Bose 301-V Stereo Loudspeakers (Pair, Black) - Electronics

Pros:

• Exceptional performance for home theater use
• Horizontal design fits easily on bookshelves
• Spatial dispersion speaker lens creates a smoother high frequency spatial response and wider distribution of sound
• Bass reflex design delivers high impact
• Automatic protection circuitry prevents drivers from being overdriven and provides increased reliability

Cons:

• Build quality may be a bit cheap
• Less efficient than some other brands and may need more power to be driven loud

Q: Is this made in USA?
A: The 301 series V are assembled in Mexico.

Q: What do I need to connect these speakers to? Will a receiver work, and can I plug my computer into the receiver?
A: A receiver with at least 50 watts per channel will do fine, then plug your computer to the aux input of the receiver. Make sure you use 12 Gauge wire to connect the speakers and get the best out of them. It's important to leave enough room from the speakers to the rear and side wall, to make the bass port and the rear tweeter reflect their sound towards the listener. If you are going to use them in a bookshelf better get the 201 and a subwoofer like a Polkaudio.

Q: What is the range of frequency response?
A: Bose does not publish frequency response charts (probably because the results are not as smooth or wide ranging as they would like). However, an independent test on a similar Bose product showed a range of 40-20,000 +-6db. As you probably know, the DB variance is a key factor in determining valid frequency response and any number without that variance can be misleading.

Q: Do they come with a stand?
A: You have to buy their stands separately. But they do come with wall mounts.

Q: Are they 4 or 8 Ohm? I have an older pair of these (Bose 6.2 Direct/Reflecting speaker system) and they are 4 Ohm.
A: The 301 speakers are rated 4 to 8 ohms.

Q: Is it multi 100-220 volt?
A: Since the speakers are powered through your receiver/television, it should step down voltage. There is no difference between 110 or 220 volts.

Q: Can you hang these outside in a protected environment (under eaves of roof)?
A: It is possible.

Q: Can these speakers connect to mp3 players?
A: These speakers come with standard push-type connectors taking speaker wires. There is no other interface. If you have some type of receiver or docking station with MP3 input, then the speakers will play music through this interface.

Q: Can these speakers be used for our TV also?
A: Absolutely! They make great main speakers, especially with their reflective qualities in relation to the angled tweeters. If you have a home theater system set-up, receiver, center channel speaker and subwoofer, at the minimum, you can use them for 5.1 HD TV shows or DVDs.

Q: Are these really 18x24 inches? Seems big compared to previous model 201v.
A: According to C-Net's page for this model's specs, individual Bose 301-V speakers should be 14.2" X 9.8" X 9.8."

Overall, the Bose 301-V Stereo Loudspeakers are a great choice for a home theater system or as bookshelf speakers. They have a horizontal design that fits easily on bookshelves and a spatial dispersion speaker lens that creates a smoother high frequency spatial response and wider distribution of sound. They work with sources of 10-150 watts with receivers from 4 to 8 ohms and have an automatic protection circuitry that prevents drivers from being overdriven and provides increased reliability while minimizing interference with the listening experience. While they may not have published frequency response charts, they deliver exceptional performance as front left and right speakers in a home theater and can be used for music as well.