Bose 901 series

Purchased Series III in 1977 and was happy with them until surrounds disintegrated in 1999 - Bose swapped them for a Series VI. At that time I spent a year listening to other speakers and components and finally settled on some PMC FB1s (which have since been upgraded with the 1+ tweeter and accompanying crossovers and insulation). I gave the VIs to my sister and helped her set them up in her family room.

I love my FB1s but I did love the old 901s, too. Completely different sound, of course, but completely different philosophy and target market, too. I'm now hooked on the sound of the monitor-base FB1s, which I've integrated into a nice little PMC/Arcam home theatre setup. I do still enjoy listening to the VIs when I'm visiting my sister but only after checking any hi-fi snobbery at the door.

I would actually recommend the speakers for the "listening experience" (stress "when properly placed/set up"). Yeah, maybe they don't compare well to a pair of Revels or Wilsons or Thiels or PMCs from a critical aspect, but my PMC FB1s may not compare well to a lot of competitors, either. If I get too hung up on comparisons it won't be possible to enjoy anything because there's always going to be something bigger, something "better" ("better" in quotes because so much of listening is subjective).

The question you need to answer is, "Do you enjoy listening to them?" Listen and make your own decision. Ignore what so-called audiophiles tell you. "Beauty is in the ear of the beholder(?)"

There is no product hype associated with this product. In fact, there's a huge negative hype perpetuated by hi-fi snob wannabes. With all that bad press, there's a reason these are still big sellers, despite almost total lack of product advertising - People enjoy listening to them.

I love a good red wine but that doesn't mean I can't like beer as well. I love my current wife even though she isn't the best cook, doesn't have the biggest breasts, and isn't in line for a big inheritance.
Strengths:
I think somebody else described their sound as "natural" - Maybe not from a critical aspect, but I would agree with the overall effect/sound as being very natural and "spacious".
Impressive volume and power-handling capabilities, if that's your bag in this price range.

Weaknesses:
Forget about Home Theatre
Needs very specific placement/setup
Linear response? Hah - LInear, shminear...
Similar Products Used:
JBL L100, EPI 200, PSB Stratus Gold, Paradigm Reference Studio 100, Allison 10, Klipschorns (friends' systems)
PMC FB1+