Bose 201 IV Speakers - Craigslist $60 - MSRP $218
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- Опубликовано: 8 фев 2025
- Bose 201 IV Speakers - Craigslist $60 - MSRP $218
Average Guy HiFi Rating - 35.5/50 = 71%
Demo - Daft Punk
Album - Random Memories
Song - Doin’ it Right
Amazon link:
www.amazon.com...
This was the first CD I have purchased in about 20 years. After listening to it the past couple days, almost on a loop, I can why it makes just about every list of must own audiophile CDs.
This is a must own, if you want to truly test your system’s capabilities!
Bose 201 Series IV
Type: 2 way bass reflex
Frequency Response: N/A
Recommended Amplifier: 10 - 120 Watts
Impedance: 8 ohms
Sensitivity: N/A
Mid/Woofer: 6.5"
Tweeter: 2” cone
Dimensions (inches): 15 1/8" W x 9.5" H x 6 3/5" D
Weight: 9 lbs. Each
MSRP - $218
Where I Purchased - Partial trade
Listed Price - N/A
Price Paid - $60 (partial trade)
Condition (not included in score) - 90%
The cabinets are in good shape but they do have some wear.
Quality - 6.5
For the MSRP, 6.5 might be a little low when it comes to quality but that’s where they stand in my rating system.
I was very surprised when I went to pick them up, at how light they were. Other areas that these speakers lacked quality was the spring terminals and the untreated paper cones.
But with all that said, these weren’t all that expensive to begin with, so take the probe into consideration.
Sound - 7.5
Actually sounds pretty good but definitely lacking some dynamics that I’m used to. The bass was pretty thin and not authoritative, when compared to the mighty 600M’s but it was still better than I was expecting.
The high frequencies were also lacking but when I messed around with the positioning, the soundstage was quite impressive.
Definitely $60 well spent but not up to par with what I’ve been testing lately.
MSRP Rating - 8.0
Pretty good sounding speakers with decent quality. Pretty good score here but there were definitely better sounding speakers available for a tad over $200. Klipsch, Aperion, JBL etc. all come to mind.
Nice speakers for the money but there were better options, when it comes to sound.
Aesthetics - 7.0
To be totally honest, I’m not a fan of the looks of this generation Bose speakers. They seem clunky/odd looking to me.
The newer model 201’s and 301’s are much better looking. This is to be expected, considering they were made from 1996 - 2002. My style was terrible during those years also:/
Price Paid Value - 7.0
Technically, this was a trade but I traded for $60 worth of gear so that’s what I’m running with.
You might be thinking that 7.0 is a low score since I got such a good deal but truth be told, I’ve seen many 201’s and 301’s sell for less so not the best deal ever.
But for $60, they sound pretty darn good.
Average Guy HiFi Rating - 35.5/50 = 71%
Final Thoughts -
I am by no means a Bose hater, in fact, I’ve found myself defending the brand a few times as the constant hate is tiresome.
The fact remains in this hobby, you should be the ultimate judge on what sounds good to you. If you have these speakers and you are enjoying them, that’s all that really matters.
These are reasonably priced speakers, made by a well known brand. I can see why they sold so many pairs but you had better options when it comes to sound, when these were launched.
Equipment Used -
CD Player - Oppo BDP-93
Preamp - Emotiva XDA-2
Amplifiers - Emotiva UPA-1 Qty. 2
Surge Protection- Panamax M5100-PM
Subscriber Count At The Time Of This Video - 3,651
I have to go with the Bose 201's because I just love the sound and the look, plus I own a pair. With Bose, you have to know how to dial them in, and once you find that sound you'll be blown away.
That’s what I keep hearing about these Bose. Some of the comments had me questioning my setup and time with them.
The 201’s actually impressed me more than I thought they would. These 600M are just some flat out fun speakers though.
Thank you for taking the time to comment, my friend!
I am 70 years old and into audio since I left home at 18. My first “music” system was a Sherwood receiver with 4 EPI speakers, a Technics turntable and a Akai 8 track. Then I upgraded to a Pioneer SX1010 receiver, Bose 901 Continental speaker with chrome tulip stands and a Teac cassette deck. In the early ‘80s I purchased a Carver AVR100 sonic holography, surround sound (before Dolby surround) receiver driving the 901’s and went with probably 6 different cd players over the years. I eventually purchased a pair of Advent speakers and mothballed the Bose. They were in a box in the basement for 30+ years. I am still rocking the Carver for music listening with the almost 50 year old Technics turntable, a JVC CD player and my latest addition is the Klipsch RP 160M speakers.I can honestly say those (little) Klipsch sound the best of any speaker I have owned. I am thinking of adding the Polk PS 10 powered sub woofer to give the sound a little more punch but really the Klipsch do a remarkable job at reproducing bass that satisfies these old ears. 3 years ago I sold the Bose 901s on Ebay to a vintage dealer in Arizona for $300. The foam surrounds (18 of them) were shot and the equalizer was a little finicky. The tulip stands were pitted and there were stains on the top of one of the speakers. I remember paying about $800 for those speakers in the 1970s which would translate to several thousand in today’s dollars. My wife about killed me when I bought them..lol! They impressed a lot of non audiophile ears (including mine) but the first time I heard a pair of JBL LS100s I regretted my purchase. And I am not a Bose basher. My home theater room is a 20+ year old Sony/Bose system with a Sony STR D715 receiver, 65” Bravia 4K tv, Sony 4K DVD and 2 sets Bose AM 5s for front and rear speakers and a Bose VCS-300 center channel. It serves it’s purpose and I am pleased with it’s sound quality and durability. That system is on an average of 8+ hours a day and nary a hiccup. It just keeps playing and sounding good for TV and movies. Great review on the 201s! Bose “is what it is”....they have developed a marketing ploy that “tricks” your ears and your logic into thinking their home speakers are greater than the sum of their parts.
Always nice to hear from someone else that loves home audio and thank you very much for sharing your story!
I hope to be kicking back and listening to my equipment at 70. Goals!
Those 901’s were pretty awesome looking speakers, especially with the matching tulip stands. I had a pair that I bought for cheap, due to deteriorating foam surrounds. I was planning on repairing them myself but decided to sell them off and move on.
I would keep your eyes/ears open for a used sub to add to your Klipsch bookshelf speakers. That’s a decent sub but you would be shocked at some of the deals that are available on the 2nd hand market, at times. The risk is buying a broken sub but I always recommend listening to used gear before buying.
I really appreciate you sharing all of that with us, it was a fun read!
@@averageguyhi-fi ...... thank you for your comment! I enjoy your videos as I consider myself an “average guy” who appreciates great music playing on good systems. I am no audiophile. I know a guy (my brother in law) who I consider an audiophile. He has a pair of Klipsch LaScalas and also a pair of Heresy 3s that he runs on a tube amp that’s about the size of a dictionary. I am amazed at the open sound that emanates from either pair. Surprisingly the bass is lacking on them both, considering their size I was expecting more..but the soundstage is amazing on either pair. He is strictly a vinyl guy and probably owns well over a thousand albums. He is 72 and was a high school DJ back in his teens. He buys all his stuff used and is always scouring the internet for deals. I will have him look for a used sub for me.
Whew true hifi story the 901 was a dream spk I almost bought few years back,after hearing a pair in a shop in London west end, very much how you like your sound reflections adds life to things maybe individual preference is Bose.
Found a pair of 301 2 in excellent condition $50 there legends they still sell parts for these things I'm impressed .
I have a pair of 201s from '97. LOVE THEM
I'm not a Bose man, myself. But, I've always wanted to get my hands on some 301s IIs. To see what that direct/reflected thing sounds like. Plus, they are also a classic. And, a lot of people like them as background speakers where you want to fill a small to medium room with sound!
Almost bought some a few decades ago. But opted for a cheaper Canadian bookshelf, which I still have in service today, and hey, they still sound pretty good. They have been refoamed.
I was curious myself but this room just isn’t set up to show off the reflective aspect but I tried it in my office. They definitely spread out the sound, if you get them set up correctly. Direct still sounded better from a MLP though. IMO
Thanks for sharing you mr thoughts with us!
I had a pair of 301 iii, fun with rock music, country music, easy to listen to them for long sessions.
Best speakers ever.. I love them..
My neighbor uses them oriented vertically as rear channels in a small home theater system. The tweeters firing at the ceiling was a nice effect.
I bet that sounded pretty good, if he got them setup and probably tuned!
Sounds like he was an early adapter of Atmos. Haha
I've just got a good pair on Ebay. I tried them with tweeters facing inwards,like towards each other.
They sounded decent but I then moved them to "upside down" with tweeters at the bottom and they sound even better. They're around 9 feet apart,and my listening position is about 9 feet away, so it's inadvertently the "audiophile triangle" not done on purpose but that's just the best way for my ears.
I'm not a Bose basher - BUT - Back in the late seventies me and my buddy went out to buy a new system (each of us). He bought the Bose 901's with a Phase Linear 400 and I bought the Cerwin Vega's D-9's and a Technics amp (forget the model - but the top one). We went back to his house and set up both systems. He was so pissed off!! His system cost almost twice as much as mine - but guess what - my D-9's BLEW the Bose out of the water!!
It would have been nice if you tried the Phase Linear with your Vegas.
I had a really sweet looking pair of 901’s a while back that I was planning on having restored but as time went on, I just lost interest so I sold them.
I have no doubt those awesome Vegas would easily handle the 901’s.
I bet it was a fun test though!
@@averageguyhi-fi We spent almost two days. It was a blast!!
Totally off topic - but a friend asked me to recommend a cheap amp for a small Monoprice 5.1 speaker system. I don't have nearly the knowledge you do so am asking you. I will pass the info onto him. Thanks!
He didn't have the essential Bose EQ... Pretty interesting how we're still comparing a 50 year old speaker.🤔
Just got 2 301ivs and 2 201iv for free just went and bout myself a Sony recover trying to relieve my childhood with my dads killer pioneer receiver in the wooden cabinet with 50cd holder with massive tower speakers
Whew the Klipsch had more bass highs direct in your face but almost clinical a bit cold maybe,the Bose a more laid back feel bass lighter but still all there the way the tweeters are placed I would have reversed the boxes to ensure reflected highs which is what I think is the Bose original concept but not bad sound easier on the ear.
Reminds me of a car I had with full range drivers in the dash not doors, sound from radio would hit windscreen and reflect back at me,and vocals would have amazing lifelike feel to them .
Maybe Mr Bose knew something?.
I like the Bose.
I've had them all, the 301's are better but these do what they are supposed to do as well!
Yeah, I was very impressed with these, especially at the crazy 2nd hand prices.
They aren’t going to win any awards but they exceeded my pre conceived notions, going in to the purchase. That’s always a fun part of this journey.
I definitely understand why most of the 201 owners are happy with their decision to buy them.
Fun video for me!
I love the 201s and 301s they sound decent for the money and I actually like the easy on the ear sound the Bose gives I run a pair of 201s for a bedroom system and they do what they say on the box but I agree they are a classic,. On my main system I have B&W dm602s
I will say this bose Remind me of Dayton audio People always reserved them to not be so good but if you really consider it They are good for their price range And I know Dayton audio more than I know bose And I do know that Dayton audio are good for their money And I do have a 5.0 Dayton audio system it has impressed me for their prize For their sound quality I think bose is in the same Idea.
But then again that Is just my opinion
I have a pair of bose 6.2 since i bought them new in 1992. i also have 201 III's. i thought they were good until i replaced my 6.2's with Klipsch RP600M. When i listen to the bose, they are missing so many details, i feel like I have severe wax buildup or newspaper or something in my ears. The thing all the bose speakers made in the image of the 901's do well is fill the room with sound. There is no tiny "sweet spot', the entire room is filled with "live" like sound. They arent speakers to listen to critically...like the RP600m....the only good thing they have compared to the klipsch is that speaker position is not critical...there is no mini sweet spot. But Im glad i tried the Klipsch...because they sound ALIVE
Yeah, that’s basically my impressions also.
The Bose are pretty darn good speakers, especially considering their low price of admission, but the Klipsch are definitely a step up. But then again, that’s exactly what I would expect, considering the price difference.
Thanks for sharing your story and impressions with us, my friend!
Tweeters need to face out and be close to a wall for optimum reflective sound?
I’m not sure that Bose is manufacturing any of their bookshelf(201, 301, 161) or floorstanding(401, 501, 601) speakers anymore. They sell the model 251 for outdoor listening and the 791 for in ceiling installations, that’s it for passive Bose speakers these days.
Placement is everything with these speakers. By having the tweeters too close to your equipment and no room to do the direct reflection, you lose the benefits of that design. They're also too far from the wall. The bass port is setup also to be reflected, and there's no attention shown to this when you set them up as shown.
They have been passed by from newer technology in speakers, but when you pay attention to placement, actually spend the time to set them up, you're going to be rewarded with a far better image and certainly deeper bass.
I've not been a Bose fan in the past, but I found out, placement is everything, far more importantly than when you demonstrated the Klipsch bookshelf speakers.
I know you mentioned their placement, however the music demonstration sadly lacks what's needed for them to sound their best.
I reversed the left with right and found I liked them better with the tweeters firing outward. Again, there are more placement variables to consider if you want the best obtainable sound from them.
Have also found the reflection idea is a factor ,reminds me a car I owned in the past had speakers on the dash firing on to glass and reflecting back into car and it seemed to give a more real feel to vocals and high end so reflection tech may be a factor that appeals with Bose.
Can you do a video about how you find good deals/how you handle negotiations?
Just low ball the heck out of seller and hope it works out
I actually made one a while back, if you search for it. I only had a couple hundred subscribers back then so I have been getting this requested regularly.
It’s definitely a video I’m planning on, in the near future. Thanks for the advice!
Bose also lists power handling specs
I put that in my description but you’re correct, they lost their speakers recommended power occasionally. These are 10 - 120 Watts, just FYI.
Thanks again for stopping by, Carew!
Hello Hi-Fi Guy, do you know if the Bose 301 Series IV grills will fit the Bose 201 series IV speakers ??
Hmm the first speakers Klipsch had a deeper bass punch, the 201 seemed not as bassy but smooth open sound maybe a placement a bit closer to a back wall would reinforce the bass,it was there but not as deep as the klipsch that bass was deep and you could feel the difference.
I’m happy to hear, you could actually hear the difference!
There’s no doubt, the Klipsch 6.5 is an overachiever. I’ve always been very impressed with the value Klipsch 6.5 Reference speakers can do, especially when it comes to bass.
These Bose speakers definitely impressed me though! I can definitely see why they are so well regarded by those who own them.
I know that the placement isn’t ideal, especially for the Bose. I’ve read many articles saying that these Bose are very sensitive to placement. I’m limited with my placement, so take that as you willl:)
@@averageguyhi-fi Yea I agree I have a pair of 301s and almost bought the smaller 201s listened to them in a shop on demo and tucked up on a shelf near a wall to reflect they sounded great ,but those Klipsch def have a meaty bass response for there size.
Playin guitar through an interface and these,, so damn nice , had mine for 5 years got em free from neighbor
I bought these (mk iii) used for $15. I think its great for $15. I wouldn't pay more than $40 for the pair though. The sound to my ears is fairly balanced with softish not piercing treble. Decent bass with good punch. I would only use these if I need speakers for another room, maybe a home gym for background music. Another is for a TV that doesnt have a separate sound system like in a guest room where you dont want expensive electronics in it.
Hey Dustin
I never heard these, but honestly they seem all plastic and spring clip connectors......?
Not a big Bose fan....
Those klipsch’s are nice,I prefer towers but those are good bookies!
Thanks for the vid bro, I hope all is well 🍻
These speakers definitely weren’t up to the quality of many speakers that I’ve had my hands on but for the price, they did pretty good.
This is one of the few speakers I’ve purchased, over the last 10 or so years, with spring binding posts. Total turn-off for me. Haha!
Happy Friday, my friend!
@@averageguyhi-fi
Happy Friday buddy!
bose speakers ❤
Goodwill find $25!
That’s a score for these! Many people here tell me I need to hit up Goodwill and going off some of the deals you peeps are sharing, it sounds like you might be right.
Thanks for letting us know!
Got a pair for 20 something years. Not too much wrong with em
I took your advice when considering which sub to get. The Monolith M-215 or the Rythmic FV25HP. I got the Rythmic. That thing is unbelievable! (and heavy)
Congratulations! I am sure you would have been happy with either but the Rythmik leaves less to doubt. Second guessing in this hobby is a threat to your checking account. Haha
I’m thrilled you have such an awesome sub. I hope it provides many years of enjoyment, my friend!
@@averageguyhi-fi Thanks Dustin. Hopefully it will last 19 years like my Sunfire did. I'll be 81 years old then. Hope I'm still around! : )
Hey I have a suggestion. I’ve seen another youtuber make a a ranking list. You’ve gone though SO many speakers in your used market journey, have you ever thought of compiling a list like this? You could make it based on your score categories.
He's working on it. I suggested something like Joe N Tell's but he didn't want to copy it so is trying to come up with something on his own.
They sound better than expected, got 8/10 for value…….then why would Bose not publish frequency response charts because it’s “not as good as the competitors?” Doesn’t make sense. In fact, Dr. Bose gave multiple lectures at MIT as to why Bose does not publish specs for their home speakers (they do for their professional speakers). It’s because the sound that is reproduced in your home is as much coloured by the room as it is by the speakers themselves. And so “frequency response” curve a speaker can achieve in an anechoic chamber is much less relevant in home.
These speakers/brand has been subject to tons of hate over the years. I probably carried some baggage into this review but I was quite happy with the way they sounded.
I think using posted frequency response and specs is important to many out there, to get a baseline of a speakers performance. Others aren’t as caught up in posted specs so it really comes down to what the consumer prioritizes.
All speakers end up in rooms so sound can definitely change, in real-world listening.
Thanks for your comment and for stopping by!
To me there is no comparison!! Klipsch make the Bose sound like a No Name set of speakers! Sorry - just my opinion.
No need to be sorry:) There’s no right or wrong to me as sound is very subjective.
I can see how people can live their 201’s but these Klipsch RP-600M’s have them beat in dynamics and output.
It was really a fun video for me as I’ve though about buying 15+ pairs of these over the years but never did. Until now, that is:)
nothing against klipsch or bose, but I've owned bose 201 years ago, always wanted to own klipsch but never have.. some day I might.. now just hit the pause button. My current front L and R are Dynaudio Confidence C1 Platinum.. I realize this is completely out of the park in comparison, but so many people "trading blows" with speaker brands tend to get out of hand. Every product has a price point, and every product is designed to do something slightly different than the others. IMO, there's a reason loudspeakers are priced the way they are regardless of cost. Having said all that, the Bose 201 led me down a path on which I continue to travel. Dont be a hater just to be a hater. There are so many great products out there to enjoy, it's just a matter of understanding how they all work and implementing them to their fullest capabilities
I'm looking at getting a set of R-28PF powered speakers from klipsch, do you have any experience with them.
Unfortunately, I don’t have any experience with the R-28PF but I have read great things about how powerful and clean they sound.
I’ve owned powered Klipsch towers in the past but only where the subwoofer portion of the towers were powered, not the mids and highs.
It looks like a clean way to get powerful 2-channel sound. I but those towers would wipe the floor with 96% of the soundbar options in terms of bass and output.
Great prices on those also, especially since you wouldn’t need to invest in a receiver.
Thanks for the question! Sorry I couldn’t be of more assistance!
@@averageguyhi-fi thanks for the info I really appreciate your honesty opinion and understandable way you present things, for people who aren't experts.
Would these sound better than my klipsch promedia 2.1?
Sound is very subjective but the Klipsch ProMedia will definitely be more dynamic and extend lower.
With that said, I would imagine that the Bose of given a good amount of power, would play louder.
Really depends on what you are looking to accomplish. Pretty close to a lateral move so probably wouldn’t be worth the effort, overall.
I like the effort though so I would probably just test it out for myself:)
I doubt it and you would have to buy an amp and sub.
U remind me of someone from a movie took in vagas.. with a baby, bunch of guys with hangover.. I can’t remember..
Can u connect those to a pc?
Sure but you would need an amp to power them and a processor. These are non-powered speakers.
People usually go with powered speakers for the simplicity but you can definitely hook non-powered speakers to a PC.
I have an amp, processor, sub and speakers in my office, hooked up to my laptop in my office and it sounds great.
@@averageguyhi-fi great. Thanks for the response!
Id like an opinon of How well the 201s compare against The dq tens from dahlquist or dare I take the leap & say vandersteens?
Mids and highs seem decent but they are definitely lacking in the bass department.
And I'm sorry, but an audio company not releasing specifications is completely unacceptable.
Yeah, the difference in dynamics was very noticeable but that’s what I was expecting. These Klipsch speakers aren’t perfect by any means but they are definitely fun.
I can also see how the people that own them out there, are completely happy with them.
This was a fun one for me!
There is some crazy deals on infinity speakers at harman audio dot com. in case u wanna review them
I’ll check that out. Thanks for the heads up, buddy!
Nice
Nó được bán với giá bao nhiêu dola
My iPhone plays music! Thx for demo’ing it!
Bose...junk science with marketing savvy and cheap materials but brilliant engineering. Credit Bose for the amazing sound that today's better soundbars and Bluetooth speakers produce...but that's about it.
Yeah, marketing and engineering are what Bose does best, that’s for sure!
The new Bose soundbars actually do sound pretty nice. I had a chance to listen to the 700 a while back and I was pretty impressed, especially considering it’s good looks and relatively low cost.
Thanks for the feedback and for stopping by!
Saw a super deal wish I was closer
Now you’ve spiked my curiosity.. What was the deal? Haha
The problem with Bose is not that they are shit speakers it that they dupe people to think they are great speakers. Bose is a great marketing company.
Marketing and engineering are definitely their claim to fame.
These speakers sound pretty darn good for what they are but there are definitely better options for the same price.
Thanks for stopping by!
What are some better options for the price??
I didn't find the difference.🤔
I originally owned Klipsch speakers and decided to try Bose. What a mistake. The Klipsch blew them out of the water.. With Bose, all you're paying for is Bose high ass advertising and not quality equipment. I decided not to become a Bose Sucka and returned them.
Klipsch had better bass bose sounds just about as good lol 60$ for the win I'd say
That’s the great thing with home audio, there’s no right or wrong. We all have different budgets, style and more importantly, ears.
For a $60 investment, you could have great sound. There’s levels but if you focus too much at chasing perfection, you can lose some of the joy. I’ve been there.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us!
Day moi la loa that
I don’t understand your comment but definitely happy to have a fellow home audio fan visit my channel!
One thing I’ve learned in this hobby, is that there’s home audio fans in every corner of the earth. Thank you for taking the time to comment!
Lắm trò thế nhỉ
new speakers over price and shit and part of surround sound
Buuuuut heeeey Why the audiophiles hate Bose .... What’s the trick
......
I bet the majority of audiophiles dislike Bose due to the prices of their home theater systems. For the same money as one of the new Lifestyle systems, at $4K, we could build a system that would decimate it.
With that said, I’m always pretty impressed with their smaller systems, radios and soundbars. But again, they are also pretty expensive.
But no hate on my end, I think options are good for us to have, even the options that don’t make sense for many:)
The Bose sound like shit compared to the Klipsch..the highs just sound boxy and distant
Yeah, this was a tough comparison for the Bose.
In all honesty, these Bose speakers sounded better than I was expecting but the Klipsch are in a different league.