For anyone who loves music and crisp, clear sound, the name Bose probably means a lot more than “speaker company.” In fact, Bose has long been known to produce the best speakers on the market. The revolutionary technology used in Bose loudspeakers began in their 601 series, and more than 20 years later, that product still faces some of the best sound engineering techniques in the world. But are they really the best speakers of all time? Well the short answer is yes and no.
When they were first released in 1982, the Bose 601 speakers were state-of-the-art technology, providing the clearest sound and a smooth base available. While the series is discontinued, the quality of these speakers puts most of the available brands to shame. Its durability is unquestionable, with many of the original models still in perfect working order. And although they are highly sought after, there are many places online where you can bid on or buy these beautiful vintage models. The directional technology built into these speakers means they will face much of today’s competition. And with the crystal clear sound, durability, and revolutionary sound out-of-pocket features, this was a truly unique offering on the market.
However, there are some downsides to the Bose 601 series speakers. First, this system will require a quality amplifier to function properly. You will never be able to hear the full potential of these speakers without it. Second, if you plan to use these speakers with a surround sound system, you will need to purchase other Bose products to make it work, including the VSC-10 center channel and a pair of Bose 161 speakers. Third, some say that while the boxes were very attractive and modern in 1982, the light cherry or graphite gray finishes don’t work as well with today’s home decor so you may need to paint the cabinets to your liking. Lastly, while they are widely available online on auction sites like eBay, they are still not “common” and therefore can be a bit pricey if you add in the shipping costs and any fees (if you are importing them from or to another country).
All in all, if you can find a set of Bose601 series speakers, you may have a bit more trouble finding them than just going to your local electronics store, but the reason for their enduring popularity will be obvious by the time change in power!
