Placing Your Floorstanding and Bookshelf Speakers

901® DIRECT/REFLECTING® speaker system

When you place your 901® speakers according to the guidelines discussed here, sound energy reflects off the walls in a pattern that provides a good stereo image throughout the room. DIRECT/REFLECTING® speakers are designed to produce the proper balance of reflected and direct sound energy to approach concert hall realism in your home.

Your 901® speakers perform best when there is space around the cabinets, allowing the sound to flow freely. It can then reflect off nearby walls to create a wide, transparent stereo image. Hard materials – wood, brick, glass and panelling – reflect sound very effectively. Upholstered furnishings and heavy drapes are more sound absorbent. The acoustics of your room will have a significant effect on the sound reproduced by your speakers.

Follow these guidelines to select locations that best use the properties of the DIRECT/REFLECTING® speakers:

1. For good stereo separation, place the speakers 1.2m to 3.6m apart along one wall of your room. For the LIFESTYLE® 901® music system, place the powered speaker on the left side as you face the speakers, within reach of an electrical outlet, and the accessory speaker on the right side.
2. Aim the V-shaped rear panel of each speaker toward the wall behind it. Do not aim the V toward a corner. Ideally, place the tip of the V between 20cm and 45cm from the back wall. Do not place the speaker closer than 20cm from the wall.
3. Place the speakers 45cm to 120cm from the side walls.
4. Place the speakers at least 60cm or more from any sound-absorbent furnishings.
5. Place the speakers 45cm to 91cm from the floor or ceiling. Do not place the speakers exactly halfway between the floor and ceiling.             

Bookshelf speakers

1. Place the left and right speakers (marked on the back of each one) on the end wall on the left and right sides of your room, 1.2m to 3.6m apart.
2. Choose a stable and level surface for each speaker and attach the self-adhesive rubber feet to prevent the speakers from sliding.
3. Leave at least 30cm of space from the end of a speaker to the side wall, and at least 45cm from the speakers to the floor or ceiling. Avoid placing the speakers exactly halfway between the floor and ceiling.
4. Keep the back of the speakers no more than 45cm from the wall behind them.
5. For best performance, leave at least 60cm from the speakers to any TV screens or monitors.
6. Do not place the speakers in a vertical position.             

Custom-designed wall brackets and floorstands for your BOSE® bookshelf speakers are available from your local BOSE® dealer. Click here to find your closest BOSE® dealer.