Bose 201 Direct/Reflecting - Bookshelf Speakers - Light Cherry

Other products by Bose

Product Details

Product Manual [200kb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 23 x 23 x 13 inches ; 27 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 24 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B00006L7RU
• Item model number: 201 V
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #79 in Electronics (See Bestsellers in Electronics)

  Popular in this category: (What's this?)

  #100 in

  Electronics > Home Audio & Theater > Speakers > Bookshelf

Product Description

Product Description
In a concert hall, listeners hear a mix of direct and reflected sound arriving from different directions and at different times. Direct/Reflecting® speaker technology uses the walls and flat surfaces of your room to deliver performance more like that of a concert hall. Bose® 201 speakers create a listening environment composed of reflected and direct sound, much like that of a live performance. From cutting-edge DVDs to vintage records, youll enjoy lifelike spaciousness in practically everything you listen to. Stereo Everywhere® speaker performance lets you enjoy full stereo sound throughout the listening area, no matter where you sit or stand. Instead of concentrating the stereo effects into a single sweet spot, 201 bookshelf speakers deliver realistic performance almost anywhere in the room. Trim, stylish 201 speakers are ideal for your den, dorm room or office. Their sleek design makes them welcome in any décor. Accessory stands and brackets offer a variety of placement options. And they're among our most versatile speaker options. Used with your stereo components, 201 speakers provide a rich balance of stereo sound throughout the room. Or connect them to your home theater system, as either a front or rear channel surround sound speaker solution.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars The most trusted name in sound?, October 6, 2005

By	L. J. Bair (New York) - See all my reviews

About a year ago I inherited a pair of 15-something year old Bose 301's from a relative, and initially I was pretty excited; I knew Bose was a very reputable speaker manufacturer. I used the 301's for about a year before deciding to upgrade. Having had good experience with Bose, I went and ordered these new series 5 201's. I recieved them rather promptly and hooked them up for a test run. Initially, I was rather impressed.

I then began reading reviews on audioreview.com and other loudspeaker forums. I didn't like what I saw; people rated Bose very lowly and I couldn't understand it, the 201's sounded alright to me. So, rather than just shrugging it off as more anti-Bose sentiment, I decided to investigate. After about another week's worth of shopping around, I ordered a pair of Wharfedale Diamond 8.2 bookshelf speakers for just under $200. They were a highly praised brand, yet scarcely advertised.

When they arrived, I had an epiphany.

These Wharfedales I paid significantly less for were significantly better sounding. In comparison, the 201's just sounded muddy and unrefined. Personally, I was impressed. Shortly thereafter I took Bose up on its customer satisfaction return policy.

If you've compared speakers and are happy with Bose's warm, colored sound - wonderful.

But, If you prefer a more transparent, dynamic loudspeaker that isn't afraid to be played loudly, look elsewhere. Check out manufacturers such as Klipsch, Cambridge Soundworks, Wharfedale, JBL, and Polk to name a few. All have similar speaker lines compared to Bose, but the chances are you'll find a better speaker for less.

I can't tell you that all Bose products are substandard - because they're not. But I can say this: listen before you buy.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Nice bookshelf speakers, October 26, 2005

By	Sambit "Dash" (Texas, USA) - See all my reviews

I was just reading the reviews people are giving on 201 speakers but after listing to many good speakers in the same price range I found that either others are giving too much bass or too much treble. This speaker is giving a balanced out put of both bass and treble. Off course there are much better speakers than this but the price is also high. I do not recommend to use this as a part of home theater surround speakers (compared to Bose cube speakers) but can be used an additional front speakers to get better sound while playing songs. So in all, these are very good speakers for stereo sound. If possible look for open-items in the shop, they will be cheaper but performance will be same or buy online to save tax. If you get it for $150 or less then they worth money.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unbelievable sound, September 8, 2008

By	Wadood Chaudhary (New Jersey ,USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I'm shocked at the negative reviews. All thes Bose bashers will make you end up wasting your money on sub-standard products which may do well on some esoteric audiophile test but fail miserably in your living room. I did. After loosing $300, I have learned to believe my ears and bought Bose 201-V as a two front speakers after hearing them out at a local store - even though I was told otherwise by many on AVS forums. This one is not only beautiful to look at but sounds better than anything I had listened to in my 43 years on ths planet.