Bose, widely recognized for its advanced noise-canceling headphones, wireless speakers, and soundbars, boasts a rich heritage in innovative speaker technology. A highlight of this legacy is the Bose 901, which debuted in 1968. Although the company has recently discontinued its passive speakers, the celebration of its 60th anniversary has prompted a revival of this iconic model, honoring its historical significance.
To commemorate this milestone, Bose has partnered with Kith, a design firm based in New York, to reimagine the legendary 901 speaker system. The original 901 was revolutionary in both design and sound quality, featuring nine 4-inch full-range speakers—one facing forward and eight angled to project sound backward, thus creating a distinctive audio experience that utilized room reflections. Its unique pentagonal shape became synonymous with Bose’s innovative acoustic philosophy.
For this anniversary edition, Kith’s creative director, Ronnie Fieg, was entrusted with the task of modernizing the 901. Fieg expressed his enthusiasm for the project on Instagram, stating, “If you’re as meticulous about the music and how it sounds… To celebrate the brand’s 60th anniversary, I worked with Bose to reimagine the speaker.” His posts, featuring images of the redesign, provided a preview of the updated aesthetic.
The reimagined Bose 901 captures the essence of its predecessor while incorporating contemporary design elements and materials. To realize this vision, Fieg partnered with esteemed furniture designer Mark Jupiter, who infused modern artistic details while respecting the speaker’s legacy. The updated 901 offers two wood finish options: white ash and natural walnut, both complemented by brass base components and elegantly rounded wooden stands. These design selections impart a fresh, upscale aesthetic to the iconic model.
While the technical specifications for the anniversary edition of the 901 have yet to be revealed, it is anticipated that the speakers will merge cutting-edge sound technology with the enduring performance characteristics of the original. As Bose commemorates its 60-year legacy in the audio sector, the redesigned 901 stands as a tribute to its innovative beginnings and a pathway to its future. Enthusiasts and audiophiles are keenly awaiting further updates regarding these special edition speakers.
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