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

							AM195438_03_V.pdf                                                                                                   November 21, 2001                                                                                                                       11
Setting Up
2. Use the twin cable assemblies (with two connectors at each end) that are supplied with the
equalizer. Use one connector for the right (R) channel connections and the other connector
for the left (L) channel connections.
3. Connect the amplifier INPUT of the Bose
® 901® active equalizer to the PRE AMP OUT jacks
of the receiver or amplifier. Connect right channel to right channel and left to left.
4. Connect the amplifier OUTPUT of the active equalizer to the MAIN AMP IN jacks on the
receiver or amplifier. Connect right channel to right channel and left to left.
5. 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.
Note: This connection method does not allow you to connect a tape deck directly to the active
equalizer. Connect it to the receiver instead.
Check to see that the 901 speakers are connected to the receiver MAIN or FRONT speaker
jacks. In this way the 901 active equalizer signals will reach only the 901 speakers – the front
channels of your home theater – and not any non-901 speakers used as center and surround
channels.
Call Bose Corporation for assistance with the connection of additional speakers or signal
processing equipment. Refer to the address information inside the back cover of this guide.
A free booklet is available (USA only): Guide to Optional System Connections for Bose 901
Direct/Reflecting
® Speaker Systems. Ask for part number 149393.
Figure 7
Home theater receiver
connections 
						

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Setting Up
Testing the speakers and equalizer
Choose the test method appropriate to your system:
To test the TAPE MONITOR connection
1. Turn off or disconnect any non-901 speakers or headphones that may be connected.
2.  On the 901
® active equalizer, press the MONITOR button IN to TAPE, and the BASS
button OUT to position 1.
3. Set the MID-BASS and MID-TREBLE sliders to center positions.
4.  Press your receiver or amplifier TAPE or TAPE MONITOR button to the OUT or NORMAL
position so it is not selected.
5.  Play music through your system. You should hear both speakers. Do not worry about the
sound quality at this point. The equalizer is not yet engaged. If there is no sound from
one or both speakers, check the receiver and speaker connections.
6.  Move the receiver BALANCE control to the extreme left and then to the extreme right.
This tests the left and right channel orientation. If the channels are reversed, check the
connections.
To test the equalizer
You have now tested your speakers and their wiring. The following steps test the equalizer
and its wiring:
1.  With the speakers playing, press the receiver TAPE or TAPE MONITOR button IN,
selecting the PLAY or MONITOR position. All sound should stop. If it does not, check
your equalizer wiring. Be sure the 901 active equalizer MONITOR button is set to
position 2 (TAPE).
2.  Press the 901 active equalizer MONITOR button to SOURCE, position 1. The sound
should return with full, natural sound characteristics. The system is now ready for use. If
the sound does not return, and the equalizer power indicator is lit, the equalizer is
probably connected incorrectly. Review equalizer connections.
To test the PRE AMP OUT/MAIN AMP IN connection
If you have connected the 901 active equalizer to the PRE AMP OUT/MAIN AMP IN con-
nection, follow these instructions to test the speakers, equalizer, and wiring before connect-
ing any other equipment to your system.
1. Turn off or disconnect any non-901 speakers or headphones that may be connected. If
your system has a speaker selector switch, set it so that only the 901 speakers are
connected to your power amplifier.
2.  On the 901 active equalizer, press the MONITOR button OUT to SOURCE, and the
BASS button OUT to position 1.
3. Set the MID-BASS and MID-TREBLE sliders to center positions.
4.  Play music through your system. You should hear both speakers. If there is no sound
from one or both speakers, check to see that the power indicator on the equalizer is lit,
then check the receiver and speaker connections. 
						

							AM195438_03_V.pdf                                                                                                   November 21, 2001                                                                                                                       13
Setting Up
5.  Move the receiver BALANCE control to the extreme left and then to the extreme right.
This tests the left and right channel orientation. If the channels are reversed, check the
connections.
6. Turn off the receiver and temporarily unplug the 901
® active equalizer from its AC (mains)
power outlet.
7. Turn your receiver back on. You should not hear any music through the system. If you
do, the equalizer is probably connected incorrectly. Check the equalizer connections.
8. Turn off the receiver before restoring AC power to the 901 equalizer. Plug the equalizer
back in to its AC outlet. The system is now ready for use.
Using other equipment
You can use the Bose® 901 active equalizer TAPE CONNECTION jacks for a tape deck,
VCR audio connection, signal processors, or other components. This will be necessary if
your receiver has only one tape connection and you have connected the equalizer to it. If
you connected the equalizer to the receiver’s TAPE 2 connection, you can use TAPE 1 for
these components.
Before making any connections, turn off the receiver and components. Be sure the active
equalizer power indicator is off.
To add a tape deck or VCR:
1. Use cables with RCA connectors at each end. One color (usually red) is for right (R)
channel connections and the other connector is for left (L) channel connections.
2. Connect the TAPE RECORDER OUTPUT of the equalizer to the LINE IN/REC of the tape
deck. Connect right channel to right channel and left channel to left channel.
3. Connect the TAPE RECORDER INPUT of the equalizer to the LINE OUT/PLAY of the
tape deck. Connect right channel to right channel and left channel to left channel.
Note: To use an external signal processor, or to add a graphic equalizer, contact Bose for
more information. Refer to the inside back cover of this guide.
A free booklet is available (USA only): Guide to Optional System Connections for Bose®
901® Direct/Reflecting® Speaker Systems. Ask for part number 149393.
Figure 8
Connecting a tape deck to
the 901 active equalizer 
						

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Playing your speakers
Always use the 901® active equalizer when playing your 901 speakers. How you set the
equalizer depends on how it is connected to your receiver.
When connected to TAPE MONITOR
Press your receiver TAPE MONITOR button to the IN or MONITOR position. This switches
the equalizer into the system. Check periodically to be sure the TAPE MONITOR is engaged.
On some receivers the button may be labeled RECORD SELECT or RECORD OUT.
To play a tape deck connected to the equalizer, press the MONITOR button on the equalizer
IN (TAPE, position 2).
Return the MONITOR button to OUT (SOURCE, position 1) to listen to components other
than the tape deck (CD player, radio, etc.).
CAUTION: Do not use the active equalizer with conventional, non-equalized speakers or
headphones. This can produce unnatural sound, and can even damage some non-901
speakers. Before you play any non-901 speakers, be sure the receiver TAPE MONITOR
button is OFF (OUT or NORMAL).
You can play a tape deck through conventional, non-equalized speakers, even if your
receiver has only one tape monitor connection. Follow these steps to do this:
1. Connect the tape deck outputs to the AUX input jack on your receiver.
2. Leave the inputs of the tape deck connected to the TAPE OUTPUT jacks on the 901
active equalizer.
3. Press the receiver TAPE MONITOR to OFF (OUT or NORMAL). This allows you to record
disc and radio sources. You may also play any program source (including tape) with or
without 901 equalization.
Note: This arrangement works only with tape decks. Do not use it with any type of signal
processing device.
When connected to PRE AMP OUT/MAIN AMP IN
1. You must leave the MONITOR button on the 901 active equalizer OUT (SOURCE,
position 1) at all times.
2. Do not connect tape decks to the 901 active equalizer when it is connected to this
amplifier connection. Connect the tape deck to the receiver or amplifier TAPE MONITOR
connection or AUX inputs.
3. The power amplifier is always receiving the 901 active equalized signal. This signal can
damage conventional speakers and headphones. Therefore, do not connect conventional
speakers or headphones unless you have disconnected the 901 equalizer.
Do not connect tape decks or signal processing devices to the 901 active equalizer when it
is connected between the preamplifier and main amplifier.
Using Your 901® Series VI Speaker System 
						

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Using Your 901® Series VI Speaker System
Adjusting the sound
Adjust the sound using the MID-TREBLE and MID-BASS sliders and BASS control on the
901® active equalizer. Use the tone controls on your receiver only after the MID-TREBLE and
MID-BASS sliders have been set according to the procedures below.
Using the MID-TREBLE and MID-BASS sliders
These controls let you make adjustments to compensate for the effects of speaker location,
room acoustics, and program quality.
1.  Select a familiar musical piece.
2.  Set your receiver tone controls to the center (flat) position. If it has a loudness compensa-
tion control (marked LOUD or LOUDNESS), set it to the OFF or OUT position.
3.  Set the MID-TREBLE slider on the equalizer to its center position.
4.  Play the selected music through the 901 speakers at normal volume. Move the MID-BASS
slider back and forth several times and listen to the effect. You should hear a significant
change in the fullness of the sound. If you do not, the active equalizer may not be en-
gaged. Refer to Playing your speakers on page 14.
5.  When you are familiar with the effect of the MID-BASS slider, set it to the extreme left.
Start the musical passage again and slowly advance the MID-BASS slider to the right until
the sound is rich and full, without excessive heaviness.
6.  Replay the musical passage, this time moving the MID-TREBLE slider back and forth to
become familiar with its effect. You should hear a significant change in clarity of the
sound.
7.  Set the MID-TREBLE slider to the extreme left and play the passage again. Slowly
advance the MID-TREBLE slider to the right until the sound is clear and detailed without
excessive shrillness.
Using the BASS control
The Bass control provides an alternate bass equalization. It is not a bass enhancement
switch, and it is not intended to boost the bass output of the speakers.
Press the BASS control IN (to position 2) to engage an alternate form of equalization that
changes the way the speakers handle low-frequency information. For example, you may
prefer pipe organ music with the alternate equalization. The control can also be useful in
eliminating feedback or rumble from a turntable. 
						

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Using Your 901® Series VI Speaker System
Equalizer compatibility
The Bose® 901® Series VI active equalizer is designed for specific use with
Bose 901 Series VI speakers. It may also be used with 901 Series V speakers.
WARNING:  Bose 901 Series I, II, III, or IV speakers require a substantially
different equalization. The 901 Series VI active equalizer must not be used
with Series I – IV speakers. For additional information on the active equalizer,
please contact Bose Service.
Connecting additional speakers
The type of speakers and how you will use them determines how many
amplifiers and 901 active equalizers you will need.
To run other non-901 speakers simultaneously requires the addition of a
second amplifier. To use other speakers simultaneously with the 901 speakers
requires the ability to isolate the 901 active equalizer signal so that it affects
only the 901 speakers.
Adding 901 speakers
You need just one 901 Series VI active equalizer to use a second pair of 901
Series VI speakers connected to a single receiver or amplifier. Connect the
additional speakers to the additional speaker output jacks on the receiver or
amplifier.
To use extra 901 speakers in a four channel or time-delay music system, you
will need a separate 901 active equalizer for each pair of speakers.
Adding conventional speakers
You need a separate power amplifier to play conventional speakers at the
same time as 901 speakers. Connect the 901 active equalizer to the amplifier
that drives the 901 speakers only.
CAUTION:  Make sure the conventional speakers do not receive signals
from the 901 active equalizer.
Call Bose Corporation for assistance with the connection of additional
speakers or signal processing equipment. Refer to the address information on
the inside back cover of this guide.
A free booklet is available (USA only): Guide to Optional System Connections
for Bose 901 Direct/Reflecting
® Speaker Systems. Ask for part number
149393. 
						

							AM195438_03_V.pdf                                                                                                   November 21, 2001                                                                                                                       17
Maintaining Your 901®Series VI Speaker System
Cleaning your speakers
If your 901® speakers have a painted surface, clean with a soft damp cloth.  If necessary, use
a mild detergent such as dish soap. If the speakers have a wood veneer finish, clean them
with wood furniture polish. You may vacuum the speaker grille panels carefully, if necessary.
Do not use any sprays near the system. Do not use any solvents, chemicals, or cleaning
solutions containing alcohol, ammonia, or abrasives. Do not allow liquids to spill into any
openings.
Troubleshooting
If you have a problem with your 901 Series VI speakers or 901 active equalizer, turn off the
receiver or amplifier before you proceed. Then check all the connections between the
speakers, receiver, and active equalizer. Correct any wiring problems before you follow the
guidelines below. Problems are more likely to originate with equipment other than speakers,
so you may also want to refer to your receiver or other component owner’s guides.
Problem What to do
One speaker sounds • Do not switch the wires; this could damage a speaker. Turn off the amplifier and disconnect
defective, or does not play the defective speaker wire at the amplifier. Reconnect it to the other channel. If the speaker
now plays correctly, the problem is not in the speaker or wiring.
Neither speaker plays • Connect the speakers to another receiver or amplifier that is known to be operating
properly. If the speakers now play correctly, the problem is not in the speakers.
Note that the tonal balance of the 901 speakers will be incorrect if the 901 active equalizer
is not being used with this second receiver or amplifier.
The high and low • Check to be certain that the 901 active equalizer is in the circuit. Review the Playing
frequencies seem weakyour speakers section of this guide on page 14.
You hear distortion • Try turning down the volume. If the distortion goes away you may be using an insufficiently
at high volume levels powered receiver or amplifier.
The trouble seems to be in • Bypass the equalizer to see if the system operates properly without it. (Speakers will not
the 901 active equalizer have any highs or lows.) Check to see that all connections are correct and that none of
the cables is defective.
Trouble persists in the • Contact your authorized Bose® dealer to verify any defects and arrange for service by
speakers or equalizer a factory authorized agency or by the Bose factory. Bose Corporation will make every
effort to remedy any problem within the terms of the warranty. 
						

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Product Information
901 Series VI active equalizer
Input Impedance
47 k ohms (47 kΩ)
Output Impedance
1 k ohm
Usable dynamic range
106 dB @ 35 Hz
Noise (A-weighted)
Greater than 90 dB below 1 volt
Distortion
Less than 0.09% THD at 1 kHz, 1 V input
Compensation controls
Mid-Bass, ±6 dB @ 225 Hz
Mid-Treble, ±6 dB @ 3 kHz
Bass Switch
– 6 dB @ 35 Hz
Power Requirements
120V ~ 50/60Hz, 3.5W
220-240V ~ 50/60Hz 3.5W
100V ~ 50/60Hz 3.5W
Cabinet
Black anodized aluminum
Dimensions
13W x 23/4H x 5D
(33.0 x 7.0 x 12.7 cm)
Weight
3.4 lb (1.5 kg)
Technical information
Bose® 901® Series VI Direct/Reflecting® Loudspeakers
Transducer complement
Nine (9) 41/2 (11.4 cm) full-range Helical
Voice Coil drivers in each cabinet
Energy dispersion
89% by reflection
11% by direct radiation
Enclosure
14-element Acoustic Matrix™ enclosure
with three reactive air columns
Nominal impedance
8Ω (ohms)
Amplifier compatibility
Compatible with amplifiers/receivers rated
from 10 - 450 watts RMS.
Rated 250 watts IEC
Recommended fusing
Series connected 3A quick-acting fuse
Buss AGC-3, Littelfuse 312-003, or
equivalent
Cabinet
Oil-rubbed hardwood veneer with
     walnut finish
Black vinyl veneer
Dimensions
21W x 125/8H x 13D
(53.3 x 32.0 x 33.0 cm)
Weight
35 lb. (16 kg) per enclosure
Wire recommendations
Gauge Length
18 (0.75 mm2) 30 ft (9 m) maximum
16 (1.5 mm2) 45 ft (14 m) maximum
14 (2.0 mm2) 70 ft (21 m) maximum
Accessories
To find out about PS-6 floor pedestals, contact your Bose dealer. Or call Bose directly (see
inside back cover for phone numbers). 
						

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