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Bose® 161™ speaker system (White)

Item # 018161W

If you didn't know it was from Bose, you might not expect much from this elegant but unassuming little speaker.

If you didn't know it was from Bose, you might not expect much from this elegant but unassuming little speaker.

27 questions - 91 answers

Item # 018161W

Shop all Bose Surround (Rear) Speakers

About the Bose® 161™ speaker system

Barry Montgomery
If you didn't know it was from Bose, you might not expect much from this elegant but unassuming little speaker. But each speaker in the 161™ system packs several patented Bose technologies into its slender cabinet to ensure spacious, ear-pleasing results. The Articulated Array® speaker design houses two angled, full-range 2-1/2" drivers engineered to generate more air movement from a small enclosure than conventional drivers. And Bose's Stereo Everywhere® speaker performance delivers great stereo sound throughout the room, not just in a small "sweet spot" like standard speakers.

If you didn't know it was from Bose, you might not expect much from this elegant but unassuming little speaker. But each speaker in the 161™ system packs several patented Bose technologies into its slender cabinet to ensure spacious, ear-pleasing results. The Articulated Array® speaker design houses two angled, full-range 2-1/2" drivers engineered to generate more air movement from a small enclosure than conventional drivers. And Bose's Stereo Everywhere® speaker performance delivers great stereo sound throughout the room, not just in a small "sweet spot" like standard speakers.

Bose's 161™ system performs as a great set of stereo speakers in smaller rooms — or use the speakers as surrounds in a complete Bose home theater system, with the voice-matched Bose 301® system for the front channels, and the VCS-10® center speaker.

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Product highlights:

  • Two full-range 2-1/2" drivers per speaker
  • recommended power 10-100 watts with receivers rated from 4 to 8 ohms
  • includes mounting brackets
  • ABS enclosure
  • 10-3/4"W x 4-1/4"H x 5"D
  • warranty: 5 years
  • MFR # 27028

What's in the box:

  • 1 White left surround speaker
  • 1 White right surround speaker
  • 2 White brackets (each bracket is composed of a part A and part B)
  • Two 1" machine screws
  • Four 5/8" machine screws
  • 6 Self-adhesive rubber feet
  • Owner's Guide
  • Bose Product Registration & Warranty Information (not for US and Canada)
  • Bose Product Registration and Warranty Information (for US and Canada)
  • "Our Commitment To You" letter

Customer reviews for Bose® 161™ speaker system

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4.5 out of 5 stars
131 reviews

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More details on the Bose® 161™ speaker system

Stacey B.

Features & specs

Enclosure Bass Reflex
Bipole or Dipole No
Tweeter Type ---
Tweeter Size (inches) ---
Midrange size (inches) ---
Woofer size (inches) 2-1/2
Connector Type Spring clip
Power Range 10-100
Sensitivity ---
Impedance (Ohms) 8
Frequency Response ---
Height (inches) 4 1/4
Width (inches) 10 3/4
Depth (inches) 5
Weight (pounds) 4
Wall-mountable ---
Bracket Included Yes
Parts Warranty 5 Years
Labor Warranty 5 Years

Product Research

Driver Technology
Mounting Options
Specifications

Driver Technology

Articulated Array Speaker Design: By precisely positioning the drivers inside the speaker cabinet, an Articulated Array speaker design can provide a large, consistent sound field. This allows for a more cinema-like experience.

Stereo Everywhere Speaker Performance: Because many conventional speakers radiate sound directly into the room, you hear balanced stereo sound only in one small "sweet spot." Using patented Bose Direct/Reflecting speaker technology, the Direct/Reflecting speakers deliver a natural balance of reflected and direct sound. You hear balanced stereo sound almost anywhere in the room.

Mounting Options

Mounting: Using the supplied brackets, the Bose 161 speakers can be mounted vertically or horizontally on the wall. Using the supplied self-adhesive rubber feet, the speakers can be placed on any flat surface.

Note: For Stereo Everywhere speaker performance, horizontal mounting is required.

Specifications

Recommended Power: 10-100 watts with receivers rated from 4 to 8 ohms

Weight: each speaker weighs 4 pounds

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Customer Q&A

27 questions already asked

Q
what speaker stands work these speakers?
roger  Sep 15, 2020
2 answers
A
any universal stand will work. The 161's come with a mounting bracket that has universal spacing.
shawn  Sep 30, 2020
A
I don't know. I wall mounted them and they sound great.
raymond  Sep 15, 2020
Q
what is the frequency response of the Bose 161?
albert  Apr 22, 2020
1 answer
A
Bose does not publish the frequency response of there speakers but I can say these speakers will not deliver low bass for music. I've got them set up as surround speakers with a separate 10 inch sub and they sound great for this, especially for the price they can't be beat
karl  Apr 22, 2020
Q
Can the speakers be used as Rear surround speakers?
ilene  Jan 07, 2020
3 answers
A
They sound great! I cannot see a reason why not.
lance  Jan 07, 2020
A
Yes
daniel  Jan 07, 2020
A
Yes. I am currently using them as rear surrounds in one of my systems and they do a wonderful job.
chaz  Jan 07, 2020
Q
Are these wireless?
brandon  Nov 25, 2019
7 answers
A
No sir they are wired.
anthony  Nov 26, 2019
A
No, they are not wireless or blue tooth. You hard wire them to a stereo receiver or other amplifier. I love mine.
ed  Nov 26, 2019
A
No, they are not wireless.
chaz  Nov 26, 2019
A
No, the speakers strictly are wired connections. No wireless capability.
robert  Nov 25, 2019
A
SORRY, BUT NO
grace  Nov 25, 2019
A
No, they require speaker wire.
stephen  Nov 25, 2019
A
No They are wired. They are great in combination with a good center speaker and a self powered subwoffer.I would not recommend any wireless product if you intend to spend that much money and want good quality sound. If you want wireless you will have to sacrifice quality.
keith  Nov 25, 2019
Q
Suggestion for how to mount these speakers on a suspended ceiling?
lisa  Aug 31, 2019
4 answers
A
They are not very heavy, so this can be done. The bracket is adjustable to maybe 45 degrees, so it won't have to point directly at the floor. There is no way to clip the bracket into a suspended ceiling rail...but that is good news. Locate the speakers exactly where you want, and through bolt the bracket into the acoustical panel using strips (or a panel) of thin 5 mm plywood for a backer. You'll need to get the additional hardware/wood on your own....around $20.
daniel  Aug 31, 2019
A
If I were going to mount these to a drop ceiling I would remove one of the acoustical tiles at each of the locations I want to mount the speakers. Check to make sure the main tracks (the long runs, not the short track that makes the squares) are adequately supported near the location. If they are not, you will need to use some tie wire and secure the main track to something strong above the ceiling. Once the track is supported, take the two tiles you have chosen to mount to and using the Bose supplied mounting bracket mark out the screw points on the tile. Cut a piece of plywood to use as blocking. Predrill through the tile and just into the plywood, then secure the mount to the tile and plywood using the supplied screws. If the supplied screws are not long enough to bite through the tile and into the plywood take one to your nearest hardware store and find one that matches but is longer. While you're at the store go ahead and grab a wire snake so you can easily get your speaker wire to the location. You'll be able to tape the speaker wire to the snake and then pull it to you rather than removing an entire run of tiles and moving your ladder constantly. Hope this helps.
chaz  Aug 31, 2019
A
Not sure about mounting to a suspended ceiling without getting into having to add extra bracing in the ceiling. The mounting brackets included allowed me to hang these on the wall very close to ceiling, and made so you can angle them down, very simple and no extra hardware needed
karl  Aug 31, 2019
A
To be honest, if I wanted to hang them I'd step up to the 201s. These are bookshelf speaks so I think you'd sacrifice some sound by not having then on a flat surface.
jimmy dewayne  Aug 31, 2019
Q
Looking for suggestion for how to mount these speakers on a suspended ceiling?
lisa  Aug 31, 2019
2 answers
A
you need to have a piece of angle metal to mount to the ceiling grid and then mount the bracket to that.
keith  Nov 25, 2019
A
Hi Lisa, thank you for your question! The Bose 161 speakers are designed to be mounted horizontally or vertically on a wall, or placed on a flat surface sitting down. With a suspended ceiling, depending on the structures or platforms used behind your suspended ceilings, we may have some other options for speakers that can utilize a ceiling mount. If you are going to be installing speakers in a commercial audio capacity, please contact our Commercial Audio Design team at 800.315.2758. If you will be mounting speakers in your home, chat with an Advisor online or by phone at 1-800-324-9695. They'll be happy to help you out.
jessica  Sep 12, 2019 (Staff)
Q
Do these boss speakers work off of my iPhone?
steve  Apr 13, 2018
6 answers
A
No, they need speaker wire ran to them from an amplifier. They are not Bluetooth.
kyle  Apr 23, 2018
A
No they need to be wired
donald t  Apr 21, 2018
A
I don't know.
donald  Apr 18, 2018
A
Bose speakers will work if you run them through a receiver with a bluetooth adapter
matthew  Apr 18, 2018
A
I have not tried to hook these up to my iPhone, but I would guess that it won't work. These speakers are made to be powered by a home theater system and I don't think the iPhone would have the power to drive them. I'm using these speakers on the back wall of my home theater system with a soundbar on the front wall and a remote subwoofer.
robert  Apr 18, 2018
A
They are not Bluetooth. They require hard wiring. I have them hooked up to a traditional stereo receiver. So the answer to your question is No. PS-I love therm.
ed  Apr 18, 2018
Q
Can I run these two Bose 161 speakers off of my I phone ?
steve  Apr 13, 2018
2 answers
A
Sorry,I have no idea. I run mine hardwired to an amplifier and switcher.
anthony t  Apr 13, 2018
A
no these need to be connected to an amplifier receiver.
brian  Apr 13, 2018
Q
Can these speakers be used for Atmos?
alan  Feb 21, 2018
3 answers
A
I have no idea.
griffith  Feb 25, 2018
A
No idea what "atmos" means in plain English
anthony t  Feb 22, 2018
A
YOU CAN USE ANY SPEAKER FOR ATMOS, I USED THE TL1 AND THE SPEAKER WORKED WELL, ATMOS IS A PROGRAME, ATMOS SPEAKERS FIRE UPWARDS, NOT FORWARD LIKE THE TL1. THE SPEAKER I NOW USE IS THE ONKYO 401 WHICH IS A ATMOS DESIGNED SPEAKER, I PAID 145 US. FOR THE ONKYO 401 PAIR .
lawrence  Feb 21, 2018
Q
i purchased a soundtouch 130 system and wanted to add surround. was hoping to use these speakers for that. are these wireless? do i need an amplifier? if they are wireless, do they plug into the wall? never had wireless before.
troy  Nov 21, 2017
3 answers
A
These are not wireless. You use standard speaker wire to plug them into an amplifier.
robert  Nov 22, 2017
A
These speakers are NOT wireless. They DO need an amplifier. They do NOT require power (plug in to the wall). They connect to the speaker output connections of an amplifier.
phillip  Nov 22, 2017
A
No, they need to be wired to an amplifier
anthony t  Nov 21, 2017
Q
can you use these speakers as outside mount speakers ?
eric  Aug 01, 2017
2 answers
A
No Not rate for damp locations
keith  Nov 25, 2019
A
These are not rated for outside use - get speakers specifically for outdoors or marine speakers.
thomas  Aug 01, 2017
Q
are there adapters to convert ends to another connector as a plug in?
sister  Mar 11, 2017
3 answers
A
There are NOT any adapters or plug-type connectors in the box. Page 5 of the owner's manual (available on the Crutchfield website) shows a picture of the connections.
phillip  Mar 15, 2017
A
We vused banana plugs to put wire in back of speaker.
dennis  Mar 13, 2017
A
There were no connectors included. They are standard speaker wire connectors (red & black)
edward  Mar 13, 2017
Q
Can this speaker be mounted vertically, near top of wall close to ceiling and still perform well? I want to use on sides of TV for front speaker part of surround system. Thanks!
brian  Jun 19, 2016
3 answers
A
yes , i did
michael  Jun 20, 2016
A
They work great with my Sony receiver 7.2. Mine are mounted mid wall.
james  Jun 20, 2016
A
Hi, I have mine mounted vertically along side my tv and it works just great!
lesley  Jun 19, 2016
Q
Can I use the Bose speakers as center speakers?
phillip l  Dec 26, 2015
3 answers
A
Don't know why you would want to as they come as a set, two speakers, meant to be used as a left and right
karl  Apr 22, 2020
A
I Guess it is possible. Don't know how good they would sound though being used as center channel speakers
michael  Dec 27, 2015
A
I am using a set as back speakers and another set as top speakers in a Dolby Atmos setup, so I guess you could one as a center speaker.
lindsay  Dec 27, 2015
Q
How much power can they handle?
torin  Sep 20, 2015
3 answers
A
They are rated at 10 to 100 watts,, would not use them for loud music for they will not do the job alone but they are awesome as surround speakers
karl  Apr 22, 2020
A
these are not for blasting music you will blow them. they are to be sued as satellite speakers as part of a system with a good center speaker and a powered subwoofer
keith  Nov 25, 2019
A
Documentation states 10-100 when driven with 4-8 ohms
michael  Sep 21, 2015
Q
I have 5,1 system with MK..... Center spkr ,left front,right front and rear surround.smaller size 2 speakers( MK as well) subwoofer is MK125 II.(one for now but thinking about 2nd one sub but later down the road) I just bought RX-A3030 Yamaha. and need 2 front ( to support presence mid range frequency) Q. would this speakers , BOSE 161 , do the job in the front settlement/if connecting ? ( not rear surround)) best regards Johnni K
johnni  Apr 03, 2014
3 answers
A
As rear surrounds they work perfectly. I have a set of Bose 201 Series IIIs that I use as front channel speakers.
vincent  Apr 09, 2014
A
I used the Bose 161 as rear speakers for the surround sound, I'm not sure these speaker are suitable for front speakers. Dan E
daniel l  Apr 04, 2014
A
I use them as my rear surrounds and they sound great, when I first bought them I had them hooked up to the front speaker terminals and I thought they sounded awesome that way also.
jesse  Apr 03, 2014
Q
Do these speakers have to get hooked up to tv?
carol  Feb 23, 2014
5 answers
A
No they hook up to a receiver. Most TV's don't have speaker inputs directly on them.
vincent  Apr 09, 2014
A
These are to be attached to any speaker output. Preferably mid to highs. Mine are connected to the mid-rear of a 7.1 system. they have to be powered. Thanx, and have a nice day, Danniel
daniel m  Mar 04, 2014
A
No
jesse  Feb 25, 2014
A
I hooked mine up to my receiver as a set of rear speakers.
eric m  Feb 24, 2014
A
Most, if not all people don't even have speaker terminals on their TV. Standard hook-up for these speakers would be to a stereo receiver or A/V receiver via the speaker terminals on the back of those components.
robert  Feb 24, 2014
Q
Im using an auto receiver in my boat. Will these speakers work as l need to mount them on a bulkhead? Thinking of using two sets for L& R, front and rear.
eugene  May 31, 2020
2 answers
A
They sound great in my house But i would not recommend them in a boat. Consider a quality pair of marine speakers.
brian  Jun 04, 2020
A
Will work as long as you have enough amp power to drive them!!!
lynn  May 31, 2020
Q
I have a pair of these Bose 161 speakers that I am currently using as my rear surrounds with a 2009 Onkyo 5.1 receiver. I am soon going to be getting a 7.1 receiver with Dolby Atmos. If I stood these vertically, rather than horizontally, would they work as Atmos speakers while still giving me a nice "surround" effect?
james  Apr 11, 2020
3 answers
A
Good question! Sorry I don't know the answer. If you find out post it so I will know also.
richard  Apr 22, 2020
A
Sorry James, but my speakers arrived during shelter in place and the person to help me is not available, so my speakers are still in the box! Good luck....
julie  Apr 22, 2020
A
Enter an answer to this Yes I have the Bose 161 at the rear ,surround sound installed vertically with a Sony receiver 7.1 and it works perfectly I also have two more Bose 161 on the ceiling horizontally
paul  Apr 22, 2020
Q
are these speakers outdoor rated?
doug  Jan 18, 2020
1 answer
A
I don't think so, there is nothing stating they are outdoor rated.
gerald  Jan 18, 2020
Q
Do the Bose 161 speakers have bare wire connections?
richard d.  Mar 21, 2019
4 answers
A
Yes. I connected my speakers with bare wires. But you could add on a piece to the end of your speaker wire at your own procuring that would allow you to insert the tip of the piece into the connection. Some people find it more comforting to have a solid piece to insert to the connection
david  Mar 22, 2019
A
Yes. I connected mine with bare speaker wires. I am somewhat disappointed with the quality of the sound. Maybe I expected too much from these inexpensive speakers.
william  Mar 21, 2019
A
YES
michael  Mar 21, 2019
A
Yes. Push the spring clip, insert bare wire.
joseph  Mar 21, 2019
Q
How far from receiver can the speakers be?
david  Jun 09, 2018
6 answers
A
Hi, with a decent gauge speaker wire, AWG 16, 50 feet is not unreasonable. Just make sure you use the same length for both speakers, even if one is closer to the receiver than the other. This way your receiver seems the same load.
charles  Jun 10, 2018
A
My speaker wires run about 25 feet through the wall to these speakers. They sound ok, but I hope to replace them with something better when I win the lottery.
william  Jun 10, 2018
A
I have my in the basement. It's a room about 20'X12'. I really haven't used the speakers to watch a movie, so I wouldn't be a good person to ask about the quality. Hopefully the Crutchfield team could answer the question better than me.
jeff  Jun 10, 2018
A
They are not wireless so any length you want to run the wires should be good. Within reason. Not more than a few hundred feet.
joseph  Jun 10, 2018
A
Went two feet
tricia  Jun 10, 2018
A
I have mine about fifty feet from the receiver on no. 18 wire if I remember correctly. they sound and work great in a little coffee shop. I think I have about 50w rms per channel, and I am running a similar pair on the patio. Niles I think.
kent  Jun 10, 2018
Q
Can I use the Bose 161 for my echo dot?
horace  Jan 02, 2017
1 answer
A
They cannot work by themselves, but there are ways to make them work using other gear. I recommend contacting an advisor on 1-800-324-9695 for a personal recommendation. My Bio: http://www.crutchfield.com/Support/Bio.aspx?bio=101
jason  Jan 09, 2017 (Staff)
Q
can these be mounted on a ceiling?
david  Apr 07, 2015
6 answers
A
The brackets have a turning radius on them. So I belive they can be placed on the ceiling at an angle to tilt toward the listener. It will be a sublte tilt.
lisa  Apr 08, 2015
A
Probably not, given the mounting bracket and the shape of the speaker.
edward  Apr 08, 2015
A
Yes, the speakers come with a bracket that can be used for ceiling or wall mount.
michael s.  Apr 07, 2015
A
David - I'm not sure, but I don't see why not. I mounted ours on a beam near the ceiling, and they sounded great. Not sure you'd be able to angle them correctly if you mounted them on a horizontal ceiling. Hope that helped.
gary w  Apr 07, 2015
A
Yes. the mounting brackets would allow for that
robert  Apr 07, 2015
A
Yes.
bruce j  Apr 07, 2015
Q
I am thinking about these speakers as the only source of sound in an open plan kitchen/living room. I am not looking for a surround system, just good sound. Will they do the trick? Thanks!
casey  Dec 28, 2014
4 answers
A
Yea I have them as a second channel in my kitchen, and they work very well, depending on the music source, it comes across well, you do lack some bass, but for a nice way to put quality sound that doesn't sound like a radio in a room, this will do the trick I think.
michael  Dec 29, 2014
A
Casey, We placed a set in our bedroom and on a a screened in porch and enjoy them a lot. We do have our house wired for speakers in every room and being retired rarely turn the volume up. My concern would be if the space you are trying to fill is very large they may not be enough, but then that depends on what you listen to. I do consider the sound quality good, but then it is Bose.
kit  Dec 29, 2014
A
These speakers are probably the least expensive Bose. As such, they are OK. Not great, not bad, just OK. They are heavy in the middle. Not much base, and they lack detail on the high end. They worked fine for me but I am using them with a subwoofer.
michael s.  Dec 29, 2014
A
I use them for surround sound. I think they would be fine
donald t  Dec 29, 2014
Q
Can these be used with a laptop computer?
jane  Feb 25, 2014
6 answers
A
No, you must connect these to a receiver.
vincent  Apr 09, 2014
A
They can but it will require a special wiring harness to plug into the external speaker port on your computer. The speakers are very good.
david p  Feb 26, 2014
A
No, not directly. Computer speakers typically have an amplifier in them since the computer does not. This is why computer speakers must be plugged into a wall outlet (or sometimes they use batteries). You can, however, play music from your computer wirelessly through your home audio system using technology like NuForce Air DAC. I have recently installed this and find it great!
stephen  Feb 25, 2014
A
that would not be ideal, these are designed for outdoor usage
the big  Feb 25, 2014
A
I do not know - I hooked the pair I bought from Crutchfield to my surround sound system in my living room. I do know they give out a really nice and concise sound. Sorry I could not be further helpful
phillip  Feb 25, 2014
A
These cannot be used directly with a laptop, as they require an amplifier to produce sound. You would need to purchase a suitable amplifier and a cable to connect to your laptop's headphone port in order to use these speakers.
timothy j  Feb 25, 2014
Q
Does anyone have experience painting these speakers? Is it possible to paint the white ones to blend with the wall color? Thanks!
paul  Jan 18, 2014
3 answers
A
You could paint them, however, disassembly would be required.
vincent  Apr 09, 2014
A
Judy, there is no reason you couldn't paint the speakers, the plastic body anyway, mine closely match the walls where I mounted them, thry blend pretty well, so no issue there, the screens would have to be masked
michael  Jan 20, 2014
A
I did not paint them and would be afraid to for many reasons, not the least of which would be changing the acoustical characteristics by plugging up holes. You should ask the manufacturer.
stephen  Jan 19, 2014
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