Bose 901 Series III User Manual

Owner’s Manual

Table of Contents

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1. Introduction
II. Unpacking Instructions
A. Design Features
B. Technotogical innovations
4
IV. Installation
A. Placing the Speakers
B. Connecting the Speakers
1 Wire Selection 2 Phasing/Wiring 3 Fusing
C. Connecting the Equalizer
1 Using li)e Tape Monitor Circuit
2. Using Separate Components: Connecting Between the Preamp and the Amplilier 3 Using the Preamp Oul/Main in Circuit 4 Using Four Channel Equipment
Connecting Other Equipment
A, Tape Recorders
B. Headphones and Conventional Speakers
14
VI. Living with your BOSE 901 Speakers 16
A Adjusting Your Equalizer Controls
B Speaker Placement C. Room Acoustics
VII. Technical Information
A. Specificalions
B Voltage Conversion C in Case of Difficulty 0 Care and Maintenance
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18
VIII. Warranty 20
3 3
6
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I. Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the BOSE 901 Series III Direct/Reflect­ing* speaker system. The listening enjoyment you will experience is the culmination of many years of research dedicated to the art of bringing superb musical reproduction into the home.
The BOSE 901 Series III. with Its high proportion of reflected sound, nine full-range drivers, and electronic active equalization, is in stalled. connected, and operated differently than conventional loudspeakers The detailed installation and placement instructions found in this manual are important. PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY With proper installa tion. you will be rewarded with the unique listening pleasure pro vided by your 901's.

II. Unpacking Instructions

The 901 Series III speaker system is packed in two cartons marked "Part 1 and "Part 2. The active equalizer is found in the carton filler material along with the "Part 1" speaker. Unpack both cartons carefully Save the cartons and packing material for possible use
later. If either of the speakers has visible damage when unpacked, do not place the damaged speaker(s) in operation Repack the speaker(s) in the original carton with the complete packing mater
ial and notify your dealer immediately
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III. The 901 Series III Loudspeaker System

A. DESIGN FEATURES
1. Correct Balance ot Reflected and Direct Sound The BOSE 901 Series III is designed to use your listening
room walls to simulate the reflective properties of the much larger stage wall found behind the instruments of a live per formance. The 901 Series ill uses nine drivers, eight directed towards the back wall, and one driver directed into the lis tening area, thus recreating the proportion of reflected to direct sound experienced in the larger environment of a live performance.
2. Active Equalization
The active equalizer electronically corrects for any deviation in frequency response caused by the mechanical design
constraints of the speaker. This Is accomplished by elec tronically ‘contouring' the preamplifier signal; thus, the entire system radiates the correct balance of total acoustic power at every frequency.
3. Multiple Full-Range Drivers To accurately reproduce the timbre of every musical instru
ment, a loudspeaker system must reproduce every portion ol the frequency spectrum in correct balance; however, every loudspeaker has many inherent resonances that cause its response in certain portions of the frequency range to be reduced or accentuated
The 901 system utilizes two unusual physical phenomena called “resonance splitting ' (ihe acoustically coupled drivers force the resonances to "splir to different frequencies, thus smoothing the response) and “response averaging” (any driver response irregularity is “averaged" with the other drivers and becomes an insignificant ‘4 of the total power).
B. TECHNOLOGICALINNOVATIONS
1. The New Full-Range High-Performance Driver In the 901 Series III driver, a combination of technological advances make possible its outstanding performance;
• A highly efficient magnetic structure with all parts as
sembled to precise tolerances to provide maximum mag netic field energy.
• An aluminum helical voice coil, providing better utilization
of magnetic energy,
• A now cone and suspension for smoother, more controlled
frequency response and lower distortion.
• An injection molded frame, eliminating distortion of the
magnetic field (caused by steel frames) and improving precision in assembly.
The combination of the helical voice coil and precision as sembly means that a 15 watt amplifier will produce the loud ness that required a 50 watt amplifier with the Bose 901 Series II.
2. The New Active Equalizer The original 901 introduced the concept of active equaliza
tion to home loudspeaker systems It demonstrated the fundamental performance advantages of incorporating equalization as a part of the loudspeaker system design
The 901 Series III realizes additional advaniagcs of active
equalization with three new equalizer features:
• More precise equalization of the audible sound spectrum made possible by significantly more complex equalization
circuits
Additional control flexibilily. permitting optimum speaker performance in a wide range of room positions (see SEC TION VI).
• Control of response of the speaker beyond the audible
range This precise contouring of response at frequencies inaudible to the human ear allows the drivers and enclos ure to be designed for optimum performance character istics.
3. The Acouslic Matrix"^ Enclosure The enclosure of the 901 Series III is designed specifically
to work with nine full-range matched drivers in combination with the active equalizer.
Tiie enclosure Incorporates three Reactive Air Columns (one for the front driver and one for each group of four drivers on the rear panels) The purpose of the air columns is to provide reactiveair loading toreduce the motion required of the driver cones at extremely low frequencies, thus allowing maximum efficiency with lowdistorlion.
Additionally, the enclosure partially isolates the acoustic pressure at each driver from other drivers to permit it to operate properly through the frequency range where reac tive loading occurs.
IV. Installation
Your 901 Series 111 speaker system consists of three parts; two
speakers (marked "Part 1" and "Part 2") and an electronic Active Equalizer packed in the "Part 1" container. Installation consists of three steps; 1) placing your speakers for best sound. 2) connecting Ihe speaker to your amplifying equipment, and 3) connecting Uie equalizer to your amplifying equipment.
A. PLACING THE SPEAKERS
Unlike conventional speakers. Ihe 901 Series III functions with the acoustics of your listening room, simulating the spatial char acteristics of the larger environments associated with live per formances This important advantage allows considerable free dom of placement and produces an unusually large "best listen ing area.” Outstanding performance can be obtained under a
wide variety of placement positions. (See Figure 2 ) The following guidelines in placing the speaker cabinets will
help you obtain the best performance The basic idea is to pro vide space to allow the sound to develop around the speaker system.
1 The angled grille panels found on the enclosure are the rear
face of the 901 speaker (see Figure 1) Point this portion of
Ihe speaker toward the reflecting wall (the wall behind the speaker) The point of the "V" should be between 12" and 24" from the reflecting wall. Best results will be obtained with the speakers placed between 12" to 18" from the reflecting wall
2. Speakers should be placed at least 18" above the floor or below the ceiling (see Figure 1). Distances closer to the coiling or floor restrict the reflected sound energy.
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3 The speakers should be at least 18" from a side wall or open
ing into an adjacent room (Suggested distances are 3' to 5'.) Large objects (such as furniture) should be at least 24" away from the side of the speaker.
4 Best results will be obtained with the speakers spaced apart
6' to 10'; however, separation as small as 3' or as great as 15' will give excellent results in most rooms.
if you have not decided where to place your speakers and would like more information. SECTION VI (LIVING WITH YOUR BOSE 901 SPEAKERS) provides several additional sug gestions for speaker placement
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REFLECTING
WALL
Figure 1

Installafion

B. CONNECTING THE SPEAKERS
1. Wire Selection If the wire used to connect the speakers to your power am plifier has too much resistance, audible coloration of the
sound and loss of power can result, The table below summar izes maximum wire lengths for 18*. 16*. and 14-gauge, two­conductor. stranded copper wire for use with one or two pairs of BOSE 901 loudspeakers
TABLE 1
RECOMMENDED CONNECTION WIREf
Wire Length
One Pair
of 901s
27 feet
Wire Length
Two Pairs
of 901s
Type of Speaker
Hook-Up Wire
13 feet 18-gauge zipcord
(or two-conductor wire)
42 feet
21 feet 16-gauge two-conductor
wire
67 feet
34 feet
14-gauge two-conductor
wire
In most inslances. copper zip-cord, readily available at most
electrical and hardware stores, can be used for speaker con
nection. This wire usually lias a ribbed iine(s) along one side of the insulation so that each wire can be identified for proper phasing of your speaker system.
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2. Phasing/Wiring It is important that the amplifier connections for both 901
speaker systems be identical (see Figure 3) so that both speakers work together (in phase).
a. Start with the speaker marked “Part 1." b. Place it on the left side of your room facing the speaker
system.
c. Locate the **+" and terminals on the bottom of the
speaker
d. Using the speaker wire (which is marked to distinguish
one conductor from the other), connect the "Part 1" speaker terminal marked to the terminal marked "com." "negative." or "minus" on the left channel ampli fier output. (When connecting the 901 Series III loud speakers to your amplifier, if there is a choice of impe dances on the amplifier output, use the terminal marked "8" or "8 ohms." If two pairs of 901 Series III loudspeak ers are being connected, the terminal marked "4" or "4 ohms" on the receiver or amplifier should be used.)tt
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8
e. Connect theterminal on the left speaker to the termi
nal marked "pos.” "positive." or "plus” on the left channel output of the amplifier or receiver.
NOTE; Use only the terminals marked " k" and The terminal marked Is intended for future electronic de velopments and should not be used with conventional amplifying eouipment.
f Place the speaker marked "Part 2" on the right side of the
room and repeat the connection procedure for the right amplifier channel.
g If you are using an amplifier rated at over 100 waits rms
per channel, fuse your speakers as outlined in SECTION 3
3. Fusing Any loudspeaker is subject todamage if the amplifier powering
it should fail. The use of a fast-acting fuse in series with each speakerwill minimize the possibility of ser ious damage toyour speaker.
For amplifiers rated at under 100 watts rms per channel, no
fusing is required. Amplifiers rated over 100 watts per channel
should be fused with a fast-blow. 3-ampfuse. Purchase fuseholders and the appropriate fast-acting fuses
Connect the fuseholders in series with the positive wire going to each speaker, placing the fuse in an easily accessible
location.
BOSE Corporation recommends the use of the Buss AGC
SeriesortheLittlefuseAGSeriesasspeakerfuses
Installation
C. CONNECTING THE EQUALIZER
IT IS MOST IMPORTANT THAT YOU FOLLOW THESE IN STRUCTIONS FOR OPTIMUM PERFORMANCE OF YOUR 901 SERIES III SPEAKER SYSTEM
1. UsingtheTapeMonitorCircuit The connection methods described in this section can be
used with virtually all integrated amplifiers, preamplifiers, and receivers ^ Using the tape monitor circuil has two advantages; When using conventional loudspeakers or headphones, the tape monitor circuit allows disconnection of the Active Equal
izer by turning off the tape monitor switch on your control am plifier; this is important because conventional speakers and headphones should not be used with the Active Equalizer
(See SECTION V.) Also, optimum system noise performance
is obtained when connecting the equalizer in the tape moni tor circuitry
When using this procedure, you should realize that the 901
equalizer is being connected to your equipment as if it were a
tape recorder, using the tape monitor connections of your
control amplifier.
NOTE: Check your control equipment to determine if your unit has any additional switching flexibility. Some recently in troduced units now feature switching facilities called Tape
Monitor 3. External Equalizer/Processing. or Noise Reduc tion Connections. The equalizer can be connected to these terminals allowing greater system flexibility if required.
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Referring to FIGURE 4. connect the Active Equalizer ac
cording to the following instructions;
a. Turn off all power to your high-fidelity system, b If you have a tape recorder, disconnect it from your con
trol amplifier. (Instructions in SECTION V will tell you how to reconnect your tape recorder to the system after the equalizer has been installed.)
c. Using one of the cables supplied with the equalizer, con
nect the LEFT channel OUTPUT of the equalizer to the LEFT or ”A" channel of the tape monitor circuit of your
control amplifier (This terminal may also be labeled
PLAYBACK or TAPE IN )
d Connect the RIGHT channel OUTPUT of the equalizer to
the RIGHT or "B” channel tape monitor connection of your control amplifier.
e Connect the LEFT channel INPUT terminal of the equal
izer to the LEFT or "A * channel TAPE RECORD connec tion of your control amplifier. (This terminal may also be labeled TAPE OUT or REC OUT)
f Connect the RIGHT channel INPUT connection to the
RIGHT or ’ B* channel TAPE RECORD connection of
your control amplifier.
g Plug the ac power cord of the equalizer into a "switched”
ac outlet on your control amplifier so that the equalizer will automatically be turned on or off with the power switch of your equipment.
If the preceding slops are unclear, it may be due to the differ ent nomenclature used by various manufacturers of amplify ing equipment. Consult your control amplifier's instruction manual and refer to the section describing the connection of a tape recorder. Remember, the equalizer is connected
just like a tape recorder
U)
THE FOLLOWING STEPS ARE PROVIDED TO ENSURE THAT THE EQUALIZER IS PROPERLY CONNECTED TO
YOUR HIGH-FIDELITY SYSTEM h Place the TAPE switch of the equaUzer in the MONITOR
position As you slide the "frequency contour” controls from one extreme to the other, you will detect a detent (identified
by a “dot" on the front panel). Place the TREBLE and MIDBASS controls at this position. Set the "BELOW 40"
control In the "dotted" or out position,
i. Place the TAPE MONITOR or TAPE FUNCTION switch
of your control amplifier in the NORMAL or OUT position
j. Turn your system on. (Be certain that the equalizer is
plugged into the switched ac outlet of your control ampli fier and observe that the pilot light on the equalizer is on.)
k. Play the entire system as you normally would, using a
record player or AM/FM source to be sure it is operating properly. (Do not use a tape recorder for this portion of
the test.)
I Turn the BALANCE control of the control amplifier to the
extreme left and right to check for proper connection of the left and right channels (If the channels are reversed, check your amplifier or speaker connections carefully.)
You have now tested the amplifier, wiring, and speaker sys tems. but not the equalizer, as it is not yet switched into the system
If your system Is not functioning at this point, please go back and check all connections, as any errors in connection of your system must be corrected before proceeding further
m. With the system now playing, turn the TAPE MONITOR or
TAPE FUNCTION switch on your control amplifier to the
MONITOR or ON position The sound should stop. If the
sound does not slop, recheck Steps "a" through "I. "
n. Now. place the equalizer TAPE switch in the NORMAL
position. The sound should now return If the sound does
not return and the equalizer pilot tight Is on. then the equalizer is probably connected incorrectly. Recheck Steps "a" through "!."
NOTE 1: THE TAPE MONITOR OF YOUR CONTROL AM PLIFIER MUST BE LEFT "ON" FOR THE ACTIVE EQUAL IZER TO BE IN THE CIRCUIT CHECK THE TAPE MONITOR SWITCH PERIODICALLY TO MAKE CERTAIN IT IS IN THE
"ON" POSITION NOTE 2: THE 901 SERIES III EQUAUZER IS NOT COM
PATIBLE WITH THE 901 SERIES I AND II SPEAKER SYS TEMS.
Rgure 4
1 I
Installation
2. Using Separate Components, Connecting Between the Preamp and the Amplifier
The equalizer can be connected between separate pream
plifier and power amplifier units (see Figure 6) This connec tion method provides complete flexibility of the preamplifier
tape monitor functions for use with one or two tape recorders
in the conventional manner The disadvantage of this con nection method involves using conventional loudspeakers and headphones because the equalizer is permanently
wired into the circuit. (See SECTION V) If you do connect the equalizer in this manner, it is suggested that the gam controls of your power amplifier be reduced slightly from fully clockwise for optimum system noise (consult your amplifier owner's manual for further recommendations).
3. Using the Preamp-Out/Main-ln Circuil An alternate method of connecting the BOSE Active Equal
izer makes use of the PREAMP-OUT and MAIN-IN jacks provided by many manufacturers on their receivers or inte
grated amplifiers (see Figure 6]. Using the PREAMP-OUT/
MAIN-IN connection jacks retains the total flexibility of the tape monitor circuitry. However, this method of connection permanently connects the equalizer in the circuit; this may
prove Inconvenient if you are using conventional speakers or headphones. (See SECTION V.) Due to the circuitry char acteristics of some receivers, the equalizer may not function
if connected to these jacks. Also, system noise may increase
slightly due to the connection of the equalizer immediately
before the power amplifier input
\?
To use this method of connection, refer to your receiver and integrated amplifier owner s instruction manual for sep arating the main and preamplifier sections of the unit (This
is usually accomplished by removing shorting wires or plugs and/or moving a slide switch ) Connect the PREAMP-OUT terminals to the equalizer INPUT terminals, and connect the EQUALIZER OUTPUT terminals to the MAIN-IN termi
nals of the receiver or integrated amplifier (see Figure 6) With this method of connection, do nol use the tape recorder connection jacks on the equalizer and leave the TAPE switch (on the equalizer) in the NORMAL position Tape recorders are now connected to the receiver or amplifier in the con ventional manner.
4. Using Four-Channel Equipment Most quadraphonic receivers have four-channel tape moni
tor or preamp out/main in connection jacks These connec tion jacks can be used for the BOSE equalizer.
If two pairs of 901s are used, two active equalizers are re
quired Connect one equalizer for the front channels and one for the rear channels.
If conventional speakers are used with the 901$. connect
the equalizer In the channel powering the 901 speakers For the channels operating the conventional speakers, use stan dard connection cables and connect the input to the output jacks directly.
Ptiase reversal occurs when the 901 equalizer is connected in the circuit, For this reason, your control amplifier s speak er phasing procedure should be repeated when using con ventional speakers with the BOSE ^Ts. This important pro cedure involves listening to musical passages with deep bass to determine the proper phase of your speakers In most cases, this will require the reversal of one pair of speaker connections.
For separate components, connect the equalizer after the output of the decoder. We suggest rending the related sec tions of this manual before proceeding Also, be certain to recheck your speaker phasing.
Note; Due to the spatial and spectral properties of the 901 Series III system, optimum performance is obtained when all four speaker systems are identical However, if four 901s are not used, we suggest using speakers having similar spatial characteristics, such as the Bose Direct/ Reflecting* 501 or Model 301 speaker systems These speaker systems have been designed by Bose to match the 901 system when used in quadraphonic operation
13

V. Connecting Other Equipment

A. TAPE RECORDERS
Since (he Active Equalizer is connected to your integrated amplifier, preamplifier, or receiver, where the tape recorder is normally connected, extra jacks are provided on the equalizer
for the connection of a tape recorder. Refer to FIGURE 7 and
follow the next five steps carefully
1. Turn all power off.
2. Connect the RIGHT channel TAPE IN jack on the equalizer to the RIGHT or "B" channel OUTPUT jack on the (ape recorder,
3. Similarly, connect the LEFT channel TAPE IN jack on the equalizer to the LEFT or "A" channel OUTPUT jack of the tape recorder.
4 Connect the RIGHT channel TAPE OUT jack on the equal
izer to the RIGHT or "B" channel INPUT (or LINE IN) jack of the recorder
5. Similarly, connect the LEFT channel TAPE OUT jack on (he equalizer to the LEFT or "A * channel INPUT (or LINE IN) jack on the recorder.
NOTE; IF YOUR CONTROL AMPLIFIER HAS TWO TAPE MONITOR CIRCUITS. BE CERTAIN TO CONNECT YOUR TAPE RECORDER TO THE BOSE ACTIVE EQUALIZER. NOT TO THE UNUSED TAPE MONITOR ON YOUR RECEIVER.
Installation of the tape recorder is now complete. To play the tape recorder, simply place the TAPE switch on the 901 Active Equalizer in the MONITOR position (in).
14
If you wish to play your tape recorder without using the equal izer (for conventional speakers or headphones) and your con trol amplifier has two tape monitor circuits, an additional con nection procedure is required:
1 Connect "Y" connectors to both channels at Ihe tape output
connections of your tape recorder
2, Connect one side of each "Y" connector as described in
Steps 2 and 3 of Connecting Your Tape Recorder"
3 With the remaining output from each channel 'Y ' connector,
connect cables to the unused tape monitor input connec tions of Tape Monitor 2 found on your control amplifier
4 To play your tape recorder with your 901s. place the tape
monitor of your 901 equalizer in Ihe monitor position (in) using the TAPE MONITOR 1 circuit.
6 To play your tape recorder with conventional speakers and
headphones, place the TAPE MONITOR 2 switch of your
control amplifier on. Your tape recorder will then be con
nected directly to your high-fidelity system and will play without the equalizer
NOTE; Contact your BOSEdealer concerning the availability of "Y” connectors and any further connection advice.
B. CONNECTING HEADPHONES AND CONVENTIONAL
SPEAKERS It is important to realize that the BOSE Active Equalizer intro
duces substantial boost In the range below 100 Hz and above
4.000 Hz to match the power response of the 901 speakers Consequently, conventional speakers or headphones, if played with the equalizer in the circuit, will sound unnatural with both treble and bass being emphasized
MORE IMPORTANTLY. HEADPHONES AND CONVENTION-
ALt SPEAKERS MAY ACTUALLY BE DAMAGED IF PLAYED WITH THE ACTIVE EQUALIZER IN THE CIRCUIT.
For this reason, it is important to switch the Active Equalizer out of Ihe circuit by placing the tape monitor switch of your con
trol amplifier in the OFF or NORMAL position when playing conventional speakers or headphones with your high-fidelity
system
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15
• •

VI. Living with your BOSE 901 Speakers

A. ADJUSTING YOUR EQUALIZER CONTROLS
The 901 Series 111 equalizer has been completely redesigned wiih new control features, allowing greater flexibility in opera tion and speaker placement. These controls are particularly useful in establishing the overall balance of the speaker system with your lisler^ing room acoustics. Generally speaking, adjust ing the frequency contour controls near the midposition will provide the best performance characteristics of the 901 system for most listening rooms. However, you are encouraged to ex periment with different settings of the equalizer controls and your tone controls as these controls must ultimately be set
according to your own listening tastes.
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MID BASS FREQUENCY CONTOUR CONTROL. The perform ance of any speaker system Is affected by ttie acoustics of the listening room—in particular, the mid-bass region, which can be dramatically affected by the speaker s placement. The BOSE 901 Series III Active Equalizer addresses this problem with a unique new control called the “Mid-bass Frequency Contour” control This continuously variable slider control adjusts the spectral respronse of the 80- to 260-Hz range II the speakers are placed close to the reflecting wall, the midbass response will increase Reducing the mid-bass control will then restore proper peiformance Similarly, placing the speakers further away from ihe reflecting wall will cause a decrease in the mid bass response of Ihe speaker system Increasing the mid-bass control will then restore proper balance
I
TREBLE FREQUENCY CONTOUR CONTROL. The Treble Frequency Contour” control is also a continuously variable slider control that contours the response of the speaker system
upwards from 4.000 Hz to beyond audibility This compensates for the general reverberant characteristics of your listening
room, personal listening tastes, and high-frequency variations in program material (see SECTION C).
You may find that placing your speakers in front of curtained walls may require a higher setting of the treble control Similar
ly. if your room is excessively bright sounding, you may find a lower setting of the treble control provides a more pleasing
sound
BELOW 40 CONTROL. The Active Equalizer features a newly designed "Below 40 Contour” control. The "Below 40" switch can be used to reduce the lowest octave of bass (30-60 Hz) energy without affecting the mid-bass response. The "Below 40” switch is also useful in reducing turntable or record rumble.
901 III EQUALIZEH CONTROL RESPONSE
IG
в. SPEAKER PLACEMENT
Several options are possible regarding placement of your 901s in your listening room. Shelving that is deep enough to provide the necessary distances behind and to the side of the speaker system can be used if available Make certain the shelving is
substantial and is not the same shelf used to hold yoitr turn
table (as possible acoustic feedback can occur)
Many people choose the attractive pedestals available with tlie
901 system These metal stands can be purchasecf from your
BOSE dealer and are convenient in placing the speaker system in your room If you choose tins method of support, instructions
are provided with the pedestals for connecting and mounting
the speaker system. A new pedestal (Model PS-3) is available for the 901 Series III and utilizes a four-hole mounting pattern
Another placement Idea is to suspend the speaker system from
the ceiling (see Figure 1) This is generally accomplished by using decorative chains and hardware available from most
lighting accessory stores This placement method is particularly attractive if wall surfaces are interrupted by windows or door ways or floor speaker placement is difficult due to furniture or the presence of small children
If you decide to hang your speakers, place the Part 1 speaker on the left side of the room and the Part 2 speaker on the right side of the room Turn the speakers upside-down and place them on a covered surface or rug.
You will notice that each speaker has four predrilled holes on
the bottom. The holes have been provided to accommodate
the rubber feel supplied or for locating eyehooks for ceiling
hanging
Screw heavy duly eyehooks into the bottom of the speaker cabinet. Use either decorator chain or wire to suspend the
speakers from a ceiling stud DO NOT fasten these chains Into
plasterboard as this will not provide adequate support. Keep in
mind that you are suspending a 35-pound speaker. Each chain should be able to support the weight of the entire speaker system alone. Be certain to fasten these chains into a wood joist
or adequate ceiling support to prevent possible ceiling or speaker damage.
If you have placed your speakers quite high in your room, the sounci can be directed downward by angling the rear of the speaker down. The sound will be directed downward after it Is roliccted olf Ihe rear wall. This is accomplished by Increasing the length of the rear chain(s) holding the speaker system
C. ROOM ACOUSTICS
The acoustical properties of the room (such as the size, shape, construction, and furnishings) play an Important pari In the
quality of sound produced by your high-fidelity system A lack of bass response frequently may be attributed to walls of
thin panel construction, large openings (e g . doorway), or ex cessive window glass, which allow low frequencies to pass
through rather than reflecting them into the listening room.
The overly bright sound of acoustically "live" rooms (e g . those with uncovered floors or scatter rugs, small amounts of furni
ture. hard walls) can be improved by the addition of rugs and heavy drapery, which also serve to eliminate echoes and stand
ing waves For acoustically "dead” rooms eg. rooms with wall­to-wall carpGiing. heavily upholstered furniture and draperies, furnishings should be rearranged or removed.
Finally, since no room is acoustically perfect, you are encour aged to use your amplifier tone controls and equalizer controls to adjust the sound for your maximum listening enjoyment.

VII. Technical Information

t
SPECIFICATIONS
1. The system is packed in two cartons marked “Part 1“ and “Part 2.” Shipping Weight: F^arl 1.45.5 lbs Pari 2.43 5 lbs
Carton Dimensions: 25%"x I6"x 14)4'*
2. The Speaker
Dimensions: 21" Wide x 12%" High x 13" Deep Weight: 35 lbs Impedance: 8 ohms
3. Percentages of Direct and Reflected Sound Radiation Power radiated by reflection. 89% Power radiated directly: 11 %
4. Power Handling Minimum recommended amplifier power: 10 walls rms per
channel at 8 ohms. Maximum Recommended Power for full dynamic range
home listening: 70 watts rms per channel at 8 ohms Using high quality equipment, the quality of the sound will
remain the same over the 10 to /0 watt range, with the only difference being the maximum attainable volume. Twenty watts (in most listening rooms) should provide more than adequate volume levels.
Maximum Recommended Power: 70 waits continuous with musical peaks up to 250 watts rms per channel at 8 ohms,
5. Speaker Configuration SPATIAL CHARACTERISTICS: Eight speakers reflecting
sound at 30° angles from the wall behind the speaker: one speaker directed into the listening area to provide the opti* mum ratio of reflected to direct sound and the proper angles of the reflected sound incident upon the listener
SPEAKER COMPLEMENT: Nine matched full-range speak ers. utilizing aluminum helically wound voice coils; linear,
high-excursion suspension; low impedance (0.9 ohms) voice
coils connected in series.
ENCLOSURE: Acoustic Matrix*“, utilizing three Reactive Air Columns tuned well below system resonance and partially isolated individual cells for each driver; air columns emerge through rear of speaker cabinet for maximum efficiency.
6. The Active Equalizer BELOW 40 CONTOUR CONTROL: Two-position. eight-dB
decrease at 40 Hz, HIGH-FREQUENCY CONTOUR: Continuously adjustable
slider with center detent; shelving control with range of
±2.5 dB above 4kHz,
MID-BASS CONTOUR: Continuously adjustable slider with center detent; +3 dB. —5 dB adjustment over band from 80 Hz to 260 Hz.
TAPE MONITOR SWITCH; Replaces tape monitor switch on
receiver or amplifier when equalizer is connected in tape
monitor circuit.
Dimensions: 2yie" I ligh x SYie" Deep x
11'/,e" Wide Input impedance: GOkilohms Harmonic distortion: < 1%( I O voli output)
Noise ( A" weighted): 85 dB below 1 volt Minimum load impedance; 5 kilofims Maximum output voltage; 4 0 volts Maximumgain; 20dBat l6kHz(normal|dolted|
^ selling)
18
B. 110-220 VAC VOLTAGE CONVERSION
The BOSE Series III Equalizer is designed to operate on one
power line voltage only. If it becomes necessary to convert your equalizer to another line voltage, contact the closest BOSE
Authorized Factory Service Agency or the BOSE factory. (The
speakers require no voltage conversion.)
C. IN CASE OF DIFFICULTY
If you suspect that there is a problem with your 901 system, it Is worth a few minutes of your time to determine whether your
901 s are defective, and if so. what part of the system is defective.
If one speaker sounds defective, DO NOT switch the speaker
cables, as this may damage the speaker operating correctly.
Instead, disconnect the defective speaker s wire at the ampli fier output and reconnect to the amplifier channel operating correctly (This can generally be done without disconnecting the correctly functioning speaker.) If the speaker system that sounded defective now plays correctly, the difficulty is not in the speakers or in the speaker wiring.
If bass and high frequencies seem weak, check to assure that the equalizer is in the circuit.
If you hear distortion when both speakers are operating at high
sound levels that disappears when you turn the volume down
or switch the "Below 40“ switch to "Contour." you are probably
overloading the amplifier
If the trouble seems to be in the equalizer, be sure that the sys tem operates properly with the equalizer out of the circuit. This can be determined by disconnecting the equalizer from the circuit. Be certain that all cables are connected properly and that the cables are not defective.
If the trouble still persists, contact your dealer. He will arrange
for service or have the unit checked for proper operation. The complete procedure for obtaining service is outlined in the warranty found in SECTION VIII of this manual.
D. CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Your 901 speaker cabinets and equalizer are made with an oil­rubbed walnut veneer finish. Any good grade of furniture polish
used for wood finishes can be used In normal dusting and cleaning; however, to maintain the beautiful appearance of your 901s. we suggest occasionally rubbing the cabinet with
linseed oil. After rubbing, use a dry cloth and polish off any
excess oil. Grille cloths generally require no care, although they may be
carefully vacuumed if necessary.
!9

VIII. Warranty

FULL 5-YEAR WARRANTY
BOSE warrants (his unit to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of five years from the original dale of purchase During that period. BOSE will remedy all such defects, without charge for parts or labor, upon return of the unit together with (he original sales receipt or other proof of purchase to BOSE or to an authorized BOSE service agency. This warranty does not extend to damage resulting from improper installation, misuse, neglect or abuse, or to exterior appearance.
IN NO EVENT SHALL BOSE BE LIABLE FOR
INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.
Should this unit fail within the warranty period, you should contact your nearest BOSE dealer for service instructions. The dealer may ask you to return the unit together with proof of purchase to him. or direct you to return the unit together with proof of purchase to
the nearest authorized BOSE service agency Alternatively, you
may elect to send the unit directly to BOSE by carefully following
(his procedure:
1 Obtain a Return Authorization" number from the BOSE Cus
tomer Service Department. 100 The Mountain Road. Framing ham. Massachusetts 01701.
2. Return the unit together with proof of purchase to BOSE Corpo ration. 100 The Mountain Road. Framingham. Massachusetts
01701. treighl prepaid, in its original shipping carton Display the Return Authorization number prominently on the outside of the carton if you need a new carton, your dealer or BOSE Corporation will provide a free replacement carton. Any dam age in transit due to improper packing is not covered by the warranty and will nol be recognized as an insurance claim by the transportation companies
Your unit will be repaired and returned to you at BOSE's expense. It the defects cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of at tempts by BOSE to do so. you may elect to receive a refund or replacement, but only if the unit is returned to BOSE free and clear of all liens and other encumbrances.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so that the above limitation may not apply to you.
A postage-paid registration card is provided requesting informa tion about you and your high-fidelity system. The return of this card is encouraged, but is not a condition to coverage under this warranty
THE MOUNTAIN • FRAMINGHAM. MASS. 01701
I089II
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