurate stereo image, the distance from the floor should be three to ten
feet (1 – 3.5 m). Be sure the speakers are no less than 18 inches (45 cm) from the floor.
Do not suspend the speakers exactly halfway between the floor and ceiling.
Note: If the speakers are more than 10 feet (3 m) from the floor, we suggest you lengthen
the chain supporting the rear of the speaker. By doing this you will allow the rear of the
speaker, housing eight of the nine drivers, to be angled slightly downward.
Step by step procedure for ceiling suspension
1. Ceiling: Anchor at least two screw hooks into a rigid structural ceiling support (beam,
joist, or masonry anchor). Drill pilot holes into wood using a 1⁄8 inch drill bit (3.7 mm), if
necessary.
2. Speaker: Use the three pre-drilled pilot holes (see Figure 2 - hole set B) on the bottom of
each speaker. Use a 
1⁄8 inch drill bit (3.7 mm) to enlarge the pilot holes to accept the #10
thread screw eyes. Drill to a depth of 1⁄2 inch (12 mm) in the speaker cabinet. Do not drill
completely through the cabinet.
Note: Contact Bose® for more information on suspending speakers. See the inside back
cover for phone numbers. For details on your specific ceiling construction, consult a
qualified building contractor or professional installer.
Figure 3
Mounting guidelines
18 – 48
(45 – 120 cm) 18 – 36 (45 – 91 cm)
4 – 12
(1.2 – 3.6 m)
18 – 48
(45 – 120 cm) 4 – 12
(1.2 – 3.6 m)
18 – 36  (45 – 91 cm) 8 – 18    –    (20 – 45 cm) 
						

							8                November 21, 2001                  AM195438_03_V.pdf
English
Setting Up
Speaker connections
With your speakers in their chosen locations, connect them to the receiver.
Choosing the wire
It is important to use the right thickness of speaker wire. For distances of up to 30 feet (9 m),
18 gauge (.075 mm2) 2-conductor wire works well. For distances greater than 30 feet (9 m),
refer to the wire recommendations chart on page 18.
Note: To determine if this wire is suitable for use in a wall or under a floor, check your local
building codes. You may want to contact a qualified electrical installer for this information.
Preparing the speaker wires
Examine the speaker wire. Note that it is actually a pair of insulated wires that may be gently
pulled apart. The insulation around one wire is marked with a stripe, collar, rib, groove, or
printing. Use the marked wire as positive (+) and the unmarked wire as negative (-). These
wires correspond to the positive and negative terminals on the speaker and receiver.
Note: It may be difficult to distinguish wire markings. Inspect both wires carefully.
To prepare the ends of each wire:
1. Strip approximately 
1/2 inch (12 mm) of insulation from both wires.
2. Twist the bare ends of each stranded wire, to prevent strands from touching across
terminals.
Connecting the speakers
CAUTION:  Before making any connections, turn off your receiver and unplug it from the
AC (mains) power outlet. Not doing this may result in damage to your system.
Speaker terminals are located on the bottom of each speaker. Unscrew the knurled nut on
each terminal and remove one washer. Wrap one bare wire end around the terminal post.
Then, replace the metal washer on the screw post and screw the knurled nut firmly back on.
1. Connect one wire pair to the right speaker (the one on your right as you face it).
a.  Attach the marked wire at one end to the positive (+) terminal.
b.  Attach the plain wire at that end to the negative (-) terminal.
2. Connect the other ends of the same wire pair to the RIGHT SPEAKER OUTPUT of your
receiver.
a.  Attach the marked wire to the positive (+) terminal.
b.  Attach the plain wire to the negative (-) terminal.
3. Following the steps above, connect the second pair of wires to the left speaker and to the
LEFT SPEAKER OUTPUT on the receiver.
Note: If your receiver offers a choice of output impedances, use the terminal marked 8Ω or
8 ohms. 
						

							AM195438_03_V.pdf                                                                                                   November 21, 2001                                                                                                                       9
Setting Up
Checking the speaker connections
Make sure the terminal knurled nut is tightened down firmly. Any gap between the wire and
terminal can cause heat build up. Check to be sure the wires are connected positive to
positive (+ to +) and negative to negative (- to -). Make sure no loose strands of wire touch
across terminals, which can cause short circuits.
Figure 4
Connecting the speakers to the
receiver
Equalizer Connections
There are two options for connecting the equalizer. Your choice depends on the type of
receiver you own and whether you plan to use the system primarily for stereo or for home
theater enjoyment.
Stereo/non-home theater use
(tape monitor connections)
The Bose® 901® active equalizer connects directly to your receiver through the tape monitor
connection. If your receiver has more than one tape connection, use the second one (TAPE 2).
To connect a tape deck, use the additional set of inputs and outputs located on the back of
the 901 active equalizer marked TAPE RECORDER CONNECTIONS.
The TAPE MONITOR switch on the front of the receiver lets you switch the equalizer in and
out of the signal path. This is important when you want to play conventional, non-equalized
speakers or headphones attached to your receiver. See Using other equipment on page 13.
Note: If your receiver is designed for home theater use, it may not have a Tape Monitor
switch. If not, you must use a PRE AMP OUT/MAIN AMP IN connection. This may also be
called the ADAPTER or SIGNAL PROCESSOR connection. Refer to “Home theater use (PRE
AMP OUT/MAIN AMP IN)” on page 10 for instructions on how to connect for home theater
use.
1. Disconnect any external tape deck or signal processor connected to the tape monitor
connection.
2. Use the twin cable assemblies (with two connectors at each end) that are supplied with the
equalizer. Use the red connector for the right (R) channel connections and the other
connector for the left (L) channel connections.Receiver
LR+   – +   – 
						

							10                November 21, 2001                  AM195438_03_V.pdf
English
Setting Up
3.  Connect one end of a cable to the AMPLIFIER INPUT jacks on the 901® active equalizer.
a.  Insert the first connector firmly into the INPUT jack marked R.
b.  Insert the second connector into the INPUT jack marked L.
4.  Connect the other end of the cable to the OUT or RECORD jacks on your receiver. These
jacks may be marked TO INPUT, FROM INPUT, or REC.
a.  Insert the first connector into the OUT or RECORD jack marked R.
b.  Insert the second connector into the OUT or RECORD jack marked L.
5.  Connect the second cable from the AMPLIFIER OUTPUT jacks on the 901 active equalizer
to the IN or TAPE jacks on your receiver. These jacks may be marked PLAY, TO OUTPUT,
FROM OUTPUT, or MONITOR.
6.  Plug the power cord of the 901 active equalizer into one of the switched outlets on the
receiver so that it will be powered when the receiver is switched on.
Figure 5
Connecting to the tape monitor
connection
Home theater use
(PRE AMP OUT/MAIN AMP IN)
Use these instructions:
• for stereo-only operation if your receiver does not have a TAPE MONITOR connection.
• if you are using a surround sound receiver that has a section on the back marked PRE
AMP OUT/MAIN AMP IN. The jacks may be labeled ADAPTER or SIGNAL PROCESSOR.
Note: If your receiver does not have this PRE AMP OUT/MAIN AMP IN section, the 901
speakers will not be usable in your home theater system.
1. The PRE AMP OUT/MAIN AMP IN jacks on your receiver are usually connected by small
bars called horseshoe pins. Remove these pins. See Figure 6.
Figure 6
Removing horseshoe pins
Amplifier or Receiver
RL
MAIN
AMP
INPRE
AMP
OUT
RL