IMO, unless size is THE issue, you can beat Bose for both sound and dollar value very easily. Speakers by Paradigm, Polk, PSB, NHT, JBL, Definitive Technology, Mirage, Sound Dynamics, B&W and on and on represent much better values.

The most recent magazine test I've read of Bose against others in their price range was in the UK magazine Home Entertainment. The Bose setup came in last.

My best recommendation is to do a lot of shopping around and listening before settling for Bose.

Correction...

The UK magazine that tested the AM-5 was the August 2001 issue of Hi-Fi News, not Home Entertainment.

What the hell is going on here?....we are talking about Bose people....i can't believe Bose can be still talked about about in this forum....and i can't believe people think Bose is a good sounding speaker or setup....and for people that don't know yet....Bose is consider as garbage in the audio/video world....PLEASE do not try to comeback with any arguments....custom a/v installer/programmer....robert

I always thought that the Bose systems were overpriced, but that people were being way too hard on the quality of the sound--I just didn't think it was that bad. I also usually make it a point never to talk down someone else's equipment (as a general rule if you like it that is all that matters)--but because of a recent experience, I have to jump in on this one:

A few weeks ago I was visiting my inlaws, who had installed one of the Bose Acoustimass systems a couple years ago with a pioneer pro-logic receiver. They had just upgraded to a Yamaha v1000 receiver and were all excited to get dolby digital/dts surround sound. We fired it up with a few dvds, and I can honestly say that it was the single worst speaker performance I have ever heard. No mid-range at all, very weak bass, and with even minimal power applied, the things were clipping badly. I sent the inlaws out to get the Energy Take 5's (at less than half the cost of their Bose system)--suffice it to say that having now heard the Energys they won't be buying any more Bose speakers. My advice is to avoid the Bose Acoustimass--overpriced underperformers. Just my $.02.

I have owned the Acoustimass 5 (I believe that is the name. When I bought them, there was only the sub/sat combo available) sub/sat combo for almost 10 years now. I thought they were great when I bought them. After about 5 years, I started auditioning new receivers at mid-end/high-end stores and realized how much sound I was missing. I bought the set for $750 and now realize what kind of sound I could have. I have made the decision to sell my Bose on ebay and use the money toward a set of Paradigm Monitor 3s and add a sub later. I think that the improvement to the mids and highs and upper bass will be worth the effort. The only way that I would buy this system again would be if they were much less expensive. Less than half. Please do yourself a favor an audition other options before buying these.

Don't they have a saying in the Audio/Video world?

No Highs, No Lows, Must be BOSE....

My 00 Corvette Coupe has the Delco/Bose
"premium" system and it's nothing great..

Grented it is better than most stock
systems, simply because it has 8" mid
bass's in the doors stock... But compared
to some of the Chrysler and Lexus Infinity
systems... No comparison...

Cornel/Jim - I purchased a set of five sats and a powered sub from Gallo Acoustics. All I have to say is one word - AMAZING!!

Actually, I have more than one word. I listened to the different Bose systems - they were nice and looked pretty good, but they didn't come close to the sound quality of the Gallos. Even though I have seen prices quoted at over $1,600 for an entire system, I purchased the entire system for less than $1,200, shipping included. Aesthetically speaking, I also believe that the Gallos are superior since they come in eight colors, and can usually match any decor.

Bottom line, even though there are a lot nicer "sounding" speakers out there, if size, sound and looks are all in your equation, the Gallos are a must. My advice, Cornell, is to visit the website, find a dealer and give them a listen! I doubt that you will be disappointed.

Chasmo

Each speaker company has products that meet customer needs. Things that are application specific. Sure there are places and times that Bose products are great, and other times they're not.
Simply keep an open mind and visit a QUALIFIED audio video specialist that can help you toward the right path. When investing this much money, you as the customer, should have the RIGHT to be able to audition everything that company is proposing. Sure, check out the Bose, but definitely compare them with other manufacturers... for instance, Paradigm Atom series or Cinema series. Definitive Technology Procinema series.

John

My sister has heard my system (B&K, Sunfire, DefTech), asked me to help her pick out a system,

I tried to get her to listen around, she refused, then insisted on getting the Bose system with the flat CD/receiver, the 5 tiny paired cubes and amplified subwoofer "because I like the way they look".

Now, she wonders why it doesn't sound like mine.

"Sigh!"

Larry

You might want to check out the NEW bose HT systems.. Lifestyle 28, 35 & the 321 system! They use RF AND IR! They are now programmable remotes w/macro capability! You can turn on/off/control your IR components from ANY room in your home! The IR codes are public knowledge now as well, so you can program your Pronto, AV2100, etc., to control your Bose system if you don't want to use the included remote.

The systems play DVD, MP3, CDR, CDRW, CD, DVD Audio, DVD ROM (watch those extras on your DVD) & are firmware upgradable for future formats/improvements/IR Codes via FREE CD or internet download!!!

They ALSO decode DTS! Also comes with a sensor to turn your TV on if it is off! Pretty neat to be able to place a DVD in the drive and have it turn on your TV!

A/V switching, Optical & Coaxial digital inputs/outputs, pass-though for video as well.

New acoustimass module that produces WAY more Bass!

Looks like Bose is listening to consumer feature wants!

The fact that they are changing the system speaks for itself.

My impression is that the system sounds like sound coming from nowhere; for 'invisible' speakers, it sounds decent, but I don't know anybody interested in home theater who is satisfied with 'decent'.

Larry

whatever.

Will they be supplying speakers with their systems any time soon? Or reasonable prices for the quality of their research?