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I found a Bose 901 Active Equalizer Series 1, circa 1968(?) in a thrift shop for $10. I cleaned all the contacts and switches and it does work. In my current set up in my Florida home with NAD preamp and power amp with Bose 301's, Series, 1. I have been quite happy with this setup in a very small 12 X 12 room. However some recordings are exceptionally bright so I experimented with this minimalist equalizer attaching it between the preamp and power amp. . It helps to a small degree at least enough to satisfy me. I realize that more modern graphic equalizers will do circles around this equalizer.
My understanding is that these equalizers were specifically designed around the 901's. Not being anything close to an audio engineer, does that mean the treble contours are significantly different on the 301's I am using?
In other forums it is mentioned that the unit should be recapped. Is this just the two larger capacitors or all of them? Excuse my ignorance.
Follow Ups:
There are six "series" of Bose 901s. They all use 9 identical midrange drivers. The equalizer boosts the bass and the treble to give the speaker some semblance of linearity.
Bose has made three equalizers for the 6 series. The first equalizer is good for series one and two, the second for series three and four, and the third for series five and six.
Using a 901 equalizer for non-901 speakers probably won't do any harm. Your sound system if for YOUR enjoyment. To misuse a quote from Duke Ellington, "If it sounds good it is good." AKA "each to his/her own."
Keep in mind that the 301s were made to play properly without an equalizer and the 901's, due to inherent design compromises, need the eq to sound like anything but a table radio.That means, particularly in the Series 1, a tremendous bass boost (I think around 12 - 16 db) which can really stress your amp, not to mention a treble rolloff.
If you really want an eq in your system, I'd recommend a standalone eq with as many bands as possible.
Edits: 03/27/15
If I remember correctly, Series I were air suspension.
Dave
Frankly I cannot notice much increase in bass but I will disconnect it anyway as the results were minimal at best to reduce treble. Another poster suggested getting a subwoofer and I must say I am not a fan of a lot bass so I am quite attuned to excessive bass. The 301's are plenty for me. Even the Realistic Minimus 7's in my bedroom are enough bass for me.
Subwoofers aren't really designed to provide "excessive" bass. They are designed to extend the bass response to below that which the main speakers can deliver.
Of course, many set them to exaggerate the bass and this may be what you're referring to. I think you might change your mind on subs had you ever heard a properly integrated one with the correct source music.
I had a pair of 301's in my garage, but sold them. A good friend of mine has 901's. The problem is that equalizer is made for the 901's (which have no tweeter) while the 301's do (2 of them). Keep in mind that you can send any of their systems back to them (the equalizer with the 901's) and they will trade them for the newest model for 60% of MSRP now.
My advise? Use different speakers...
I have one too. I think I paid $5 for it. You are correct that it was only for 901's. I think you would do better to sell it an buy a subwoofer. Good subwoofers are one of the easiest things to find in thrift stores and they go for cheap. I am using one with my Spendor BC-1's and it really helps. Of course I should take my own advise and sell mine. I was hopping a cheap set of 901's would come my way that I could rebuild and sell the whole package. The only 901's I have seen were overpriced, although none of then had equalizers.
Dave
It really seem to lower the treble, not increase it???
Look at page 6 of your download. It shows graphs that show only 2 settings that will actually increase the treble. All other positions, 8 I believe, decrease treble. There is a "Treble Level" switch that will decrease the treble in both midrange and high frequencies.
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