Home > Consumer Reviews > BOSE 201-V Stereo Loudspeakers (Pair) - Cherry

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.

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.

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.

The Bose 201's sound wonderful in my large living room space. I listen to classical, opera, jazz and rock. The also provide very nice audio for television. They are compact, classy and have a great sound. I think they are just great.

For the price these are some of the finest bookshelf speakers you can buy. You can very well spend a lot more and still get a comparable sound. This is a cost effective purchase that will last you for years too come.