There are countless posts that get into the details of why Bose has issues. The biggest issue is that they really don't have any technology at all. They use small typical speakers with paper cones, there is no magic there. Find the absolute cheapest 5.1 setup at Best Buy - you know, the Insignia $133.00 pacakge... Those speakers are equal to the quality of the Bose Speakers - zero quality improvement. The bass module (not subwoofer) may provide a bit more than the cheapie Best Buy system, but not a whole lot.
So, you pay $1,500+ for a system that is comparible to a sub $150.00 system and are happy with it.
Now, what is actually missing? There is a website (don't have the URL on this PC - but search old posts) that shows that the speakers actually miss entire frequency ranges. The bass module doesn't hit the low stuff, this is a gimme, but above the module, and below the tiny speakers is a whole range that the speakers are entirely unable to reproduce which means you are completely incapable of hearing that audio. On a good movie or CD, you will instantly know the difference when you sit down and listen to the same source material on full range speakers with a decent sub.
My gripe is not with their product, it is with their product AT THAT PRICE! At least 5 to 10 times the actual cost they should be.
Other peeves?
1. They typically don't include enough inputs to allow you to properly connect the rest of your A/V gear through the system.
2. Proprietary connections make upgrading impossible.
3. Skimpy wiring is of questionable quality.
4. Where's the HDMI from the DVD player?
5. No specifications on any equipment on their site.
6. False claims by the company that they have actually invented 'new' technology when they have made insignificant changes to a speaker. "Patented Silvack technology for better listening!" - Yes, you are correct, the speaker is in fact silver AND black. Well worth a patent.
There are many users of this site who speak loud about avoiding snake oil. Product claims that are meaningless or products that cost far more than they should are worth ragging about.
Don't you think? If not, I have a high quality Yugo I will be happy to sell you. Under the Bose philosophy I will need to charge you at least $50,000 for this vehicle though.
