Best Buy Ratings and Reviews

Best Buy Ratings and Reviews

Customer Reviews for Bose® 301® Series V Direct/Reflecting® Speaker System - Black

Bose® 301® Series V Direct/Reflecting® Speaker System - Black

Model: 301 V
SKU: 4746449
UPC: 017817305518
Bose's best bookshelf speakers are updated to provide an even more spacious, natural listening experience. They're great for stereo, or as a front- or rear-channel solution for home theater. Learn more about Bose products and proprietary technologies in our Bose Store.
Average Customer Rating:
4.727 out of 5
4.7
 out of 
5
(33 Reviews) 33
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Snapshot 33 reviews
5 stars
27
4 stars
5
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
1
94% of customers would recommend this product to a friend 
(
31 out of 33
)
Customer Questions & Answers:
7 Questions | 11 Answers
Customer Reviews for Bose® 301® Series V Direct/Reflecting® Speaker System - Black
Review 1 for Bose® 301® Series V Direct/Reflecting® Speaker System - Black

Quality sound reproduction

Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: KeithP333
from Everett, WA
on 05/26/2012
What's great about it: The Bose sound is deivered as advertised
What's not so great: Routing the speaker wire through the only floor stands designed for them.
I use these for surround speakers--I have 2 pair, a surround left/right and surround back left/right. The sound is full and complements my Klipsch front left/right and Energy center speaker. Truly HDMI theatre-quality sound. This product should satisfy any audiophile like me.
This product has... Good build quality
About me... Audiophile
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
Review 2 for Bose® 301® Series V Direct/Reflecting® Speaker System - Black

Great for movies & Music

Customer Rating
4.0 out of 5
4.0
Posted by: ChavoDelOcho
from San Antonio
on 04/23/2012
Value for Price
4.0 out of 5
4.0
Sound Quality
4.0 out of 5
4.0
Appearance
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Power
4.0 out of 5
4.0
What's great about it: Look nice & sound good
What's not so great: Compression can be annoying
I've had these speakers for two months now and am pleased with them. I use it for movies and music. They had nice balanced sound. I compared them to the other models at the store and kept coming back to these. My only complaint about Bose speakers is that they have a compressed sound with certain songs. Not all of them. This usually happens with songs that have an intro with few instruments or mostly highs with no bass. When the rest of the band/drums/bass enter you can hear the volume drop dramatically when the compression kicks in. I just turn it up again and it sounds great. I've noticed this with their desktop speakers as well. I'm sure this is done to protect the speakers from blowing out. I am satisfied with these speakers and do recommend you at least check them out to see if they are right for you. If you like to crank you speakers really loud they are probably not for you.
This product has... Right size for my space, Easy to set up, Good build quality
About me... Audiophile, Tech savvy, musician
I would recommend this to a friend!
-1point
0out of 1found this review helpful.
Review 3 for Bose® 301® Series V Direct/Reflecting® Speaker System - Black

Nice sense of presence

Customer Rating
4.0 out of 5
4.0
Posted by: EarCritic
from Florida
on 01/29/2012
Value for Price
4.0 out of 5
4.0
Sound Quality
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Appearance
3.0 out of 5
3.0
Power
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Typical of Bose, the highs could sparkle a bit more without hissing. Excellent midrange and acceptable bass for the size.
This product has... Right size for my space, Easy to set up, Good build quality
About me... Audiophile
I would recommend this to a friend!
+1point
2out of 3found this review helpful.
Review 4 for Bose® 301® Series V Direct/Reflecting® Speaker System - Black

Bose is the way to go

Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: uncledv
from Wisconsin
on 01/19/2012
Value for Price
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Sound Quality
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Appearance
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Power
5.0 out of 5
5.0
What's great about it: Superior sound
What's not so great: Nothing
I bought these speakers for a family room that is 15x24. These mid size speakers handle this room very well. I only use these two speakers for my system and they sound great. These Bose speakers make it sound like there are more speakers in the room. They may cost a bit more than other speakers but definitely worth it.
This product has... Right size for my space, Easy to set up, Good build quality
About me... Tech savvy
I would recommend this to a friend!
+2points
3out of 4found this review helpful.
Review 5 for Bose® 301® Series V Direct/Reflecting® Speaker System - Black

bose 301s, been around forever

Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: Bobbster
from clarksville ,tn
on 08/24/2011
Value for Price
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Sound Quality
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Appearance
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Power
5.0 out of 5
5.0
What's great about it: budget speaker at it best, and has stood the test of time.
What's not so great: at this price, nothing unless you are a negative person always looking for fault.( just listen to the music)
Bose comes and goes. People bash them, People love them. When it comes to the 301s you realy cant say anything bad about them. They have been out there for years and years. I think I have owned every series there was. My son uses a pair of series 3 I handed down to him. Still sounds like new after 20 years. Just bought a new McIntosh MA 6600 ,MCD301 source unit. audio quest cables and speakers wires. and last B@W 805s with stands. got everything the same day but the speakers. I just had to order the ones with the takes forever finish to come end. Almost broke after all this.( Saved for almost 10 years for this kid in a candy store day) Stopped my best buy looking at movies ,I saw the 301s sitting the shelf for 300 dollars. oooww. I will just buy these and return them when my speakers come in. I hooked them up and was amazed with the sound they put out, they are no 805s put they handled ther own, I was very happy with them and got to play with my equipment until my other speakers arrived. When it came to return them I didnt, I now have them in my home office hooked to a old pioneer sx 1010 and they just keep playing. I will have them for years to come and hand them down to somebody else. Grand kids. unless they have some kind of inplanted ipods are something in there head by then. LOL
I would recommend this to a friend!
-1point
3out of 7found this review helpful.
Review 6 for Bose® 301® Series V Direct/Reflecting® Speaker System - Black

BOSE 301 series V = best bookshelf speaker

Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: musicpeson
from seattle
on 04/05/2011
Value for Price
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Sound Quality
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Appearance
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Power
5.0 out of 5
5.0
What's great about it: everything
What's not so great: nothing
Small package but huge sound. DO NOT LISTEN to bose bashers, they do not know what they talking about???????????. the bose 301 produces amazing sound, really crips and clear at high volume, it is better than all the all the speaker out there cost two or three times at much. it has very nice feature like" Automatic protection circuitry prevents drivers from being overdriven and provides increased reliability while minimizing interference with the listening experience". therefore, those bose speakers will last for ever while all the other brand speakers do not have that kind of nice feature, that is why they will not last for long. there are a lot of high technology inside these bose speaker. i would buy these speakers again if mine broke up.the bose 301 series v is perfectly for music even for movie.they are perfet for who love KARAOKE too. it is also really affordable price. everybody can buy it. thanks a lot MR. BOSE. keep up your good work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I would recommend this to a friend!
+3points
8out of 13found this review helpful.
Review 7 for Bose® 301® Series V Direct/Reflecting® Speaker System - Black

great speaker for phantom surrond effect

Customer Rating
4.0 out of 5
4.0
Posted by: jb2ww
from herculaneum, mo
on 02/19/2011
Value for Price
4.0 out of 5
4.0
Sound Quality
4.0 out of 5
4.0
Appearance
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Power
5.0 out of 5
5.0
What's great about it: sound effect
What's not so great: paper cone drivers
I don't use rear surround speakers so I replaced my Infinity RS2 100 watt 6.5" poly cone bass with a 1/2" horn tweeter. I figured with the Bose 301's I could get a better phantom surround effect. It did improve on that aspect. I think my Infinity speakers had a bit better mid to high sound due to the poly cone speakers but they required a subwoofer. The Bose have paper cones so some audio produces a somewhat small muffled sound at high power. I lower the bass level on my Yamaha RX-V367 100 watt per channel receiver and use my 60 watt 8" subwoofer (which is a bit underpowered for the Bose's). I adjust the receiver's subwoofer setting higher but eventually I will replace the subwoofer with a more powerful one to better match the 301's. With my Yamaha 100 watt center speaker (very nice high audio) I now have a better sound setup for movies&sports and my music still sounds great, especially smooth jazz.
I would recommend this to a friend!
-9points
0out of 9found this review helpful.
Review 8 for Bose® 301® Series V Direct/Reflecting® Speaker System - Black

wow great speaker !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: speakersclub
from seattle wa
on 02/11/2011
Value for Price
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Sound Quality
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Appearance
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Power
5.0 out of 5
5.0
What's great about it: excellent sound
What's not so great: nothing
veryyyyy strong, and clear sound even when the volume turns to high position. buy it. you will not disappoint!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
3out of 6found this review helpful.
Review 9 for Bose® 301® Series V Direct/Reflecting® Speaker System - Black

Its BOSE, need i say more...

Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: ksmoo
from Dallas, TX
on 01/28/2011
Value for Price
4.0 out of 5
4.0
Sound Quality
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Appearance
4.0 out of 5
4.0
Power
5.0 out of 5
5.0
What's great about it: Sound quality
What's not so great: n/a
Great power, great bass, and awesome sound overall!!! They go well with my Bose surround speaker system.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+3points
3out of 3found this review helpful.
Review 10 for Bose® 301® Series V Direct/Reflecting® Speaker System - Black

301's Deliver Great Sound !

Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: OrangeDog2010
from South Georgia
on 12/24/2010
Value for Price
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Sound Quality
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Appearance
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Power
5.0 out of 5
5.0
What's great about it: Everything
What's not so great: Nothing to report
I have been using my Bose 301's for about one month now and I am amazed each time I turn my receiver on. The sound is phenomenal, and better than anything I have ever heard. As stated in another review, when playing music I am also hearing things in songs that I did not know were there before!
The bass sound from the 301’s was acceptable, (but I wanted "more bass" for gaming, movies, etc.) so I purchased an 8” subwoofer which complements my setup very well. I also ordered the Bose speaker stands to raise the 301's off the floor and it does make a difference!
Lastly, all and all I wish I had purchased these 301’s years ago. I am simply amazed with the Bose sound quality.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+10points
10out of 10found this review helpful.
Review 11 for Bose® 301® Series V Direct/Reflecting® Speaker System - Black

Perfect for music. Great for movies.

Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: jtrick8806
from Dayton, OH
on 08/07/2010
Value for Price
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Sound Quality
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Appearance
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Power
4.0 out of 5
4.0
What's great about it: Can't be beaten for the money.
What's not so great: If anything, the size. They are a bit large for the space I have, but I suppose that's necessary for sound quality.
I've been using my 301's for about a week now, and I'm still stunned each time I use them. The depth of the sound is better than anything I've ever experienced. I'm hearing things in songs that I didn't know was there before! The bass is what you would expect from speakers this size, not extremely powerful, but nice. I also purchased a Klipsch 8" subwoofer, and it compliments the 301's very well. Feels like I'm in a movie theater when I'm watching movies.
To get the most out of these speakers, buy a nice receiver to power them.
I would recommend this to a friend!
 
Other Best Buy Products I Recommend
 
Onkyo 700W 7.2-Ch. 3D Through A/V Home Theater Receiver
4.1 out of 5(16)
 
 
 
 
 
+5points
5out of 5found this review helpful.
Review 12 for Bose® 301® Series V Direct/Reflecting® Speaker System - Black

Quality In/Quality Out

Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: renojd
from Chicago,Il.
on 08/03/2010
Value for Price
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Sound Quality
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Appearance
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Power
5.0 out of 5
5.0
What's great about it: Everything
What's not so great: Nothing
I purchased two pairs of the Bose 301 Bookshelf Speakers and needless to say I am not disappointed. This is the first Bose product I have purchased and its obvious that quality went into their design and quality sound is what comes out. They are hooked up to a Yamaha Stereo receiver in a 13'x13' bedroom and the sound is clear & crisp.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+6points
6out of 6found this review helpful.
Review 13 for Bose® 301® Series V Direct/Reflecting® Speaker System - Black

Great sound!

Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: Studgod
from Valdez, Alaska
on 07/25/2010
Value for Price
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Sound Quality
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Appearance
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Power
5.0 out of 5
5.0
These speakers are great! You get surprisingly good bass out of them!
I would recommend this to a friend!
-2points
1out of 4found this review helpful.
Review 14 for Bose® 301® Series V Direct/Reflecting® Speaker System - Black

Excellent value for money

Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: Naresh
from Aurora, IL
on 04/14/2009
Value for Price
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Sound Quality
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Appearance
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Power
5.0 out of 5
5.0
What's great about it: For the price and it's size this speaker delivers excellent sound
I have used this speaker pair along with Bose surround and Center speakers for my home theatre for over 5 years and the overall effect is fantastic considering that all the 5 speakers together costed me under $700.
When listening to music I use only the Bose 301's without the surround or center speakers and they sound terrific. It reproduces a rich output of high frequencies as well as a sharp deep bass. I powered them through a basic Yamaha 5.1 rcvr.
If you are on a budget I would definitely recommend these speakers whether its for audio listening or to be used with a home theater arrangement.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+6points
6out of 6found this review helpful.
Review 15 for Bose® 301® Series V Direct/Reflecting® Speaker System - Black

Awesome

Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: Javis60
from Grandville, MI
on 04/02/2009
Value for Price
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Sound Quality
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Appearance
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Power
5.0 out of 5
5.0
What's great about it: Huge, movie theater sound
What's not so great: Setting them up is confusing at first, makes other speakers you have obsolete
First off (really important with these), you need to make sure the tweeter in the front is pointing directly at your sitting area, or the sound will "miss" you. These things rock, brings out little nauces I couldnt hear with my 200 dollar philps sound system. <yikes. These things are big too!. If you have junkie speakers that are accompanying these, their sound will be over powered and hidden. Also, make sure your reciever puts out at least 100w per channel for solid bass and loud sound. Get the floor stands, they are alot more versitile than putting them on the wall. I have the wall mounts too and all they do is make the speaker lay flat on the wall. My wall area wasnt big enough so the tweeters were past my listening area and i was "missing" the sound. You'll know when that happens. Have fun :)
I would recommend this to a friend!
+3points
4out of 5found this review helpful.
Review 16 for Bose® 301® Series V Direct/Reflecting® Speaker System - Black

Very Nice Speakers

Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: InfiniteT
from Seattle
on 03/03/2009
Value for Price
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Sound Quality
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Appearance
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Power
5.0 out of 5
5.0
What's great about it: Top Notch
I have an older pair of the series 4 for several years now and love them. they are now used downstairs in my dining room. These series 5's took over on my main entertainment system> They are great. The sould is very clear and crisp. Very defined clear highs and nice tight bass. Thier styling looks good and is well designed for great sound coverage. If i use just the two speakers and the sub, i still get incredible sound with a "surrounding" effect. When i listen to music, I use it that way. As long as you have a good amp and source, you will hear things you never heared before in the lower end sets. Low or even high volumes, it makes no difference in quality.
If you are looking for top shelf performance without shelling out thousands, there are a good choice and make a solid set of fronts in a surround system.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+5points
5out of 5found this review helpful.
Review 17 for Bose® 301® Series V Direct/Reflecting® Speaker System - Black

Excellent Excellent Sound

Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: Bread25
from Norfolk, VA
on 02/26/2009
Value for Price
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Sound Quality
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Appearance
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Power
5.0 out of 5
5.0
What's great about it: Under $300! No Brainer!
What's not so great: Nothing
I have owned these speakers for over a year now and have not been dissapointed. I actually purchased another pair since to improve on an already excellent sound. The speakers were broke in, in a matter of hours of play out of the box. A Sony receiver is being used with 100 watts going to each speaker. I cannot turn the system past half-way due to the LOUD, CRISP, CLEAR Bose sound. It can handle much more than your ears can. Buy them.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+2points
2out of 2found this review helpful.
Review 18 for Bose® 301® Series V Direct/Reflecting® Speaker System - Black

Very impressed!!!

Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: cbmuzik
from Wash, DC
on 02/13/2009
What's great about it: Sound quality HUGE in a small package.
What's not so great: nothing at all
I don't understand the Bose bashers, but I am thoroughly impressed with the sound quality these speakers put out in such a small package. I just threw away modified house speakers I had hooked up to a 300 watt HT amp that has A-B outputs...and for those who fault Bose 301's on the HT experience, this is where you're going wrong. This speaker system is not intended to pick up 5.1 signals or beyond and compensate for that sound. BUT, I will tell you this much, if you have them running along side your surround sound (which is usually in your A speaker slot), GET RID OF YOUR SUBWOOFER! You will NOT need it! The bottom in this little monster is nuts! I have nothing but positive feedback on this speaker system. If you have not bought Bose, this is an excellent entry level system to try. Please do NOT try and run these out of a cheap unit!
I would recommend this to a friend!
+1point
2out of 3found this review helpful.
Review 19 for Bose® 301® Series V Direct/Reflecting® Speaker System - Black

Best Sound for the Money

Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: Spencer1
from York, PA
on 12/21/2008
Value for Price
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Sound Quality
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Appearance
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Power
5.0 out of 5
5.0
What's great about it: Stands up to the Bose Sound Quality!
I took my last pair of Bose to the very end, nearly 30 years of great sound. I temporarily was using a packaged bookshelf system but when I got the flat screen, it was time to enhance the sound. I have a small room so I had to be particular. The sales help at Best Buy was knowledgeable. I compared this to the Klipsch in the same price range. In the store there was no comparison, great full rich sound mith enhanced bass. When I got home, the sound was even better. I like to listen to satellite music and the sound is as if I'm in the studio. Now, with the surrond sound TV, this has even enhanced the quality of watching TV. You can't go wrong with these speakers!
I would recommend this to a friend!
+2points
2out of 2found this review helpful.
Review 20 for Bose® 301® Series V Direct/Reflecting® Speaker System - Black

Improving on the best

Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: sthsquid
from CT
on 11/05/2008
Value for Price
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Sound Quality
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Appearance
4.0 out of 5
4.0
Power
5.0 out of 5
5.0
What's great about it: Rich, complex and warm sound at an affordable price
What's not so great: Nothing I can think of
I am no stranger to Bose 301's, having owned my prior "Series 1" pair for nearly 28 years. In that time I never considered another speaker, although obviously technological improvements have come a long way. When my left speaker finally started to distort (due to a basic disintegration of the paper speaker backing), I didn’t have to even think twice.
A few weeks prior to this, I had replaced my amplifier and had an opportunity to sample several nice speakers of other brands. Some were unimpressive, others sounded great. But none for the money can touch the 301, in my opinion. It’s superior to everything in it’s price range and often outclasses speakers costing 2 or 3 times as much.
The Bose “sound” is not for everyone. The Direct/Reflective technology fills the room with sound, so the music has less ”sterility” to it, which is preferred by some. These newest 301’s (I believe Series 5’s) have improved quite a bit over my old pair. A third rear-firing tweeter no doubt has contributed to a better “separation of sound”, which, if the old 301’s had a fault, would be it. The bass also has better warmth, realism and “depth”, but without that punchy, “cheesey” quality. In short, if you have an older generation of Bose, you will love these. Finally, don’t be taken in by “audiophile snobbery” which implies that because Bose is now sold in "mainstream" stores such as Best Buy, they make in inferior product. Nothing could be further from the truth – the Bose people know sound and have once again proved it.
You can’t go wrong with the 301’s.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+2points
2out of 2found this review helpful.
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