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

[Beta Man]

I've said it before, and I feel like it keeps falling on deaf ears, but if whatever speakers you get, bose, etc. sound good to you, GREAT. If you tell me "hey, my bose speakers sound great" I'm not gonna tell you "no they don't, they sound terrible" I may ask what other speakers you have listened to in comparison, but I'm not going to call you tone-deaf when I don't even know you.

dshelt just takes it to the extreme, and partially it's understandable, because he's taking a lot of heat from a lot of people here, but he also seems uncapable of discussing bose subjectively in a comparative manner...... Just say what other speakers/setups you've listened to, and what you liked, and disliked about those systems, and you'd be amazed at the credibility you'll gain.


Bose are very non-obtrusive, so that's a plus. They're also good for those who know little about audio, since the wiring etc. is pretty much laid out for you, and they integrate the CD player into the unit etc, and their "bass module" is passive..... it's really a decent alternative to many people. I've listened to quite a few different "accoustimas" or whatever series they had, and I do think they have a great marketing campaign...... they have these pole things (that remind me of a bow-flex) that have satellites surrounding you while you're looking at the display, and hitting the "test" buttons..... People are "wowed" mostly because that's it does give the affect of objects circling you etc....... many people never owning a 5.1 system, etc. for instance, my parents are in their 70's and they think the T.V. sound is just fine, and they have a "stereo" in a closet set up for old Records, and the occassional CD, and it's 2 channel. Obviously other floor-standing speakers etc. can't have displays set up like that in big box stores, and home-theater specialty stores don't devote the space to setting up the Cambridge soundworks, or B&W M-1's because they can use the same room to showcase speakers selling for $15,000 a piece.....


I wouldn't say "steer clear of *****" I would recommend steering clear of ANY PURCHASE without researching, and comparing to similar products on the market, whether it be speakers, receivers (yes, you should audition those, not just take the advise or people here or read amazon reviews) Televisions etc.

At the end of the day, it's your money, and if you choose to purchase something without any knowledge of your options, more power to you...... I may think it's fun to blind-buy a movie hear and there...... but $2k-$3k for speakers or a receiver would be fun to get as a blind-buy, but I can't afford to take those kind of chances.........