Best Of

And they (901s) didn’t image well in the vintage sense of the term either, when I first heard them decades ago.

The 901s aren't bad, but they require (and, fortunately, they can take) copious amounts of power, and they don't image at all in the modern sense of the term.

I held off on buying a pair of Bose noise canceling headphones for years because they were more expensive than brands that looked to be similar. When I eventually bought a pair I was very impressed with them and consider them to be worth the premium in cost because they sound good, are comfortable, the noise canceling really works, and they are durable. Others sounded good but weren't durable, including the Polk headphones I bought.

I think the major hang up with bose is that in general they deliver sub par performance at their price points compared to other manufactures.

All while actively slamming other loudspeakers and touting they are superior.

I'll never forget the epcot demo of bose where they show big bully speakers then lower it to reveal the little cubes

But they are easier to use generally and will accepted by the general public.

I really don't understand the trash talk on Bose, but I think it's because I've only heard their headphones.

I'd love to try some 901s, or as many of the different mid to upper level series as I could easily get hands on. I remember Dave @westmassguy was particularly fond of his 901s. He had some kind of special edition, though I don't recall the specific model.

I still have all my Polk speakers, from LSiM 703s - nearly the full LSiM line - to LSi7s (love), L200s and L800s and some unmodified vintage I will get around to someday, but Wharfedale is my current favorite sound. So pleasing that I feel no desire to chase. I acknowledge Ignorance is bliss. And it's also cheaper.

I know there are better out there, but it's a nice place to be, feeling content with gear (mostly) My next jump would be to their Elysian 2 large bookshelf. If it can even be called a bookshelf any longer.

I'd check out that tubed thing above, but wouldn't expect anything profound. Plus, I don't really have anywhere I'd use such a piece. Closest area may be the kitchen, currently served by a SBT and JBL Charge2+ portable. Provides presence, synced with the rest of the home space systems

Per @msg's post above: The Bose 301 (at least some versions; there have been quite a few) is a very listenable little loudspeaker IMO and FWIW. Some of the less "showy" Bose loudspeakers get (got) midrange reproduction quite right, to my ears & taste.