Can I piggyback L1 classic cylindrical radiators on to a L1 model S1

Portable PA
1

I have two old Bose systems. L1 classic (2006 - 2007) and a L1 model II.

The L1 classic has failed - no power at all. Online research tells me it is no longer supported for repair by Bose.

Would it be a good or bad idea to wire the tower to my L1 model II, and how would I do this? (I’d like to use the L1 classic amp simply as a stand for the tower).

If not, are there any other ways the perfectly good tower could be used?

Thanks!

2

Hello swervinmervin,

 

The towers have a different impedance, as the Classic had three amps in it, one for each tower section and one for the bass module(s).  The Model II has one amp for both tower sections, and one for the bass module(s).  Adding any more speakers to a Model II that is impedance-matched for its tower sections and bass would probably overdrive or damage its internal amplifiers.  So overall, I'd say "bad idea".

 

Some ideas for you:

  • From time to time, I have heard of users looking just for towers, who had their towers stolen without the base.
  • On rare occasions, I've seen eBay listings for people selling the base only, because their towers were stolen or damaged.
  • I have seen an eBay listing for a someone who adds a standard speakon jack to L1 tower sections, so they can be used with standard power amps.  Of course, this is a non-Bose-recommended alteration.
  • Search eBay for "Bose L1 Model 1 I Classic PS1 Power Stand Repair Service".  This is not a Bose authorized service center.

Does that help?

 

3

Thanks Fish-54. That is all very useful information to work with.

I have an unauthorized repair guy looking at it to see if he can fix the problem. If not I’ll go for one of the other options you mentioned.

Thank you!

4

Hi Fish-54,

I opted to get the tower set up as a speaker column with a 1/4 inch jack. What amp specifications would be safe to run them on?

Thanks for your help.

 

5

Hello again swervinmervin,

 

The L1 Classic had three amps in it, one for the top section, one for the bottom section, and one for the bass module(s).  The three amps were identical, each supplying 250 watts.  Each tower section was driven independently by one of the amps, 250W at 4 ohms.  The B1 bass modules would draw 125 watts at 8 ohms (one connected) or 250 at 4 ohms (two connected.)

 

When they switched to the Model 1, the tower sections were changed to 8 ohm speakers, both driven by the same 250 watt amp, making it 4 ohms for the two towers as a unit.

 

Does that help?

6

Hi Fish-54, Thanks for answer. Exactly the info I need. I totally missed that you had answered. So apologies for the late acknowledgement.