Bose 901 VI flat?
I purchased a pair of Bose 901 VI speakers recently and a new Sony STRDH190 receiver. I have wanted these speakers for years and finally got them. Problem is, they sound flat and weaker than expected. I adjusted the bass and treble to my liking but that only helped a little. I have the Bose EQ that came with the speakers but i'm not using it due to new receiver technology. Am i doing something wrong? I know these are great speakers with a great history.
YIf you finally got your dream speakers keep them! i’d get rid of the Sony receiver. Not being able to use the Bose EQ is a deal breaker. The onboard “toys” destroy definition and and crush dynamic range. The 901s don’t stand a chance to sound like ... 901s. See if you can get your hands on a good “old school” receiver or separates and give them a good listen before you give up on your dream. |
There was something that attached you to these speakers at some point. Only YOU know what that is. We service vintage audio gear and have had many 901s and/or associated gear come into our shop. Typically the owners are VERY happy with their 901s. If I were to offer to substitute a highly regarded "audiophile" speaker worth many times to price of their 901s, I’d get flatly rejected. I agree with @stringreen ’s suggestion about property set up. It would also be good to know what sources you are listening to. The description of "flat" sound can mean a lot of things. In my world "flat" would mean "lifeless". The best "audiophile description" I could offer would be a lack of dynamic contrast. We want the percussion to sound "live" when the drumsticks meets the sheepskins, the lead guitar to be pushed forward, and the vocals to be up close and personal. There are many elements in the music chain that can squish dynamics. Having a high watts amp/receiver is helpful, but "loud" is just "loud" if dynamics are compressed. Modern low-priced receivers don’t have alot going for them in this department. They force all the signals thru DSP processing (even when you are listening "flat") and "chip amps" designed for low cost are not noted for their musicality. So, I’d start with a good totally analog receiver/amp. The more power the better, but I’d inject that the right 50wpc receiver will sound better than the wrong 100wpc receiver. Your sources, cabling, etc also matter. Only then will you know if the sound of 901s is still appealing to you. |
