I have Bose 901 series vi speakers. my problem is I can't find a compatible receiver within my budget that also matches my needs. 1) my budget is under $500USD 2) I have to have wired LAN connecti

SOURCE: Connect Bose 901 VI EQ to a Harmon Kardon AVR 247 Amp

Similar problem...I came up with a solution with help from Onyko. For my receiver, at least, the bottom line was that the output from the equalizer MUST go to 'Receiver, Tape In'! Since that is the ONLY input source from the equalizer, you must combine elsewhere. Part of my setup included the Radio Shack Audio/Video Selector box which costs $21.99...you might not need it, but in my case, I couldn't plug all components into the back of the receiver and have them go through the equalizer.

Since I have a satellite receiver, DVD player and TV, that I want to route through the equalizer, here is the way mine is set up and working:

Satellite receiver and DVD player out to Radio Shack audio/video selector

Audio/video selector out to VCR in.

VCR video directly to TV

VCR audio red/white (audio) out to equalizer

Equalizer out to Receiver Tape IN (Receiver Out not used)

Hope this (or a variation of it) helps.

SOURCE: compatable receiver list for Bose 901 series VI

I contacted the Customer support folks at Bose. Here is what they said: With a stereo receiver, the equalizer is run through the tape monitor section in the back of the receiver. The receiver's tape monitor output, left and right, runs to the amp input section of the equalizer, left and right. Then the amp output section of the equalizer, left and right, runs to the receiver's tape monitor input section. With a surround sound, home theater, type of receiver, the theory is the same, but the connection is through the preamp-out/ main amp-in section of the receiver. Not all receivers have this feature. Most, in fact, do not. Check the back of the receiver. There would be a connection made by two U-shaped clips. The plugs would be pulled out. Then connect from the preamp-out to the equalizer's amp input section; and from the equalizer's amp output section to the main amp-in. This effectively isolates the equalizer so that it is not affecting the other speakers in the system or the receiver's surround processing. Attached is a current list of known 901-home theater compatible receivers:
Note: Specifications subject to change without notice. Bose Corporation is not responsible for any inaccuracies due to manufacturer changes. Inclusion in this list does not indicate an endorsement by Bose Corporation. When in doubt contact the manufacturer of the equipment.

I have the list in a pdf document but do not see a way to attach it.
Contact me at [email protected] and I'll forward the pdf.
1-30-2009

SOURCE: Bose 901 series speakers to Bose 901 Equalizer

There is no direct connection between the 901's and their Active Equalizer. It is designed to be inserted between the source and the DEDICATED amplifier driving the speakers. Typically, this would be in a Tape Monitor loop on a receiver.

Tape Rec/Out to EQ In; EQ Out to Tape Play/In on the receiver. If you have a tape deck(s), it(they) would go into the back of the Bose EQ as if it was the receiver and you would use the Tape and 1/2 buttons for selection.

Or,if you have access to any other point that doesn't use the Tape Monitor, like a Pre Out/Main In jumper set, place the Equalizer there. That way it's always in front of the speakers and doesn't take up the Tape Mon.

Flip in the Tape Monitor and leave it on or the speakers will not receive the essential ACTIVE Equalization they require for proper frequency response. DO NOT place non-901's onto any amp using the Active EQ.

Like any speakers, the 901's will attach to the speaker terminals in the conventional manner.

SOURCE: latest model surround receiver for bose 901 speakers VI

I can think of no reason any amp pushing 120 watts would not work with 901-VI's. They're very efficent and will probably play louder and cleaner than you would ever need. As I recall, my old series IV's have no maximum amplifier rating specified, but I did blow up a bridged Carver M-400 Cube (pushing 400 watts to one speaker with a DVD-Audio of Yes - Fragile cranked dangerously high) with them. I'm convinced my speakers are indestructible in any home application.

Keep in mind that whatever you decide to use as your control/amplifier section, a pair of 901's need a dedicated stereo amplifier. I suspect you're thinking surround sound so a receiver with separable preamp/amp channels, due to the Activbe EQ, would be needed and as far as I know they don't exist. A separate stereo amp for the 901's was my solution. I run a Carver AV-406 (5-channel amp) for my 901's in Front, 2 Subwoofers and the Rear Surround channel, with the Active EQ between the receiver and the 901's amp channels. My receiver controls everything and just drives the Center and Surrounds.

Modest amps would work but at very loud volumes may go into clipping, which is bad for any speaker. 120 clean watts is good. I'm using only 110W for mine.

A Carver M-200 is a fine, efficient amplifier that would have you cooking just fine (2x100W).

SOURCE: bose 901 equalizer hookup

I had the same problem- I have a Pioneer VSX-518 and Bose 901 series IV. My receiver has no "Tape Monitor", so after trying different hook ups, I went and bought a "3 input video switcher" (about $10.00) I run my STB (cable box), my PS3 and my computer through the inputs of the switcher (just the audio L/R) then the output to the Bose EQ input, then from the Bose EQ output to my receiver input (I chose to use the TV/DVR input). Now I just have to select which source I want to listen to from the switch, make sure the receiver is set to TV/DVR and I have fantastic sound via my Bose 901s. With this hookup, I have my 3 componets video connected to my HDTV via HDMI cable. It works for me. Hope this helps.