1. Remove speaker from the cabinet. Mark the wires and terminals (positive and negative) before you remove the component so you will remember how to correctly re-install it in the cabinet. The old foam can be messy and sticky so work on newspaper. (Bose 901 & 802 speakers should be repaired in the cabinet.) 2.
Full Answer
Can a Bose 901 equalizer be repaired?
In this project, a non-functional Bose 901 Equalizer is repaired by replacing the old resistors and capacitors with modern parts. A friend got sort of a two-for-one deal on some vintage Bose 901 speakers.
How much does a Gibson 901 speaker cost?
New a set of Series VI retails for around $1400. Honestly the design of the 901s has barely changed save for the electronics in the “equalizer” module. The cabinet design, drivers, and wiring in speakers themselves haven’t changed functionally since the Series III.
How many foam surrounds do I need for 901 speakers?
The foam repair kits can be found at SimplySpeakers.com for less. This kit gives you enough foam surrounds to complete the pair of 901’s. 20 foams total. (just in case you screw a couple up). There are 9 drivers per speaker, 18 needed for the pair.
How has the 901 speaker design changed since the series III?
Honestly the design of the 901s has barely changed save for the electronics in the “equalizer” module. The cabinet design, drivers, and wiring in speakers themselves haven’t changed functionally since the Series III.
How do you open Bose 901 speakers?
4:5830:44Bose 901 Speaker Foam Edge Replacement and Repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAway from the wood trim on the cabinet. And just a light tap. Like this with a hammer and you'll seeMoreAway from the wood trim on the cabinet. And just a light tap. Like this with a hammer and you'll see that the head starts to pull up easily at that point we'll come back in again do it one more time.
How much did Bose 901 speakers cost?
$476The Bose 901 system, consisting of two speaker units and the equalizer, is priced at $476.
Are Bose 901 speakers still made?
Because the Bose 901's are no longer actively sold (but readily available on secondary markets), you may be better off with one of these alternatives to Bose 901.
How long does a Bose speaker last?
Based on the speaker and volume level, Bose speakers' batteries can last anywhere between 6-20 hours....How Long Do Bose Portable Speakers Last?Bose SoundLink Mini Bluetooth SpeakerCharging time1-3 hours3 more rows
How many watts is the Bose 901 speaker?
Your 901 speakers are designed to work compatibly with receivers or amplifiers rated from 10 to 450 watts per channel.
What year were Bose 901 speakers made?
Bose 901 Overview Continuing the legacy set by the original 901 speakers in 1968, these modern speakers uses Direct/Reflecting technology to deliver the warm, clarity, and spaciousness of a live performance from your home stereo components.
When did they stop making Bose 901?
2016Unlike other Bose speakers, the 901 Series was not intended to be used without their included 901 Active Equalizer. While the speakers included metal pedestal stands, ceiling mounts were also available. It was sold until 2016, when the 901 Series VI was discontinued.
Can you use Bose 901 speakers without equalizer?
You can use the Bose without the EQ but they won't sound as they are supposed to. If you can't find the Bose EQ for your series 901 then get any graphic equalizer and adjust the sound to your taste.
Which company makes the best speakers in the world?
Top 10 Speaker BrandsBOSE: is one of the top speaker brands in the world, best known for its incredible audio systems and speakers. ... SENNHEISER: This German-based company's speakers offer some of the best audio balance equipment available. ... SONY: ... KLIPSCH: ... HARMAN KARDON: ... JBL: ... PIONEER: ... KEF:More items...•
Do Bose speakers wear out?
Old Bose speakers do wear out, but new Bose speakers can last for a lifetime if taken care of properly. Older Bose speaker models wear out after 10-20 years of use because they have foam inside. Newer Bose speakers use rubber rather than foam; rubber materials are more durable than foam materials.
Do Bose speakers have a lifetime warranty?
Bose does not have a lifetime warranty plan. Bose provides a Limited Warranty, which lasts between 1-5 years depending on the item purchased. The Limited warranty is free of charge and covers defective products and materials.
Are Bose speakers still the best?
Bose Ratings and Reviews Bose ranks very well against other speaker brands. Bose earns a 3.9-star rating from Consumer Affairs, backed by reviews of products and customer experience. In reviews, most consumers note the quality of sound. They write that Bose speakers present crisp high notes and booming bass.
How long is a Bose serial number?
Most serial numbers are 17-digits long ( or 4-digits long for some headphones) and can include letters and numbers. In addition, products compatible with the Bose Connect app, the Bose Music app, the Bose Sleep app, or the Bose Hear app will display the serial number in the app under Settings > Product Info.
Where is the serial number on a earbud?
Most serial numbers can be found on the back or bottom of the product, and typically near a barcode . Most serial numbers are 17-digits long (or 4-digits long for some headphones) and can include letters and numbers.
Background
A friend got sort of a two-for-one deal on some vintage Bose 901 speakers. These speakers were designed to be used with an active equalizer; without it, the sound quality is quite poor. One of his EQs worked well, but the other, not so much.
The Process
Research: This part was done for me. Based on KF7LZE’s blog post, I was confident that, if executed properly, this repair would work. I was slightly concerned about by ability to execute, but I was reminded that the EQ didn’t work anyway–no matter what I did, it wasn’t going be any worse.
Conclusion
An inoperable EQ is now working again and the sound system makes a nice addition to a friend’s art studio. I also got much better at both desoldering and soldering–two important skills. And, I got quite good at reading resistor values without needing to cross reference a color chart. So, I’ll call this project a success.
