I’m watching an infomercial right now for the Bose acoustic wave music system which supposedly gives you great sound in a wierd looking unit that looks to be about 1 1/2’ tall by 2’ wide. Its most important component seems to be this 7’ long plastic tube that’s all twisted up inside the stereo to provide resonance.
The infomercial doesn’t seem to want to show a price, instead giving a number to call to get a free information about the system and get a 30 day trial period. This implies to me that the system is going to be breathtakingly expensive.
Have any of you tried this? Is really as good as they say? I don’t often go in for infomercial offers, but I like music, so this one is enticing. Is it worth it, or am I better off buying a conventional stereo system?
There have already been several mini-debates here about Bose systems. You may want to look some of them up.
I have a Bose Lifestyle 30 system, which I’m very happy with. It provides great sound (including surround-sound) for music and for movies. My system cost about $2799. You can decide for yourself whether that’s outrageously expensive or a bargain. It’s not my place to tell you to buy it, but I do give it a big thumbs up. Bose offers cheaper AND more expensive packages than mine.
There are certainly other packages out there that can give you better sound if you’re willing to spend a little more, or pretty comparable sound for the same amount or less. Or, if you have a good stereo store in your area, you may find that they can mix and match components and give you a good combination for far less.
Again, I won’t urge you to buy the Bose- by all means, check into several options for yourself, and don’t buy until you’ve had a chance to listen to them all. Decide for yourself what sounds best AND what you can afford.
Now, one of Bose’s biggest selling points IS how small all the components and speakers are. IF you live in an apartment or a small house, that’s a great advantage. The tiny jewel-cube speakers really do provide a big sound. On the other hand, if you have plenty of room and space isn’t an issue, conventional-size speakers from other companies may be a better value for you.
They may be great sounding, but I hope you never need to have them serviced. Parts are hard to get (even Bose had many parts on back order) and many times I found myself using generic/reconditioned/similar parts just to get the product repaired & back to the customer asap. Bose products are not made with the service technician in mind.
Are you talking about the Bose Wave Radio – essentially a clock radio with really good speakers? I’ve looked at them on display. Essentially you’re getting the basic clock radio electronics (probably with a decent amp) and a lot of hollow plastic to direct the sound. I seem to recall they wanted upwards of $200 for it. I thought that was a lot of freaking money if your technical advantage is hollow plastic.
FYI: I tested one out the last time I was in Cherry Creek Mall (Denver, CO). I was truly impressed with the quality of sound from the Bose w/CD. It costs about $450, but I thought it would be perfect for an apartment or as an alternate stereo for the upstairs or kitchen. Look around your area and see if there is a Bose store in one of the malls. In Denver, there are two Bose shops. If you find one, go check it out. BTW: the store is REALLY cool.
I’ve got one in my living room. It is the taller version - probably 10" tall or so, with a CD player. Gives pretty nice sound, and doesn’t dominate the room sitting on the bottom shelf of a bookshelf as componsents might. But my days as an audiophile are well past. I recall when I used to care fervently about such things, I did not have an incredible opinion of anythings Bose. it was also quite pricey for what is essentially a high quality boombox with a nice little remote.