How to use Bose Acoustimass 5 speakers with new 5.1 receiver

SOURCE: bose acoustimass 15 series 1 channel loss

Sounds like you may have a blown output transistor or chip, which generally show no external signs of damage. This would take an experienced technician to find and fix, and I commend you for knowing to check the speakers, receiver and cables through substitution! If you're handy with a soldering iron and can find the parts, try replacing the output transistors or chips in question. These are what usually fail in audio power amplifiers - also check any power resistors for opens - some of them are designed to act as fuses to protect the more expensive components.

SOURCE: latest model surround receiver for bose 901 speakers VI

I can think of no reason any amp pushing 120 watts would not work with 901-VI's. They're very efficent and will probably play louder and cleaner than you would ever need. As I recall, my old series IV's have no maximum amplifier rating specified, but I did blow up a bridged Carver M-400 Cube (pushing 400 watts to one speaker with a DVD-Audio of Yes - Fragile cranked dangerously high) with them. I'm convinced my speakers are indestructible in any home application.

Keep in mind that whatever you decide to use as your control/amplifier section, a pair of 901's need a dedicated stereo amplifier. I suspect you're thinking surround sound so a receiver with separable preamp/amp channels, due to the Activbe EQ, would be needed and as far as I know they don't exist. A separate stereo amp for the 901's was my solution. I run a Carver AV-406 (5-channel amp) for my 901's in Front, 2 Subwoofers and the Rear Surround channel, with the Active EQ between the receiver and the 901's amp channels. My receiver controls everything and just drives the Center and Surrounds.

Modest amps would work but at very loud volumes may go into clipping, which is bad for any speaker. 120 clean watts is good. I'm using only 110W for mine.

A Carver M-200 is a fine, efficient amplifier that would have you cooking just fine (2x100W).

SOURCE: Need longer ribbon speaker wire for Acoustimass 16

I have the same question. I just called Bose at 1-877-210-3782 (prompt 6) and they have two solutions:

1. 20 foot Input extension - $25
2. Input adaptor - $12 (you can run your own speaker cable to the input adaptor)

SOURCE: bose speaker connection

The Bose systems are SYSTEMS for a very good reason. They're made for people who want good sound but don't want to manipulate the hardware much. The speakers and amps are designed for each other ONLY, not only electrically but through soundshaping to provide the smooth final result. The design is for you to feed the electronics a Line Level source and the magic and distribution happens internally. These are NOT mix 'n' match components. The special connectors are a clue. The Yamaha will probably blow them up if you manage to succeed with your plan.

SOURCE: Bose audio input receiver cable 15 pin

You can buy it on ebay but it's cheaper just to make one. If you can solder, all you need is a female 15-pin d-type connector and a bunch of speaker wire. Here is a diagram of the connections.