Kith has partnered with Bose to recreate the iconic 901 speakers, a landmark audio product first introduced in 1968. This collaboration marks a nuanced exploration of vintage audio design, blending historical acoustical engineering with contemporary craftsmanship.
The original 901 speakers represented a pivotal moment in home audio technology. Developed by Bose's founder Amar Bose, the design challenged conventional speaker configuration by utilizing a unique acoustic approach. The original speakers featured one forward-facing driver and eight rear-facing drivers, strategically positioned to simulate a live concert environment through sound reflection and direct projection.
For this limited edition reissue, Kith founder Ronnie Fieg collaborated with Mark Jupiter, a designer known for his custom woodworking. Jupiter's approach subtly modernizes the original 1968 design while preserving its midcentury essence. Key modifications include:
- Softened rounded edges replacing the original's angular profile
- Expanded wood detailing that integrates the speaker base
- Rubbed brass accent elements
- Two wood finish options: white-washed ash and natural air-dried walnut
The production run is exceptionally exclusive, with only 12 custom sets produced—reserved exclusively for friends and associates of Kith and Bose.