BOSE Acoustimass/Lifestyle systems - why you should steer clear!!

[Blu-Dog]

Originally Posted by Azyiu

Ok now, so as you can tell from my sig I own a Bose LifeStyle 18 system, and some of you might think I am an idiot.

No, just a victim.

Many years ago, I considered Bose; a family member owned one of the top of the line Acoustimass setups.

I asked hiim to crank it up.

Never considered it again. I bet when you listened to it before buying it (at least I hope you did), you never heard it at high volume. They break up and sound ugly, very quickly.

What's your budget for a replacement system? The Lifestyle rigs were about $2,000, weren't they?

[Azyiu]

Originally Posted by Blu-Dog

No, just a victim.

Many years ago, I considered Bose; a family member owned one of the top of the line Acoustimass setups.

I asked hiim to crank it up.

Never considered it again. I bet when you listened to it before buying it (at least I hope you did), you never heard it at high volume. They break up and sound ugly, very quickly.

What's your budget for a replacement system? The Lifestyle rigs were about $2,000, weren't they?

You can say so... anyway, yeah, the budget is more or less $2,000 when I do replace it. And like I said, I mainly use the system for movies, rock music and some gaming (I usually just go with the tv's speakers when I am playing games), plus, my home is not too big. It is only around 600 sq ft big, or think apartments in NYC...

[Beta Man]

Originally Posted by Azyiu

You can say so... anyway, yeah, the budget is more or less $2,000 when I do replace it. And like I said, I mainly use the system for movies, rock music and some gaming (I usually just go with the tv's speakers when I am playing games), plus, my home is not too big. It is only around 600 sq ft big, or think apartments in NYC...

Not trying to be brand loyal, but I just picked up some B&W M-1s for my bedroom, and love them... great for smalls speakers.... I don't recommend B&W subs though...... but to each their own.

[dobyblue]

Originally Posted by Beta Man

Not trying to be brand loyal

Your recent post history doesn't support that.

[Beta Man]

Originally Posted by dobyblue

Your recent post history doesn't support that.

I know..... but with recent purchases it helps fuel the fire

[Barnum]

Originally Posted by Beta Man

depends.... I'm not entirely familiar with the science behind the electro-statics, but for "normal" speakers with cone etc, larger tweeter doesn't mean better tweeter, but subwoofers, YEAH... bigger is generally better. They make Sunfires etc. that claim the same response etc. in a much smaller size, but dollar-for-dollar, you can't change simple physics..... you need a large driver to move air, and create soundwaves.

The biggest issue with the electro-statics is they are terribly inefficient needs a very powerful amp to power them correctly. I would wager that if you heard them connected to a good amp you might change your mind. The sound stage is incredible. But like some have said to each their own.

[Woody]

Originally Posted by Barnum

The biggest issue with the electro-statics is they are terribly inefficient needs a very powerful amp to power them correctly. I would wager that if you heard them connected to a good amp you might change your mind. The sound stage is incredible. But like some have said to each their own.

Don't get me started on electrostats.

Only kidding, some people (audiophile and non-audiophile alike) will own nothing but electrostats. It is all about what we each like, as you said.

[Beta Man]

Originally Posted by Barnum

The biggest issue with the electro-statics is they are terribly inefficient needs a very powerful amp to power them correctly. I would wager that if you heard them connected to a good amp you might change your mind. The sound stage is incredible. But like some have said to each their own.

I've heard them.... I didn't want to imply that I didn't like their sound, The ML's I've heard seem to be FANTASTIC for home-theater. just think "response" that's what they excel in.... they sound great!

[Slec]

Originally Posted by Woody

Bose is what it is, an excellent marketing company, with MANY loyal customers.

EXACTLY... I've posted this before but.... do you buy Kleenex or facial tissues? Q-tips or cotton swabs? band-aids or adhesive strips? Brand is a VERY powerful thing. Even if you aren't buying the brand name, you probably refer to the product as the brand name. Never underestimate its power. Why do you think there are commercials... they work... Same thing with Bose. They market themselves a certain way, and they succeed...overwhelmingly.

[Azyiu]

Woody offers some very good points. For me though, the main reasons I chose Bose are its simplicity and the easy installation. I mean, I am not hi-fi expert, and my place isn't big enough for something high-end anyway, so I thought going Bose isn't a bad choice for what I need.

We will see down the road, but for the time being I am happy with the LifeStyle 18 system that I've got. If anything at all, I only hate it for not supporting HDMI; luckily it does support optical cable.

[Slec]

Originally Posted by dobyblue

Education is the most powerful weapon people have and when people discover the truth about the thousands they've spent, most people aren't so proud that they can admit it.

As far as you're concerned every AV publication and forum should just shut down and stop reviewing equipment. There is no reason in hell why anyone should look at test bench performance and professional opinions when we should just make our own decisions based on the advertisements in the subway right?

Please.

One thing that I think gets lost ALOT is the fact that you guys are far more versed than the average consumer in these things. When Joe Blow walks in and hears a Bose system compared to his tv, he's blown away. Then the marketing and system ease kick in, leading to a sale. Most people couldn't tell you a thing about their local Home Theater store. Enthusiasts are different from the average consumer (it's why our insider threads are so important... those who participate can help shape the format).

There is another brand that is frequently questioned on this site due to its popularity. People say they are great movie speakers but not audiophile grade for music.... This is a MOVIE site. It never ceases to amaze me how that gets lost... That and post after post telling people to buy what sounds good to them (but steer away from xxxx because I don't think it sounds good for xxxx reason). Most are fair in what they recommend but still...

edit: Also, it's great to see so much passion for audio, but let's not take ourselves too seriously, it's just the internet..

[Beta Man]

Originally Posted by Slec

One thing that I think gets lost ALOT is the fact that you guys are far more versed than the average consumer in these things. When Joe Blow walks in and hears a Bose system compared to his tv, he's blown away. Then the marketing and system ease kick in, leading to a sale. Most people couldn't tell you a thing about their local Home Theater store. Enthusiasts are different form the average consumer (it's why our insider threads are so important... those who participate can help shape the format).

There is another brand that is frequently questioned on this site due to its popularity. People say they are great movie speakers but not audiophile grade for music.... This is a MOVIE site. It never ceases to amaze me how that gets lost... That and post after post telling people to buy what sounds good to them (but steer away from xxxx because I don't think it sounds good for xxxx reason). Most are fair in what they recommend but still...

[dobyblue]

Originally Posted by Slec

One thing that I think gets lost ALOT is the fact that you guys are far more versed than the average consumer in these things. When Joe Blow walks in and hears a Bose system compared to his tv, he's blown away. Then the marketing and system ease kick in, leading to a sale. Most people couldn't tell you a thing about their local Home Theater store. Enthusiasts are different from the average consumer (it's why our insider threads are so important... those who participate can help shape the format).

There is another brand that is frequently questioned on this site due to its popularity. People say they are great movie speakers but not audiophile grade for music.... This is a MOVIE site. It never ceases to amaze me how that gets lost... That and post after post telling people to buy what sounds good to them (but steer away from xxxx because I don't think it sounds good for xxxx reason). Most are fair in what they recommend but still...

edit: Also, it's great to see so much passion for audio, but let's not take ourselves too seriously, it's just the internet..

Your points about Joe Blow are valid, but that doesn't rebut the purpose of education about such topics.

I know that the brand of speakers you’re referring to sometimes gets mentioned in the negative by fans of higher resolution music, but I think part of that has been forced by how many people feel that the particular brand is the end all and be all of speaker lines, when it most definitely is not.

I also disagree that this is a movie site. It’s a site about a medium; so PC, gaming, movies, music, industrial usage, camcorders and storage are all encompassed here. We’ve already seen dedicate music released on Blu-ray with no video and hopefully with Warner/Rhino stepping in later this year SonyBMG, Universal Music Group and EMI may follow suit.

[Slec]

Originally Posted by dobyblue

Your points about Joe Blow are valid, but that doesn't rebut the purpose of education about such topics.

I agree completely... i wasn't knocking this thread or its purpose, just trying to bring us all back to a little reality on this topic

I know that the brand of speakers you’re referring to sometimes gets mentioned in the negative by fans of higher resolution music, but I think part of that has been forced by how many people feel that the particular brand is the end all and be all of speaker lines, when it most definitely is not.

I disagree, but its a fair enough comment. (about them being forced)

I also disagree that this is a movie site. It’s a site about a medium; so PC, gaming, movies, music, industrial usage, camcorders and storage are all encompassed here. We’ve already seen dedicate music released on Blu-ray with no video and hopefully with Warner/Rhino stepping in later this year SonyBMG, Universal Music Group and EMI may follow suit.

Just goes to show my bias towards being here for film

[Beta Man]

I like to find a person's intents prior to suggesting speakers for them to audition, as music/HT are different.

you need to know

1) goal of the system

2) budget

3) size requirements/restraints

4) any other "special needs"


If you have those things, you'll get 10 different suggestions from this forum usually.... which is a good thing

[Entertainment72]

Originally Posted by Driver_King

Could you add a link to this system? That looks appetizing! I may always upgrade. By the way, I think Bose has pretty decent highs. On the other hand though, I can't stand the "subs" because they are very exaggerated to the point of disbelief. The mids are like any other speaker IMO. The Bose systems are probably best for vocals or live entertainment.

Pics are from Crutchfield, but obviously you can find them cheaper.

Originally Posted by Azyiu

Good idea 72, I was about to say my flat isn't all that big; and I really need something smaller. ok, you might have mentioned it, but I missed it or something, which receiver do you have for these speakers?

Right now the Onkyo 805 has my sights.. but only time will tell.

I would like to add I don't feel cheated with my Bose AM16 6.1 system 5+ years ago, contrary to popular belief sound does come out of them. I am also not a sound nut and could care less about having the absolute best sound, just decent sound of which the Bose provided for me.

[dobyblue]

Originally Posted by Slec

Just goes to show my bias towards being here for film

No doubt it is the #1 reason for people being here; we're all excited about what the future holds where movies are concerned.

I'm hoping too that we'll finally see the record labels get behind a music format. I mean, in my dreams within the next ten years there will be high resolution 5.1-7.1 remasters of The Stone Roses - The Stone Roses, Happy Mondays - Pills, Thrills N' Bellyaches, The Verve - A Northern Soul, Chapterhouse - Whirlpool, Charlatans - Some Friendly, Nine Inch Nails - Pretty Hate Machine, Catherine Wheel - Crank, Blur - Leisure, Oasis - Definitely Maybe, The Farm - Spartacus, The Prodigy - Music for the Jilted Generation, Soundgarden - Badmotorfinger, Underworld - dubnobasswithmyheadman, Pearl Jam - Ten, DMB - first four albums; you know, not just the usual Classic Rock albums, but that any album has a chance of seeing a new era of music delivery.

I also want a camcorder that will give me the ability to record in a much better quality than the sub-$2,000 ones do now. 18 Mbps? I want 30 Mbps!!

I want it all, I want it all, I want it all and I want it now.

[Beta Man]

I want it all, I want it all, I want it all and I want it now.

What a good f'in movie!!!!

[Entertainment72]

I believe Film and Audio have a direct correlation with each other. To attain the best overall experience high resolution audio should not be left behind. HR audio should be considered just as important as HR video and thus speaker technology should be emphasized
.

[dobyblue]

Originally Posted by Entertainment72

I believe Film and Audio have a direct correlation with each other. To attain the best overall experience high resolution audio should not be left behind. HR audio should be considered just as important as HR video and thus speaker technology should be emphazised.

Amen bruthah!