Substitute for BOSE speakers....

[IllNastyImpreza]

OK so my GF's dad is in the market for some new speakers. He has been looking @ BOSE front stage, and has no idea what he wants for surround. This is for his 5.1 surround settup. But I believe he only wants to replace the 2 front speakers.

What should I tell him to check out instead of BOSE ??? He currently has some cambridge soundworks bookshelf speakers, but wants something with a little more OOMFF.

If I had the time I would build him something... but alas, I must give him some direction in order to keep him away from BOSE !

[Johnloudb]

Here a couple suggestions:

NHT

and a little more Oooomph

KEF

Both well reviewed speakers, for the money.

[Kevin P]

I've used Anthony Gallo speakers in installs and they sound wonderful. They're a great substitute for Bose Acoustimass systems. And cheaper too.

http://www.roundsound.com/home-theater-system.htm

[PewterTA]

Anything is better than Bose?!?!?!? So any speaker you point him too will be better.

Maybe try Klipsch, they are knowing very well for their sound and are at a lot of places. B&W is also really good, but you have to find a dealer to demo them.

[Hdale85]

That's BS lol we have this little cube system from Sony at work and it actually sounds much much much WORSE then Bose.

[wkhanna]

FWIW, A quick scan over some 'Stereophile' back-issues and a recent 'Audio Advisor' catalog unearthed these finds:

• Paradigm Atom v.5; @ ~$300

• PSB Alpha B1; @ ~$280

• Energy C-100; @ ~ $150

You did not mention a budget, that may help narrow the field for us.

[PewterTA]

That's BS lol we have this little cube system from Sony at work and it actually sounds much much much WORSE then Bose.

I doubt it. I bet it has a higher frequency response than bose. lol

I can guarantee the drivers in it probably cost more than the ones in the bose system.

[Hdale85]

I doubt it honestly...they sound like crap. These little speakers are smaller then a golf ball.

[IllNastyImpreza]

I doubt it. I bet it has a higher frequency response than bose. lol

I can guarantee the drivers in it probably cost more than the ones in the bose system.

does bose really use crappy drivers and whatnot? Why exactly are they so bad... and most importantly... WHY does everyone like them ??????????

[Hdale85]

Everyone likes them because they don't know what good sound is and they like the tiny speakers that can be hidden. Also they have one of the best marketing directors period.

[Johnloudb]

does bose really use crappy drivers and whatnot? Why exactly are they so bad... and most importantly... WHY does everyone like them ??????????

It's all marketing. They target the mid-fi market (non-audiophiles) and get people hooked on the brand. I've heard several Bose speakers such as the Bose 301 speakers owned by friends. They sound "pleasant" with most electronics. For example my uncle (he owns Bose) who visited from Oklahoma didn't care for our stereo system because he found it to up front and dynamic for his tastes. Some people want Musak.

[Hdale85]

Too dynamic... haven't heard that one before haha

[H.T.C]

It's all marketing. They target the mid-fi market (non-audiophiles) and get people hooked on the brand. I've heard several Bose speakers such as the Bose 301 speakers owned by friends. They sound "pleasant" with most electronics. For example my uncle (he owns Bose) who visited from Oklahoma didn't care for our stereo system because he found it to up front and dynamic for his tastes. Some people want Musak.

I think your off center just a bit with that mid-fi remark,it is just most cannot afford true hi-end and have to piece together what they can from a select budget,of course the ones that research their products can have a system that produces a finer quality.

Perhaps the whole idea of what is considered low/mid or hi-end should be rethought about and then applied into a new category.

[dyazdani]

That's BS lol we have this little cube system from Sony at work and it actually sounds much much much WORSE then Bose.

I bet the Sony system was a mere fraction of the cost though...

[Xander]

Someone mentioned the Energy C-100

I bought two pair of them for $100 a pair and boy am I happy. I will be using them for surrounds for 7.1, but I used them for my mains to break them in and they sound great for that price, even $150 a pair. Granted they lack some midrange clarity and bass definition compared to higher end speakers or my CJD-designed RS150 MTM speakers, but I'm very happy with them. Sorry I can't give a more detailed review of how they sound, I didn't spend a lot of time carefully listening to them and haven't had them for long either.

[Hdale85]

That's very true.. 499 which is still to much if you ask me

[Johnloudb]

I think your off center just a bit with that mid-fi remark,it is just most cannot afford true hi-end and have to piece together what they can from a select budget,of course the ones that research their products can have a system that produces a finer quality.

Perhaps the whole idea of what is considered low/mid or hi-end should be rethought about and then applied into a new category.

No, there really is a mid-fi market. A lot of people just don't care about hi-end. Many of my friends and relatives fit that category, and it's not that I haven't tried convincing them sound quality matters. My uncle Doug jokes with me about having to have the best. He's a lawyer and can afford it. They just buy something that sounds decent/pleasant and forget about it. Usually a familiar brand like Bose, Sony, iPod ....

[dyazdani]

Regardless of the market, at what Bose charges for their systems, a true "mid-fi" system can be assembled for the same or less...

[Hdale85]

Heck in DIY terms you can get into some low end HiFi gear.

[bigburner]

We all have different systems and some of us fear that our systems are not in the same league as those of our fellow forum members so the safest thing to do is unite by denigrating Bose. Anyone who dares to suggest that Bose is bearable or that there's equipment worse than Bose clearly doesn't understand the rules and deserves to be pilloried!

Nigel.

[Russ L]

We all have different systems and some of us fear that our systems are not in the same league as those of our fellow forum members so the safest thing to do is unite by denigrating Bose. Anyone who dares to suggest that Bose is bearable or that there's equipment worse than Bose clearly doesn't understand the rules and deserves to be pilloried!

Nigel.

:lol:



"Proudly built in HT Guide's Mission Possible DIY Forum"

[IllNastyImpreza]

^ I chuckled

[Alloroc]

Regardless of the market, at what Bose charges for their systems, a true "mid-fi" system can be assembled for the same or less...

I totally agree... 'nuf said.

[audioqueso]

I doubt it. I bet it has a higher frequency response than bose. lol

No, no. Dougie's right about this one. I know exactly what he's talking about because my cousin that little cube Sony system. They really sound like crap. Really.

It's not like Bose sound horrible. It sounds decent. The problem is that it's definitely not worth the price. The sound quality is on par with something a fraction of their price. For the price paid for Bose, one could really step it up into MUCH higher sound quality. You could buy the Klipsch Promedia 5.1 pc speakers and have it sound better than the Acouscwhatever system.

[David Meek]

Back on topic now, I second the Gallo Acoustics choice. I don't own them but I have heard them and they are impressive - especially for their size and cost.

[Alaric]

BOSE Acoustimass in action!

Ok , I let this thread run it's course and behaved myself. Can't hold back any more http://www.cb750cafe.com/links.php

[wkhanna]

nt

:roflmao:

[H.T.C]

Ok , I let this thread run it's course and behaved myself. Can't hold back any more http://www.cb750cafe.com/links.php

Is this some kind of new alternative energy ?

[Johnloudb]

Woe .... the air getting kind of foul around here. How 'bout this:

http://www.cb750cafe.com/bikes.php?cat=22

I'll bet she smells good.

[Russ L]

Ok , I let this thread run it's course and behaved myself. Can't hold back any more http://www.cb750cafe.com/links.php

Bose Toxic Wave System?

[Briz vegas]

OK so my GF's dad is in the market for some new speakers. He has been looking @ BOSE front stage, and has no idea what he wants for surround. This is for his 5.1 surround settup. But I believe he only wants to replace the 2 front speakers.

What should I tell him to check out instead of BOSE ??? He currently has some cambridge soundworks bookshelf speakers, but wants something with a little more OOMFF.

If I had the time I would build him something... but alas, I must give him some direction in order to keep him away from BOSE !

If he is looking at Bose he probably wants something that looks pretty. I would suggest a pair of Quad 12L for about the 301 BOSE price. That piano finish and their brick like solidity is sure to impress.

Hey Bose still sell the 901 and say it is the worlds most acclaimed speaker. :E That just proves to me that in marketing you can say anything.
They also say better sound through research - do they even have an R&D department any more. I remember 301s in the 1970s I could never work out how to aim the little blade to make the sound better. I think it also had a sort of spongy material as the speaker grill, how did that work without strangling the sound. It did sound better than the plastic speakers on our family record player and i still remember hearing the er bass on Kate Bush's Man with a Child in his Eyes and being very impressed. Its all relative I suppose.

[H.T.C]

If he is looking at Bose he probably wants something that looks pretty. I would suggest a pair of Quad 12L for about the 301 BOSE price. That piano finish and their brick like solidity is sure to impress.

Hey Bose still sell the 901 and say it is the worlds most acclaimed speaker. :E That just proves to me that in marketing you can say anything.
They also say better sound through research - do they even have an R&D department any more. I remember 301s in the 1970s I could never work out how to aim the little blade to make the sound better. I think it also had a sort of spongy material as the speaker grill, how did that work without strangling the sound. It did sound better than the plastic speakers on our family record player and i still remember hearing the er bass on Kate Bush's Man with a Child in his Eyes and being very impressed. Its all relative I suppose.

If he bought the 12L they would still need a very good receiver or integrated amplifier.

[Miyuki]

OK so my GF's dad is in the market for some new speakers. He has been looking @ BOSE front stage, and has no idea what he wants for surround. This is for his 5.1 surround settup. But I believe he only wants to replace the 2 front speakers.

What should I tell him to check out instead of BOSE ??? He currently has some cambridge soundworks bookshelf speakers, but wants something with a little more OOMFF.

If I had the time I would build him something... but alas, I must give him some direction in order to keep him away from BOSE !

Out of curiosity, why is it so important for him to stay away from Bose?

[Russ L]

Out of curiosity, why is it so important for him to stay away from Bose?

Bose speakers don't produce highs or lows only midrange notes. In other words they are one-way speakers... midrange only And its been that way since forever. Bose are all marketing hype and no substance.

And if he doesn't stay away from Bose he will be sent to the pillory :twisted: (see post #20)

[Briz vegas]

If he bought the 12L they would still need a very good receiver or integrated amplifier.

The poster's Dad is replacing speakers and is considering Bose for the fronts. Bose speakers come as either a full set with acousitmess module or as individual speakers. I assumed he was going for the 201 or 301. I therefore assumed he is using some sort of receiver and not a bose lifestyle setup. If he is using a lifestyle system then you are correct, he will need some decent amplification as well.

There are a few articles on the Bose approach to sound on the net. Its about as dedicated to audio quality as Apple are with their standard lossey settings on the ipod. Bose assume that the customer is ok with throwing away part of the audio spectrum so long as the sound is still adequate. To me that is a company focused on the look and cost cutting over appreciation of an audio recording and musicfirst.

[H.T.C]

The poster's Dad is replacing speakers and is considering Bose for the fronts. Bose speakers come as either a full set with acousitmess module or as individual speakers. I assumed he was going for the 201 or 301. I therefore assumed he is using some sort of receiver and not a bose lifestyle setup. If he is using a lifestyle system then you are correct, he will need some decent amplification as well.

There are a few articles on the Bose approach to sound on the net. Its about as dedicated to audio quality as Apple are with their standard lossey settings on the ipod. Bose assume that the customer is ok with throwing away part of the audio spectrum so long as the sound is still adequate. To me that is a company focused on the look and cost cutting over appreciation of an audio recording and musicfirst.

It's most likely the reason this manufacturer doesn't get much coverage in the high-end magazines.

[Miyuki]

Bose speakers don't produce highs or lows only midrange notes. In other words they are one-way speakers... midrange only And its been that way since forever. Bose are all marketing hype and no substance.

And if he doesn't stay away from Bose he will be sent to the pillory :twisted: (see post #20)

IC …. “Better marketing through research” In Japan, Bose has their own fancy corner in most major electronics stores. B&Ws, on the other hand, are squeezed in among other speakers. B&W is not doing any marketing at all it seems!

[Johnloudb]

IC …. “Better marketing through research”

Funny :rofl:

[Briz vegas]

That line was so slick I had to read it twice to pick up the twist.

Visit a jaguar showroom to see B&Ws marketing strategy.

[Russ L]

IC …. “Better marketing through research” In Japan, Bose has their own fancy corner in most major electronics stores. B&Ws, on the other hand, are squeezed in among other speakers. B&W is not doing any marketing at all it seems!

"Better marketing through research" :lol: Bose are brutally honest. They are mass marketers whereas B&W are marketed through exclusive dealers and selective marketing strategies that fit their high end/ high quality image. EG: Relationship with Classe, with Jaguar, with Peter Gabriel's Real World Records. But most of all B&W uses the best marketing strategy building up a long term customer base through a reputation spread largely through word of mouth- the most trusted form of advertising. The number of innovations that B&W's University of Sound research department have contributed to the design of speakers over the last 35 years is unparalleled. We are enjoying those benefits now. Bose is researching mass marketing to sell to mainly first time and undiscriminating customers. B&W truly is doing research that
leads to better marketing through a more selective relationship with its customers that fits the quality image of its products.

Although sometimes I have my doubts: Innovative? OR Wrong? :scratchhead:

[Miyuki]

"Better marketing through research" :lol: Bose are brutally honest. They are mass marketers whereas B&W are marketed through exclusive dealers and selective marketing strategies that fit their high end/ high quality image. EG: Relationship with Classe, with Jaguar, with Peter Gabriel's Real World Records. But most of all B&W uses the best marketing strategy building up a long term customer base through a reputation spread largely through word of mouth- the most trusted form of advertising. The number of innovations that B&W's University of Sound research department have contributed to the design of speakers over the last 35 years is unparalleled. We are enjoying those benefits now. Bose is researching mass marketing to sell to mainly first time and undiscriminating customers. B&W truly is doing research that
leads to better marketing through a more selective relationship with its customers that fits the quality image of its products.

Although sometimes I have my doubts: Innovative? OR Wrong? :scratchhead:

That’s so true,
Only one dealer in Tokyo "Dynamic Audio" has a decent room for B&W with Classe amps. They are the primary dealer of B&Ws and they are as high end as you can get as a dealer　in Japan. I went to for fun to their top end listening room that houses brands far above Classe and Electrocompaniet w.r.t. prices. Fasten your seatbelts now: .... one monoblock for USD 300,000! They have no Bose speakers’ of course. I have a 10 years relationship with dealer, which provides excellent services and great deals money wise. In Japan you establish relationships and as longer it lasts the better deals you get. Bose sounds good as home-theater in box speakers, at public places with loud pops and rocks and in cars, but after listening to them with a 96PCM opera recording they sounded horrible. Jazz listening was also really bad. The Bose dealer told me that Bose has invented this little box with accompanying subwoofer that will replace larger speakers. I was quite upset because the dealer thought that he could fool a woman like me. Women don’t not know anything about audio so you can BS them! Hu! :M

Anyway, great that I have you guys to teach me all about audio stuff that I know very little about. :T

The glossy speaker must look good with grandpianos, but might be annoying with reflexes and easy to scratch. That's the new CM9 rite? Have you heard it? If so, what's your impressions?

Cheers,

[Russ L]

I was quite upset because the dealer thought that he could fool a woman like me. Women don’t not know anything about audio so you can BS them! Hu! :M

Thats his loss.

That's the new CM9 rite? Have you heard it? If so, what's your impressions?

Cheers,

I've not heard the CM9 but I heard the CM7. Its bass was too polite. Small cabinet probably contributed to the lack of bass. It was hard to position the speaker so the bass didn't sound distorted. It needed to be quite far from the wall. The mids were nice but the highs not as good as the 700 and 800 series. The veneer was not as good as the 700 and 800 series. I imagine the CM9s are the same sound as the CM7s but with more bass...but you never know because each speaker has its own character.

Kind regards, Russ

[Briz vegas]

I was in Rockinghorse Records in Brisbane today. I looked up and what speaker are they using for the in store system Bose 301 And it sounded..........adequate. Its not really an environment to evaluate speakers but I would say that I prefer the Warfdale diamonds used in JB Hifi (discount store) in town

[H.T.C]

I was in Rockinghorse Records in Brisbane today. I looked up and what speaker are they using for the in store system Bose 301 And it sounded..........adequate. Its not really an environment to evaluate speakers but I would say that I prefer the Warfdale diamonds used in JB Hifi (discount store) in town

Do you know what name the warfdales had a few years back with the horn loaded tweeter,the ones that looked like tall mini-system speakers because they might make a good pair and wasn't the word diamond used for those as well ?

I always wanted to know how the speakers sounded

[Briz vegas]

You may be referring to their vsx professional speakers. The ones I was referring to are the 9.1 diamonds which I believe are still current.