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Guest ashario
Posted

Hi all

I am a complete novice when it comes to home theatre. I have finally decided to shell out some money and buy a half decent system. I have about 8,000 to spend, including installation and am looking for a system that includes

twin digital receivers (so i can watch one channel and record another)

82cm LCD TV

receiver

DVD player

5.1 speakers

My main priorities are

- i want small, discrete speakers if possible

- i dont want a system with 100 components that takes up half of the room :blink:

- I'm kind of fond of the idea of a 'theatre in a box' setup

- something fairly simple that even I can work out how to use

As part of my system, my local shop has recommended the Bose Lifestyle 28 system at $5000.

http://www.bose.com.au/site/index.aspx?pat...pgid=35&t=specs

I have since read that BOSE is quite overpriced. Is this true or are these the same types of people who slag off Microsoft for the fun of it? Can anyone make any suggestions as to what equipment I should get?

Thanks

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Posted
  ashario said:
As part of my system, my local shop has recommended the Bose Lifestyle 28 system at $5000.

Bose :P:blink::P:P

Laughing so hard I nearly fell off my chair

Posted
  ashario said:
Hi all

I am a complete novice when it comes to home theatre. I have finally decided to shell out some money and buy a half decent system. I have about 8,000 to spend, including installation and am looking for a system that includes

twin digital receivers (so i can watch one channel and record another)

82cm LCD TV

receiver

DVD player

5.1 speakers

My main priorities are

- i want small, discrete speakers if possible

- i dont want a system with 100 components that takes up half of the room :blink:

- I'm kind of fond of the idea of a 'theatre in a box' setup

- something fairly simple that even I can work out how to use

As part of my system, my local shop has recommended the Bose Lifestyle 28 system at $5000.

http://www.bose.com.au/site/index.aspx?pat...pgid=35&t=specs

I have since read that BOSE is quite overpriced. Is this true or are these the same types of people who slag off Microsoft for the fun of it? Can anyone make any suggestions as to what equipment I should get?

Thanks

If you are serious about installing a decent system - contact a professional and reputable integrator and have them design a system around your budget.

Avoid:

1. Trunk Slammers and one man Bands

2. Bose

3. B&O

4. Harvey Norman and another big electrical chain - they all claim they are experts - but just ask any sales droid at any of their stores how to eq a theatre and you will quickly realise they are no better than the trunk slammer.

5

Look For:

1. CEDIA qualifications

2. THX qualifications

3. Specialist integration companies with references

Realise:

1. You get what you pay for - and that an installation quoted at $40 an hour - 8 hours is going to - well.. suck.

5. That you need to shell out a good proportion of your budget on installation, system verification and calibration.

Good luck.

Guest ashario
Posted
  WORX A4 said:
Look For:

1. CEDIA qualifications

2. THX qualifications

3. Specialist integration companies with references

Thanks for the reply.

Hmmm....the place that recommended BOSE is both CEDIA and THX qualified (Audio Junction).

Posted
  ashario said:
Thanks for the reply.

Hmmm....the place that recommended BOSE is both CEDIA and THX qualified (Audio Junction).

:blink::P:P I didn’t think BOSE could be used in the same sentence as THX…(j/k)

Posted
  ashario said:
My main priorities are

- i want small, discrete speakers if possible

- i dont want a system with 100 components that takes up half of the room :blink:

- I'm kind of fond of the idea of a 'theatre in a box' setup

- something fairly simple that even I can work out how to use

Can anyone make any suggestions as to what equipment I should get?

Thanks

As you'll probably guess it's all subjective when it comes to audio & video components - some people swear by brands that others with reject out of hand. For instance, I would agree with general sentiment about Bose equipment but would dearly love to be able to afford any of the Bang & Olufsen equipment that others dislike.

For the $5000 you’d pay for the Bose system (which I assume includes DVD player, 5.1 speakers and amp/receiver) you could configure a similar system using discrete components for a reasonable amount less, which is why most people would recommend you avoid Bose products. Personally I’d avoid the ‘theatre in a box’ systems altogether if you have any intention of expanding or replacing aspects of your system over time, as although they are pretty good solutions you are very much limited in what else you can connect down the track.

For a 5.1 speaker combination I quite like the Jamo range, which have some nice discrete designs at the bookshelf-size which sound like they might suit your requirements. On the amp front I’d look at the most future-proof device you can find, which in my mind is something like the Yamaha RX-V2600 (primarily because it has more inputs than you’ll ever need but can up-convert them all to a single HDMI output to connect to your TV). Together those should set you back about $3,800 (approx $1600 for the speakers and $2200 for the Yamaha – going by the retail prices anyway) leaving plenty for a HDMI upscaling DVD player and a good universal remote control to match the simplicity of the Bose remote, and all for the same money as the Bose system.

That said, you’re unlikely to get a twin tuner PVR (like the Topfield range) and an 82cm LCD TV for the $3000 you’d have left, but if you’re after a system that will offer flexibility (and thus longer useful life) this would be my recommendation.

Hope that helps somewhat, and good luck with the hunt.

James

Posted
  ashario said:
My main priorities are

- i want small, discrete speakers if possible

- i dont want a system with 100 components that takes up half of the room :blink:

- I'm kind of fond of the idea of a 'theatre in a box' setup

- something fairly simple that even I can work out how to use

I know I'm gonna get hammered by all the audiophiles here, but I actually think that the Bose system is probably the only only one that meets your requirements.

You should understand that most of the posts here are by enthusiasts who love nothing more but to forever tinker and upgrade their systems. Judging by your criteria above, this is clearly not your primary concern.. and that's fine.

Yes, you can get cheaper and better systems than the Bose, but not everyone wants to waste time to research & construct a separates system. If the Bose system demos well to your eyes and ears, and you're happy with it, then go for it. Make sure you listen to an equivalently priced separates system and if you can't really tell the difference, then the Bose may be right for you.

We techheads often underestimate the other selection criteria that you listed above, so keep that in mind when seeking advice from many members of this forum.

Posted
  james.hodge said:
As you'll probably guess it's all subjective when it comes to audio & video components - some people swear by brands that others with reject out of hand. For instance, I would agree with general sentiment about Bose equipment but would dearly love to be able to afford any of the Bang & Olufsen equipment that others dislike.

For the $5000 you’d pay for the Bose system (which I assume includes DVD player, 5.1 speakers and amp/receiver) you could configure a similar system using discrete components for a reasonable amount less, which is why most people would recommend you avoid Bose products. Personally I’d avoid the ‘theatre in a box’ systems altogether if you have any intention of expanding or replacing aspects of your system over time, as although they are pretty good solutions you are very much limited in what else you can connect down the track.

For a 5.1 speaker combination I quite like the Jamo range, which have some nice discrete designs at the bookshelf-size which sound like they might suit your requirements. On the amp front I’d look at the most future-proof device you can find, which in my mind is something like the Yamaha RX-V2600 (primarily because it has more inputs than you’ll ever need but can up-convert them all to a single HDMI output to connect to your TV). Together those should set you back about $3,800 (approx $1600 for the speakers and $2200 for the Yamaha – going by the retail prices anyway) leaving plenty for a HDMI upscaling DVD player and a good universal remote control to match the simplicity of the Bose remote, and all for the same money as the Bose system.

That said, you’re unlikely to get a twin tuner PVR (like the Topfield range) and an 82cm LCD TV for the $3000 you’d have left, but if you’re after a system that will offer flexibility (and thus longer useful life) this would be my recommendation.

Hope that helps somewhat, and good luck with the hunt.

James

Although, if you can pick it all up at one shop, it might go close.......

Don't forget cables, they will mount up, esp. if you are considering Monster <ducks and runs for cover> :blink:

Seriously, IMO, the biggest thing about the Bose (cubes obviously) is you miss out on soooo much mid range it's not funny.

Separates are really the only way to go AND as mentioned, if you catch the bug (which is pretty damned easy!) you can upgrade components as needed.

EDIT: Apologies, as Foghorn mentions, I am lumping you in with the rest of the techheads who are searching for (their own) nirvana on this forum. If the Bose sound good to you and are all you require then go for it.

Posted

The Bose system is something easy for sales people to recommend, especially in your situation. "Prestige" brand, small, easy to setup and easy to use. Unfortunately it is also extremely expensive and, in truth, not all that great for the money. With small speakers and small amps there are limitations based on physics that no amount of trademarked majik can overcome.

My advice is (as always) got to lots of specialist stores and try out lots and lots and lots of different things. Find out what you like and what suits your space. Be patient - don't rush to buy in a day even if it's the last one left and twenty people have enquired today :blink:

You don't mention the city you're in so if you add that then some of the contributors here could probably throw a few stores to go visit.

Guest ashario
Posted
  ajm said:
You don't mention the city you're in so if you add that then some of the contributors here could probably throw a few stores to go visit.

Oops. Newcastle

Posted

My brother in law bought the Mission M Cubes, very small and sounded much better than the Bose. They may be in run out so prices are good. Focal JM Lab Sib and Cub are worth looking at also. The M Cubes were about $1800 inc a Sub and the Sib and cub similar for the smaller size speakers, (they come in various sizes).

I went with him and listened to all three (inc Bose) I preferred Sib and Cub first, M Cubes second and Bose distant third. However that is my preference, not yours :blink:

Good luck demoing and have fun :P

Posted

Like Foggy, I'll probably get hammered for suggesting this, but have a look at the JM Labs Sib Cub combination. Speakers are a bit larger than Bose but come with their own mountable swiveable brackets and don't sound too bad. All depends how high end you want to go.

Posted

I personally would focus on the screen first. Get a good quality one with at least one HDMI input and at least 1360x768 resolutuon - which means most of them. Samsung are good, ditto Sony. Just make sure you are getting the current model.

Posted

whatmough synergy2 sub/satellite system $3500

lcd tv ??? $3000

yamaha dvd player $300

yamaha receiver $800

below your budget (not sure what to recmmend for tv, i dont like lcd's) and a great sound from the whatmough/yamaha combo

Posted
  Foghorn17 said:
I know I'm gonna get hammered by all the audiophiles here, but I actually think that the Bose system is probably the only only one that meets your requirements.

You should understand that most of the posts here are by enthusiasts who love nothing more but to forever tinker and upgrade their systems. Judging by your criteria above, this is clearly not your primary concern.. and that's fine.

Yes, you can get cheaper and better systems than the Bose, but not everyone wants to waste time to research & construct a separates system. If the Bose system demos well to your eyes and ears, and you're happy with it, then go for it. Make sure you listen to an equivalently priced separates system and if you can't really tell the difference, then the Bose may be right for you.

We techheads often underestimate the other selection criteria that you listed above, so keep that in mind when seeking advice from many members of this forum.

And the Denon HTIB - i think is not bad for what it is...

Guest Naive
Posted

I stumbled across this website in my blind search for information about home theatre and Ashario's specs sounded like mine, and, I received similar advice from a shop today except the Lifestyle 48. All very appealing until I got terrified by the techno talk (note I did not say babble).

But is Bose really that bad? What other system offers simple easy to read technology for someone who needs glasses and did not grow up in front of a computer?

Posted

$5000.00 for a Bose system? Alarm bells have rung in my head! :blink:

For that $ I would rather get an all Yamaha/Denon seperate component system, that would absolutely cream the Bose system in quality/performance.

Whatever you do: Dont buy something unless you heard it first, then heard other stuff in the same price bracket, make your decisions from your 'own' hearing, not recommendations from a supposed 'expert'.

Your money, your purchase. Theres no rush!

Posted
  Mike Rowesoft said:
$5000.00 for a Bose system? Alarm bells have rung in my head! :blink:

For that $ I would rather get an all Yamaha/Denon seperate component system, that would absolutely cream the Bose system in quality/performance.

Whatever you do: Dont buy something unless you heard it first, then heard other stuff in the same price bracket, make your decisions from your 'own' hearing, not recommendations from a supposed 'expert'.

Your money, your purchase. Theres no rush!

Mikes echoing what a number of folks are saying - It's less a question of Bose good or bad, it's more a question of value (Quality) for money.

Bose are offering an integrated system that works OK - it's easy to set up etc - but you pay a premium for this - is it worth it?

Posted
  Naive said:
I stumbled across this website in my blind search for information about home theatre and Ashario's specs sounded like mine, and, I received similar advice from a shop today except the Lifestyle 48. All very appealing until I got terrified by the techno talk (note I did not say babble).

But is Bose really that bad? What other system offers simple easy to read technology for someone who needs glasses and did not grow up in front of a computer?

Like the others said, BOSE are not bad as such, they are just over priced for what you get. A good set of satellite speakers and sub could be had for half the price and get as good a sound or better with a bit of research.

But if you want to pay a premium for the simplicity, then go ahead.

Posted

How about I come and visit you. I'll do all the research, listening/demoing and finally the buying, installing and set-up (no house mod stuff included though).

I'll only charge $4,000 on top of the purchase price - which is about the same as BOSE are charging you for the convenience of an ordinary sounding but simple package.

Posted
  james.hodge said:
For a 5.1 speaker combination I quite like the Jamo range, which have some nice discrete designs at the bookshelf-size which sound like they might suit your requirements. On the amp front I’d look at the most future-proof device you can find, which in my mind is something like the Yamaha RX-V2600 (primarily because it has more inputs than you’ll ever need but can up-convert them all to a single HDMI output to connect to your TV). Together those should set you back about $3,800 (approx $1600 for the speakers and $2200 for the Yamaha – going by the retail prices anyway) leaving plenty for a HDMI upscaling DVD player and a good universal remote control to match the simplicity of the Bose remote, and all for the same money as the Bose system.

That said, you’re unlikely to get a twin tuner PVR (like the Topfield range) and an 82cm LCD TV for the $3000 you’d have left, but if you’re after a system that will offer flexibility (and thus longer useful life) this would be my recommendation.

Hope that helps somewhat, and good luck with the hunt.

James

Going through a similar process as you and agree with the above. Think long and hard about the small cube speakers, salesmen will turn them up loud to make a point... but thats all i is...loud. Once you know what you want you can get a huge markdown from a major chain

  • 2 weeks later...
Posted

I agree with most of the comments about Bose and the limitations of small cube speakers. I have a Yamaha theatre in a box system and while it's great for the price, you do get what you pay for and the laws of physics will prevail. If you really want small speakers, try auditioning Mirage Nano speakers. They're a specialist Canadian speaker manufacturer and for about $1600 they have a 5.1 setup that's a bit bigger than the standard cubes but smaller than bookshelf, and I thought they sounded impressive for what they are.

http://miragespeakers.com/nano.shtml

If you want a cheap and pretty good LCD look no further than the AWA 81cm for about $1400. Also, if you can't afford to spend up big on a twin tuner PVR, just get a basic PVR and another STB. Works out much cheaper if you what it more for convenience than quality. I have a Supernet/Wintal PVR and a Digicrystal HD STB off eBay for about $350. Might not be as good as a Toppy, but still does the job well enough for me.

Posted

As for the speakers, I have run both the Bose AM16 and my newly beloved B&W MT30 system.

IMO, I can tell you first hand, that the B&W MT30 system makes the Bose system seem very second rate.

Yes, the B&W MT30 system is about $3500 and the AM16 is about $2400 but you will notice the difference. Like previously mentioned, the Bose lacks mid-range and the range of the B&W is superb!

B&W also have the MT10 & MT20 systems that are around the same price as the Bose. The difference is the subwoofers. The satelittes are the same in each of the B&W MT systems.

I had to get the MT30 system because after seeing and hearing the PV1 subwoofer, I had got to the point of no return! :blink:

Posted
  deflepper said:
Read some user opinions on the bose systems.

http://www.audioreview.com/cat/home-video/...07_4281crx.aspx

Most say it sounds okay, but for $5000 you can buy something that sounds awesome.

You are paying about an extra $3000 for the bose brand name that, despite constant negative reviews of their equipment, still seems to be held in high regard.

Yep - that's it! :P

Bose are OK but not at those dollars. If the dollars have to be $5k you can get much better bang for the buck. :blink:

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