Bose 501 Value & Price History
As of 2026-10-06, a Bose 501 has a market value at around $245 (per pair), parts units around $139. Based on 417 estimated sales.
Is a parts unit worth buying?
The $139 parts price is $82 less than the $221 working asking price — a 37% gap. Whether that gap covers the cost of repair depends on what's wrong.
What "for parts" usually means for a speaker: Speaker pairs listed for parts often have one blown tweeter, torn woofer surrounds, or damaged crossover components. Sometimes it's just a missing grille or damaged cabinet.
When it pencils out: Surround replacement (refoaming) costs $30–80 for a pair of woofers — completely DIY-able with a kit. Tweeter replacement depends heavily on whether correct replacements exist. Cabinet damage is usually cosmetic. The $82 gap between parts and working price is slim enough that the repair needs to be a simple one to come out ahead.
When to walk away: A blown tweeter with no correct replacement available is the parts-speaker trap. Original drivers on desirable speakers are often irreplaceable; aftermarket substitutes change the sound and hurt value. Verify which driver failed and whether correct replacements exist before buying.
DIY vs shop: Surround replacement (refoaming) is beginner-friendly DIY. Crossover rebuilding is moderate. Driver replacement requires matching the original specs carefully. Full repair cost context: what vintage stereo repair actually costs.
Price history
Asking median is down 16% over the last 43 days ($262 → $221).
View as table
| Date | Asking | Restored | Sold |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-08-25 | $262 | — | — |
| 2026-08-31 | $248 | — | $249 |
| 2026-09-06 | $233.33 | — | $249 |
| 2026-09-12 | $245 | — | $249 |
| 2026-09-18 | $246 | — | $249 |
| 2026-09-24 | $245 | — | $248 |
| 2026-09-30 | $245 | — | $245 |
| 2026-10-06 | $221 | — | $245 |
Daily trimmed medians from qualifying eBay listings; days without a fresh sync are not plotted.
Specifications
| Years produced | 1976–1985 |
| Type | Speaker |
| Brand | Bose |
| Original MSRP | 200 (1976) |
| Inflation-adjusted | ~$1,100 today |
| Market value (sold) | $245 |
| Currently listed (asking) | $221 |
| Value vs MSRP | +10% |
Parts & supplies
Common maintenance items for the Bose 501. eBay links are model-specific searches; Amazon links are for generic supplies that work across most equipment.
- Bose 501 surround refoam kit on eBay →
- Bose 501 crossover rebuild caps on eBay →
- Bose 501 replacement tweeter on eBay →
- Bose 501 grilles and badges on eBay →
- Speaker wire — 16awg is standard for most setups on Amazon →
- Banana plugs — cleaner connection than bare wire on Amazon →
- Polyfill acoustic stuffing — reduces internal resonance in sealed and ported cabinets on Amazon →
Purchases through these links may earn StereoWorth a small commission at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure. Repair budgeting: what vintage stereo repair actually costs.
Comparable models
- Bose 301 $180/pair
- Bose Acoustimass 5 $110/pair
- Bose 901 $600/pair
Current listings
See all on eBay →-
Bose 501 Series V Standing Speakers Pair 2.0 Wired 100W Black$170
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bose 501 series v tower speakers $230
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Bose 501 Series V Direct Reflecting Speakers$189.99
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Bose 501 Series IV Speakers Used$590
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Bose 501 Series V Floor Standing Speakers Pair Direct Reflecting Black Tested$200
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Bose 501 Series V Direct Reflecting Floor Standing Speakers Pair Tested VIDEO$299.99
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