Bose 901 Direct/Reflecting® Speaker System Series II

The Speaker That Changed the Rules of Sound Reproduction

In the early 1970s, Bose introduced the 901—a loudspeaker that redefined home listening by applying science to acoustics in a way no other manufacturer dared. Where conventional speakers of the era projected sound primarily forward, the 901 was engineered to recreate the spacious realism of a live performance.

Direct/Reflecting® Principle

Instead of relying on a single forward-facing driver, the 901 utilized nine full-range drivers per cabinet. Eight were rear-firing, reflecting sound off the wall behind the speakers, while one projected directly forward. This balance of 89% reflected sound to 11% direct sound was designed to mimic the natural way listeners hear music in a concert hall—surrounded by reflected sound rather than direct beams.

Acoustic Innovation

Each driver was a carefully designed 4½-inch full-range transducer, eliminating the need for crossovers that could distort phase and timing. The result was a seamless, lifelike presentation, with remarkable clarity across the entire frequency spectrum. The 901 delivered an expansive soundstage, with instruments and voices floating freely in space.

Bose Active Equalizer

The system included a dedicated Active Equalizer that was essential for proper performance. This electronic component tailored the frequency response, compensating for the unique design of the drivers and cabinet. With it, the 901 achieved deep, authoritative bass and extended high frequencies—beyond what traditional designs could offer.

Design & Placement

Sleek, sculpted walnut veneer cabinets with acoustically transparent grille cloths blended naturally into a living space. Placement was part of the experience: positioned about 12–18 inches from the back wall, the speakers transformed a room into a concert environment, enveloping the listener in rich, three-dimensional sound.

A Revolutionary Listening Experience

Promoted as “the speaker that brings the concert hall into your home,” the Bose 901 became a flagship of innovation. It challenged audiophiles to rethink stereo, not as two points of sound, but as an immersive, lifelike environment.