Bose 161 Speaker System (Black) - ideal for stereo or home theater use

Other products by Bose

Product Details

Product Manual [192kb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 5 x 5 x 11 inches ; 3.3 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• ASIN: B00006I53A
• Item model number: 27027
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (31 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #28 in Electronics (See Bestsellers in Electronics)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #15 in	Electronics > Home Audio & Theater > Speakers > Bookshelf
  #24 in	Electronics > Home Audio & Theater > Speakers > Wall Mount Speakers
  #28 in	Electronics > Home Audio & Theater > Speakers > Home Theater Speaker Systems

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description
A versatile choice for both listening to music and appreciating the sonic splendor of big-budget blockbusters, the Bose 161 multipurpose speaker system offers topnotch sound in an elegant package. Unlike conventional speakers, which radiate sound in a single direction, these speakers use Bose's Articulated Array and Stereo Everywhere technologies to project sound throughout the entire room, so listeners in the corner can appreciate the same subtleties as those in the middle. In addition, the proprietary Twiddler drivers (two 2.5-inch drivers in each enclosure) make the speakers sound much larger than they actually are. The end result is a consistently impressive sound field that simulates the cinema experience. Meanwhile, the speakers' actual size--they measure 11 inches wide by 4.12 inches tall--belies their big sound, so you can store them easily in compact locations, such as small dorm rooms or crowded offices. They even come with mounting brackets for installing on a wall or ceiling. The speakers' sleek black housing also blends into practically any décor.

Additional features include magnetic shielding, which protects your TV from video interference, and automatic overdrive protection. The speakers are computer tested for quality and reliability and carry a five-year warranty from Bose.

What's in the Box Left speaker, right speaker, mounting brackets, self-adhesive rubber feet, user's manual.

Product Description
Beneath the sleek exterior of each 161 speaker resides the technology that makes these speakers so versatile. Two proprietary Twiddler drivers in each enclosure help the 161 speaker rival speakers of much larger size. Articulated Array® speaker design positions those drivers to provide a large, consistent sound field so you can enjoy Stereo Everywhere® speaker performance from almost anywhere in the room. In your dorm, office or living room, youll enjoy the rich, full musical performance these small speakers can provide. And they are also an ideal choice for home theater applications. Connect them to your existing home theater system and enjoy Bose sound from your favorite movies. With custom mounting brackets, these elegant speakers offer a range of placement options throughout your home or office.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

40 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This Speaker Stuns Its Audience, March 18, 2006

By	El Lagarto (Ambler, PA) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

Admittedly I'm a music lover, not a technophile. I'm more interested in Charlie Watts than I am in watts per channel. But my ear is well tuned and I know what sounds good. It would seem that there is some Bose backlash out there; perhaps in response to the Rolls Royce reputation it's carried through the years. I don't know, and frankly I don't care.

I will tell you that I bought my pair not as part of a surround system but as bookshelf speakers for my small home office and I couldn't be happier. They're attractive, have a low profile, and provide total range at all volumes. I tested them in the store with CDs that had lots of challenging highs, sizzling cymbals, that sort of thing. The definition was clear as can be. When you crank them up the sound holds together beautifully, no mud, no distortion. I find that solo piano is another good way to test speaker clarity, I went with The Koln Concert by Keith Jarrett and the results were mesmerizing.

As far as bass response is concerned, good grief, what's the fuss? Even at low volumes I can hear Mingus plucking the strings, when I listen carefully I can even hear him dropping ironic hints. As to the higher register, that's where the clarity of these speakers really shines, Stephanie Mills soars and swoops like an angel.

Then of course there are those irresponsible moments when I simply must blow off a little steam. Out comes the Coltrane, Ayler, Dolphy, Hendrix, Winter, Tower Of Power and up goes the volume. The desk toys start dancing because everything in the room is vibrating. Even then, these unassuming monsters deliver like tomorrow might never come. I've held minority opinions in the past and I'll hold another here, as far as I'm concerned these speakers are fantastic and actually under-priced.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Rear channel speakers for the price, March 14, 2005

By	Elton A. Robinson "robbie" (Florida, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I bought these speakers with skepticism- but I satisfied with the output For God sake they carry 2 .5 drivers how do you expect to get base from them Buy a subwoofer if you want base.
As rear surround they do a fine job.. Of course there are better rear surround speakers but they cost over $400- $500
For about $150 you can't ask for more.
If you have cash go for mirage, axiom, krell, polk etc
But If you are not rich and want a rear channel speaker you can enjoy you have the answer here

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great surround speakers or stereo in a small room, January 23, 2005

By	J. Pickering (Detroit, MI) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I'm not usually a huge Bose afficianado, but I use a pair of Bose 161 speakers as my rear surround speakers and they're great! I have much larger speakers for my L, R and center - and the 161s compliment them perfectly. I can hear very detailed sound coming from them - perfect for effects in movies.

I'm not sure I'd use these as my primary speakers in my living room, but for surround applications, or small stereo needs, they fit the bill perfectly. They're attractive, solidly built, and easily mount to walls using the included wall brackets.