Do the Bose 301-V speakers need a subwoofer?

No. The 8-inch ported woofer gives usable bass on its own for music and most TV use. Add a subwoofer only if you want deeper home-theater low end.

What amplifier power do they need?

Bose rates them for 10 to 150 watts into 8 ohms. Almost any stereo receiver or AV receiver in that range will drive them to loud levels.

Can I use them as surround speakers?

Yes, though Bose lists the 161 system as the recommended surround match. The 301-V works as a rear or side speaker if you have the space.

Are they shielded for use near a TV?

No. They are not magnetically shielded, so keep them a foot or more from older CRT televisions to avoid picture distortion.

How big a room do they suit?

They fill small to mid-size rooms well. In large or open rooms, expect to push the volume and possibly add a subwoofer.

The pair of speakers and the Spatial Dispersion lens. Speaker wire and stands are not included.

Where is the Bose 301-V Stereo Loudspeakers cheapest?

At Amazon, for $789.91, as of our latest check.

Where can I buy the Bose 301-V Stereo Loudspeakers?

3 stores we checked sell it, including eBay, Adorama, Amazon.

Bose 301-V Stereo Loudspeakers

Best price now

$789.91at AmazonObserved at 8:32 AM

Compared across 3 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when. As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

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Our take on the Bose 301-V Stereo Loudspeakers

The Bose 301-V is a two-way ported bookshelf speaker with an 8-inch woofer and a 2-inch tweeter, built in a wood enclosure and rated for 10 to 150 watts. Its signature feature is the Spatial Dispersion lens, which angles high frequencies out into the room so the speakers don't need to be aimed straight at the listener. The 301 line has been sold for decades as a flexible, easy-to-drive speaker for music and home theater. No current store price was provided, so check the price history before buying.

Best forSmall to mid-size rooms where speakers sit off-axisListeners who want room-filling sound without precise toe-inStereo music and light home theater useBuyers pairing them with a modest receiver or amp

Pros

Spatial Dispersion lens spreads treble across a wide listening area
8-inch woofer gives solid low-end for a bookshelf speaker
Easy 8-ohm load rated for 10-150 watts, so most receivers can drive it
Wood enclosure with a bass-reflex port for fuller bass
Five-year warranty

Cons

Bose 301-V Stereo Loudspeakers prices at every store

eBayPre-owned
In stock
$199.99+ $40.00 shippingObserved at 8:32 AM
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AmazonRefurbished
Availability unknown
As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.
$789.91Free shippingObserved at 8:32 AM
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AdoramaNew
Out of stock
$328.00Free shippingObserved at 8:32 AM
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Bose 301-V Stereo Loudspeakers price history

Lowest price we've seen: $328.00 on Nov 8 at Adorama. Tracked across 1 store since Nov 8.

What reviewers say

The 301 series has a long following as an easy, lively bookshelf speaker that fills a room, and the V version continues that. Owners tend to like the wide sweet spot and bass output for the size, while critics call the sound colored and the cabinets bulky.

What people mention

SoundstagePraisedOwners say the Spatial Dispersion lens gives a wide sweet spot so listeners don't have to sit dead center.
BassMixedThe 8-inch ported woofer delivers real low end for the size, but several owners find it boomy near walls or in small rooms.
Tonal balanceCriticisedCritics describe the sound as colored and bass-heavy rather than flat or neutral.

Questions and answers

Do the Bose 301-V speakers need a subwoofer?: No. The 8-inch ported woofer gives usable bass on its own for music and most TV use. Add a subwoofer only if you want deeper home-theater low end.
What amplifier power do they need?: Bose rates them for 10 to 150 watts into 8 ohms. Almost any stereo receiver or AV receiver in that range will drive them to loud levels.
Can I use them as surround speakers?: Yes, though Bose lists the 161 system as the recommended surround match. The 301-V works as a rear or side speaker if you have the space.
Are they shielded for use near a TV?: No. They are not magnetically shielded, so keep them a foot or more from older CRT televisions to avoid picture distortion.
How big a room do they suit?: They fill small to mid-size rooms well. In large or open rooms, expect to push the volume and possibly add a subwoofer.
What is in the box?: The pair of speakers and the Spatial Dispersion lens. Speaker wire and stands are not included.
Where is the Bose 301-V Stereo Loudspeakers cheapest?: At Amazon, for $789.91, as of our latest check.