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Writer's pictureCraig Whitaker

Why are some older Bose speakers not compatible with the new Bose SA-5 amplifiers?


Many people today are upgrading their older Bose Home Entertainment systems to be compatible in today’s world of streaming music and video and 4K video. In most cases, most existing speakers and wiring can be used for the upgrade. Simply upgrading your Bose Lifestyle console and bass module and any music expansion amplifiers will bring your system into today’s digital world. However if your Bose system is 20 years old or older, there is a good chance your existing speakers cannot be used with SA-5 amplifiers or the new Lifestyle console. The reason is those older speakers used 1.2 ohm speaker drivers and today’s amplifiers are designed for 4-8 ohm speakers. Bad things happen when the speakers don’t match the amplifier. Examples of 1.2 ohm speakers are Bose102SE speakers, Bose 102 FR speakers, and the 1.2 ohm version of the Bose 151 and model 32 speakers. If you have 1.2 ohm speakers, you can either replace the speakers or if because of design considerations, replace the internal speaker drivers. If you would like to learn what would be needed to upgrade your system, please visit our website and schedule your Free In Home consultation, www.wbsouth.com.

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