1. Versatile speakers for music and movies
2. Use in bookshelf or wall-mount applications
3. Articulated Array® speaker design

Customer Review :

This is not plug and play

I bought these for a friend (with his cash ;))because they sounded as if all you need to do is plug them in and enjoy great sound. THINK AGAIN. Oh, you mean you don't have 18 gauge speaker wire laying around the house or perhaps you will need the 16 gauge if its more than a 30 foot run. How about an amplifier? BOX OF THESE ARE REQUIRED!
All I want to do is plug this into my damn cable box and enjoy. Why does life have to be so complicated.
This sucks and is going right back to amazon.
I got Bosed.
you can find the real bose manual here: [...]

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Gary's review for Den speakers

BOSE speakers are hard to beat. These speakers (BOSE 161's) are fairly easy to hookup but the mounts supplied could be improved.Speaker wire with a gage of 16 is hard to insert into speaker so any heavier would be a challenge. I am using these speakers for my surround rear channels with an ONKYO receiver. I have always liked the sound quality of BOSE. These speakers were matched with BOSE center speaker V series along with BOSE 701's.

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Happy customer

I have long been an owner of a set of older bookshelf speakers. In fact the ones I have now, I have had for about 12 years and they replaced the ones I bought in college 40 years ago. The two had moved to the bedroom and were not doing the dolby 5.1 system justice. So with these two 161s and a Bose VCS-10 center channel speaker, the 48" 1080p wall screen is well supported by the five (5) jamming Bose speakers. Life is good! Boycott BP

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Very Happy

I am very happy with these rear surround speakers from Bose. they sound great, look great, and were very easy to mount on the wall. Highly recommend this product

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Bose 161 - They Fit

Overall these speakers are decent. But as others have written, you need a subwoofer to use them as bookshelf/main speakers. As stand alones, you will be disappointed, especially in a larger than average room. You can't realistically expect speakers this size to pump out measurable bass.

I needed small speakers that would fit in my living room entertainment center. I had Polk TSI100 speakers (which sound very good for their size), but the rear bass port on those would rattle the back of my ent. center, so I had to look elsewhere. I found these and paired them with a wireless Polk (PSWi225) subwoofer (which I'd also highly recommend) and the setup sounds very good (after tweaking the settings a bit). Music sounds very good, movies are acceptable (not great)...but I don't have a 5.1 or better system...just the 161s and the sub.

Like others have written, there are probably better speakers out there, I'm sure...but these meet my needs (and I'm picky), especially for the price. Add a subwoofer ($200) and you've got yourself a perfectly acceptable system for a reasonable price.

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More reviews...

1. Six piece surround sound package that includes 2 front and 2 surround speakers, 1 center-channel speaker, and 1 subwoofer
2. Satellite and center-channel speakers utilize 3.25-inch polymer-composite cone drivers for distortion-free midrange
3. Features 0.5-inch silk and polymer-composite dome tweeter in each satellite speakers
4. Subwoofer utilizes an eight-inch long-throw dynamic-balance poly-composite driver for longer driver excursion and better linearity
5. Satellite and center-channel speakers can accommodate 6.1 or 7.1 channel systems

Editorial Review :

Introducing a complete home theater audio solution for people who crave true cinema excitement without breaking the bank.âthe RM6750. The integrated Power Port Bass Vent designed right onto the back of the compact Satellite & Center Channel speakers-the same technology used in full-sized Polk Audio speakers-improves lower midrange response and all-important sub/sat blending, taking the RM6750 beyond the performance realm of any other sub/sat system in this price range. This integrated design reveals midrange with no âholeâ in the frequencies between the sats and the sub, for male vocals that are rich and full-not thin and weak like other sub/sat systems. The RM6750 comes with its own subwoofer module, an 8 inch long throw driver and high current power amplifier for real ground-shaking bass thrills. The RM6750 features: Satellites utilize a 3-1/4 inch (8.25cm) Polymer composite cone driver: lightweight and efficient, for clear, distortion-free midrange. The center speaker uses two of the same high quality drivers for even greater output capability. Integrated baffle and grille design allows maximum sound dispersion with minimum diffraction for superior imaging and room-filling sound. Everyone in the room hears clear, well-balanced sound. High performance 1/2 inch (12mm) Silk Dome Tweeters for superior imaging and smooth highs. Mineral-filled Polypropylene Enclosures are non-resonant for great looks and natural sound. Satellites available in either Black or Titanium finish (Subwoofer is always easy-to-hide black) Individual satellites available to accommodate 6.1 or 7.1 channel systems. Integrated Keyhole Slot wall mounting brackets (two Keyhole Slots on Center Channel Speaker) allow for easy wall mounting, with no extra brackets or wall mounts to buy; threaded inserts accept popular articulating brackets (sold separately). The Subwoofer, in a compact ported enclosure, features a

Customer Review :

Great low budget home theater speakers!

I'm not an audiophile by any means, but these speakers suit me well. I set out looking for a set of speakers in the 200-300 range and was let down by the choices. One of my friends spotted this one on Ebay and after comparing the specs to other sets in the same price range, I felt it was worth giving these a shot. Thankfully, Amazon was even cheaper then Ebay!

Here's my setup: Samsung LN-46B750 46" LCD, Sony STR-DH810 7.1 receiver, and these speakers. I'm running various components through the receiver via HDMI and/or optical audio, including a PS3 for bluray, Xbox 360 for gaming, and a home built HTPC for high definition TV and movie downloads. My living room probably isn't even 15'x15' so it's quite small. I really only needed this 5.1 set, instead of a 7.1 set for the size of my living room.

On first plug in, I auto calibrated with the Sony receiver to all flat settings. I actually haven't even tweaked it much since then as out of the box (and out of the calibration), these speakers sounded great! The powered subwoofer is a big plus and a big part of why I picked this set over others. I keep my bass at around 35-40% and it's nice and deep.

These speakers are pretty high quality, and much nicer then home theater in a box speaker sets you can purchase at Best Buy for around the same price. I was actually blown away by the sheer weight of the components when I first received the box.

I don't have any real complaints about the setup. For the price, these speakers are great. I will note that I plan to upgrade the two front speakers to a higher quality set and possibly move the current speakers to create a 7.1 setup. Don't get me wrong, these speakers are great for home theaters, but my setup is home theater / home audio... So the front speakers leave a little to be desired in a music scenario.

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robbm

These speakers replace large older speaker in a classroom. Much better: good sound, smaller, works well with receiver and DVD for presentations.

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After used and abused they still sound great!

I have had this set of speakers for about 3 years now and they still sound as great the day I bought them. I have played video games, blue ray discs almost 4-5 times a week with intense volume; they still sound amazing. My parents have the larger version of these speakers but I think mine sound even better. Best bang for your buck!

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Very pleased! Great looking/sounding system!

First of all, I'm extermely picky. I have to have the best, which usually means that I spend the most money to get the best model with whatever it may be that I'm purchasing. With that said, I'm VERY pleased with the sound from this system, especially the sub! Honestly, I don't know why anyone would want a bigger sub- this 8" speaker puts out crystal-clear, BIG-TIME bass! I'm so glad that I didn't spend more money for something bigger and "better." This system WILL fill any household/theater room. Please believe me on this. The only con is with the flimsy mesh covers, but I don't intend on ever taking them off so it's not a big deal. Save yourself some money and buy this quality product.

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Sounds good!

These speakers give a lot of sound for the $$$! I was trying to find something that was good, but not too much money and these really do the job perfect. I would highly reccommend!

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More reviews...

1. Versatile speakers for music and movies
2. Use in bookshelf or wall-mount applications
3. Articulated Array® speaker design

Customer Review :

Great compact speakers with great sound

I have used these speakers before in a big hall and have set them up in another building. The sound is great... the only thing that we need now is a great mic.

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Great Speakers

I used them as a rear speaker to replace my old cambridge junk. Sound great and it covers the whole room. It was a good price too.

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bose 161

they're bose.Sound great as rears for my surround sound.The white is almost invisable.Would highly recomend!

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nice

Great little speakers for the price. I got them in white, and when mounted on the wall you hardly notice them.

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Haven't used yet

I bought these speakers with the intent of using them now, but plans change. I am going to have to wait to use them, hence the 3 star rating. But, Bose has a good reputation anyway, as far as I know. The delivery was on time, so no complaints there. Sorry I have no no other info at this point.

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More reviews...

1. In the 4th series of this outstandingly popular speaker system, the left and right channel drivers are less than 4 high and direct the middle and upper ranges of the audio spectrum with exceptional clarity, definition and realism
2. The Acoustimass Module uses one 5.25 ported bass driver that accurately delivers lower frequencies with dimensional depth (without the annoying rumble associated with lesser speakers)
3. The result, when connected to your stereo system or amplifier (not included), is unbounded realism and distinctive stereo reproduction that is totally faithful to the original recording
4. The Acoustimass Module is compact and fits virtually anywhere in your room while the Satellite speakers are so compact they're barely noticeable
5. Sound is heard and not seen -- the overall experience is pure ecstacy!

Customer Review :

Bose quality is hard to beat

An old-school audiophile, I was doubtful about those tiny cubes making decent quality sound. After all, my last speakers used Altec-Lansing Voice of the Theater components in massive, corner relecting cabinets.

What a pleasant surprise. The Bose units deliver very acceptable sound quality. As a bonus, the units are so small they practially disappear where I've installed them in my Library/Media room. These speakers will not compete against the very highest audiophile gear. However, for the price, I'm quite satisfied with their performance.

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Good Little Speakers

I needed some small, wife-approved speakers for the living room. We have an entertainment system in the basement but I wanted the ability to play music on the main floor of our house. These speakers are very small but sound great for the size. You won't mistake them for big full-range towers.

1. These require a stereo receiver / amp.
2. The speakers hook up just like regular speakers. Wires are included.
3. The sub-woofer is passive - it doesn't need AC power.


Rating :

Don't buy this to hook directly to an HDTV

I bought a new HDTV and Blu-Ray player, and thought I'd add some great speakers to make it sound really good. I don't have a stereo, and thought that all I'd have to do is plug these in and they'd work. I was wrong.

When I first opened the package, I noticed that it came with four speaker wires...and none of the standard RCA jacks, or any other connections for that matter. I got it hooked up, and was ready to plug it in, but couldn't find any connections on the back of the Blu-Ray player or TV to plug them into. I went to Home Depot and Best Buy to find an appropriate cable, and was told by two of the employees at Best Buy that I couldn't hook it up directly...I would need a stereo receiver or amplifier...and ironically I just donated my old Denon receiver to charity...I had no use for it.

When I asked how much a receiver is, they said the least expensive one they have is $229. That's more than I just paid for the speakers!

I wish I'd done more research, but frankly I didn't ever expect that it wouldn't be "plug and play" and didn't even know what questions to ask. (As a Mac person, I guess I just assume you plug things together and they just work...) I feel bad giving it a "2" rating, but it's more for the fact that the receiver requirement isn't listed anywhere in the product description. I would encourage Amazon to provide that information to customers.

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excellent sound, out of sight, good value

I really like these Bose speakers. I use them for my home theater as well as for listening to music, and the sound coming out of them is rich, warm, clean, and loud, especially considering their small size. I'm powering them with a Sony STR-DH100 receiver which I bought for $130 on Amazon, and I believe this is a good pairing. At the current price, these are also excellent value, which is a odd thing to be saying about a Bose product, as they are generally known for being over priced.

There are only two caveats to mention. First, the cube speakers sound very directional, so you really need to be in front of them to get the full effect. Secondly, while this system produces a very warm sound, it doesn't do a great job with deep base because the sub-woofer is just too small to hit those lows, and on top of that, it doesn't have its own amp. What this means practically, is that playing songs by the Beatles, or Green Day is going to sound great...but playing something from Bone Thugs in Harmony will sound a bit muted.

One more thing to say. I've had the small cube speakers by my TV for a few years, with the sub-woofer in a corner nearby. My fiance, who's lived with me the whole time, recently found the box (the sub-woofer) sitting in the corner and said, "what's this box doing here, can we throw it out, or move it to a closet?". Funny, but I guess it speaks to the small profile that the system has in your home. She just assumed it was only the two small cube speakers.

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Pretty nice

I purchased these speakers as a way to enhance sound from my tv, xbox, and DVD player. I wasn't looking for HUGE sound, and these speakers are perfect. The quality is great (what you expect from Bose). The only downside is that there isn't a very powerful bass. It's there, but not really doing much. If your looking for enhanced sound for a tv without getting a total he theater, these speakers are great. Also perfect if you just want some extra sound in a small room such as a bedroom.

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More reviews...

1. Versatile bookshelf speakers for music and movies in smaller rooms
2. Direct/Reflecting® speaker technology
3. Stereo Everywhere® speaker performance

Customer Review :

no impressed with the acoustmass system

I figured that anything from bose would be excellent but I have to say that this product is an exception. I have it hooked up to my samsung 55" flat screen lcd tv. One of the most annoying things about this product is that the remote has to be pointed directly at the receiver for it to pick up the command. The bose wave system picks up remote signals from a far wider angle range and you dont have to be right on it but the accustamas isnt made the same way; unfortunately. The sound quality of the speakers seems average but the sub woofer is excellent.

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Try before you buy!!!

Buy these if you must, but before you spend $400 on them, please visit a local stereo shop and hear how much better $400, or $300, or even $200 spent there will sound. Really. I bet you'll find that any decent independent stereo shop will have a multitude of options superior to Bose for equal or less money, and you'll be supporting a locally owned business that will almost certainly offer you vastly better service and advice than that you'll find in a big box store.

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A beautiful Wall of Sound !

I purchased my first Bose Acoustimas 5 System in Europe way back in the 80s around the time when they were first introduced. After 25+ years of reliable service, I decided to retire them and go with another manufacturer's surround sound system(5.1) to compliment my LCD TV. To my ears, the feeling of music on a real sound stage was lost. So, I decided to purchase (2010-July) another Bose Acoustimas 5 system (Version III) to replace the original. Essentially this system is a 2.0 configuration with the woofer box containing the crossover controls and circuit protection. Music has now come alive again ! I have the system in a 20' x 14' room and placed the woofer box in an optimal position. What I have now is mellow base with no booming and minimal resonance. Crisp highs form a wall of sound that envelops me as I listen. Wish they had just a tiny bit more mid range, but thats OK. For movies, I simply set my receiver for virtual surround sound. I've read various reports from people indicating that the speaker components, etc are cheap. My answer to that is I don't care if the sound being produced behind the cloth is from stretched bubble gum ; the only thing that really matters is the sound and product reliability. I highly recommend the system ; just find the sweet spot in your room for the woofer box, tilt the upper reflecting speaker cubes in one of the ways recommended by Bose in the users guide and your set. I have my satellite speakers mounted on the Bose UFS-20 floor stands.

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AWESOME SPEAKERS when used correctly

i bought these and found them to be simply awesome. i know im not going to be believed when i say this but i literally have this system hooked up to a 2 watt per channel rms amplifier i removed from a crap pair of speakers and it gives me a great full sound. it even gets pretty loud so this tells me that these are VERY efficient speakers. again i realize i wont be believed but its true. i have hooked them up to other amps and they still sound amazing. i love these speakers and enjoy using them daily

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RonL

The speakers came with plenty of info for install. Adequate speaker wire. Installation was a snap. And you cannot beat Bose for sound quality.

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More reviews...