Bose 301 Series V Direct/Reflecting Bookshelf Speaker - Black Review

Improving on the best

"I am no stranger to Bose 301's, having owned my prior "Series 1" pair for nearly 28 years. In that time I never considered another speaker, although obviously technological improvements have come a long way. When my left speaker finally started to distort (due to a basic disintegration of the paper speaker backing), I didnt have to even think twice.



A few weeks prior to this, I had replaced my amplifier and had an opportunity to sample several nice speakers of other brands. Some were unimpressive, others sounded great. But none for the money can touch the 301, in my opinion. Its superior to everything in its price range and often outclasses speakers costing 2 or 3 times as much.



The Bose sound is not for everyone. The Direct/Reflective technology fills the room with sound, so the music has less sterility to it, which is preferred by some. These newest 301s (I believe Series 5s) have improved quite a bit over my old pair. A third rear-firing tweeter no doubt has contributed to a better separation of sound, which, if the old 301s had a fault, would be it. The bass also has better warmth, realism and depth, but without that punchy, cheesey quality. In short, if you have an older generation of Bose, you will love these. Finally, dont be taken in by audiophile snobbery which implies that because Bose is now sold in "mainstream" stores such as Best Buy, they make in inferior product. Nothing could be further from the truth the Bose people know sound and have once again proved it.



You cant go wrong with the 301s."