Best Buy lead me here! Help

[jhb]

No, they did not tell me to come here, but I was so incensed with the stereo system they configured for me I did a search for a place with a more partial view on Surround systems and found you guys.

I had a Philips Plasma which is dead after 3 years. It was serviced once under warranty and I then spent about 700 after warranty for another service. It died about 30 days after the 90 day warranty. Junk, its gone!

So, I went into BB. I walked out with a 5k estimate. Get this, $700 in CABLES!! WTF! I knew then I was going elsewhere. They also tried to sell me a $300 power conditioner and service plans on everything (500.00). Honestly, I think I WILL buy a service plan on my next TV after my last one, but still.

Anyway, a question. After reading about Bose being POS here, I have to say I own the Acoustamass system 10. Had it about 6 years. I bought it for the speaker size from Tweeter.

Anyway, the BB saleskid said I could keep the Bose satelite speakers and get a new subwoofer (Klipsch, $85 optic cable). Is this accurate? I am thinking there is special circuitry in the module that would defeat the slight fidelity I get with the system now.

Also, my wife always complains about not being able to hear the dialog in a movie as the background noise drowns it out. I always put this off as a tuning issue, but could I actually be hearing the holes in the Bose frequencie response?

 

[ParadigmDawg]

You may be able to use a good sub with a BOSE system but then you would have a good sub with a BOSE.

I would sale the BOSE on EBAY and start over. You can probably get a good price for it and then get help on picking out the right system for your budget.

 

[jamie2112]

Agreed Greg. Go get yourself some speakers that your wife will be able to hear dialog with...It sounds like she might give you the go ahead to get some
speakers. The response on that bose system is suspect at best. I would try to listen to as many speakers as possible before buying. Be sure to bring your own cd's and dvd's so you know what you want to hear out of your speakers..

 

[PeterWhite]

No, they did not tell me to come here, but I was so incensed with the stereo system they configured for me I did a search for a place with a more partial view on Surround systems and found you guys.

I had a Philips Plasma which is dead after 3 years. It was serviced once under warranty and I then spent about 700 after warranty for another service. It died about 30 days after the 90 day warranty. Junk, its gone!

So, I went into BB. I walked out with a 5k estimate. Get this, $700 in CABLES!! WTF! I knew then I was going elsewhere. They also tried to sell me a $300 power conditioner and service plans on everything (500.00). Honestly, I think I WILL buy a service plan on my next TV after my last one, but still.

Anyway, a question. After reading about Bose being POS here, I have to say I own the Acoustamass system 10. Had it about 6 years. I bought it for the speaker size from Tweeter.

Anyway, the BB saleskid said I could keep the Bose satelite speakers and get a new subwoofer (Klipsch, $85 optic cable). Is this accurate? I am thinking there is special circuitry in the module that would defeat the slight fidelity I get with the system now.

Also, my wife always complains about not being able to hear the dialog in a movie as the background noise drowns it out. I always put this off as a tuning issue, but could I actually be hearing the holes in the Bose frequencie response?

The Bose speakers are truly awful, and always have been. I remember hearing the original 901s when I was a teenager and thinking, "They must be kidding!" I've heard a few Acoustimas speakers and they are much worse than the 901s. I don't know all of the models but I doubt you can just replace the woofer and have it work. Also, even if you could replace the woofer with a better one, you wouldn't solve the problem.

I'd suggest you look into this set of surround sound speakers. Spherex Xbox 5.1

I haven't heard them, but they do come highly recommended by "The Audio Critic" and others. http://theaudiocritic.com/plog/ Scroll down about half way.

 

[unreal.freak]

So, I went into BB. I walked out with a 5k estimate. Get this, $700 in CABLES!! WTF! I knew then I was going elsewhere.

Check out the prices on BJC for your cable needs. I can vouch for their quality

Here is the link http://www.bluejeanscable.com/

Peace,
Tommy

 

[ParadigmDawg]

also look at Monoprice for cables and wires. I use them and they are very inexpensive and have a good build.

Check out the prices on BJC for your cable needs. I can vouch for their quality

Here is the link http://www.bluejeanscable.com/

Peace,
Tommy

 

[unreal.freak]

also look at Monoprice for cables and wires. I use them and they are very inexpensive and have a good build.

Thanks Greg, I forgot to mention them. I also have some of their cables....no complaints on their price or quality either.


Peace,
Tommy

 

[markw]

Several answers

As close as I can tell, you must[/b run the tiny Bose satellites through the "bass box" that comes with the Bose system. In thatcase, I wouldsuggest you keep the entire system and connect it to the speaker outputs on the receiver, run them as "small", and run a real subwoofer from the receiver's LFE/Subwoofer output.

It won't really improve the dialogue problem, but at least you'll get a real subwoofer.

But, considering you can get better sound for a heckuva lot less than the Bose system cost, you might want to consider that upgrade.

As for the cables, check out www.bluejeanscables.com or www.monoprice.com. You won't regret these.

 

[Soundman]

I'd suggest you look into this set of surround sound speakers. Spherex Xbox 5.1

I haven't heard them, but they do come highly recommended by "The Audio Critic" and others. http://theaudiocritic.com/plog/ Scroll down about half way.

I would be a little skeptical about this review if I were you. I mean, I'm not trying to start trouble, but the title of the review is, "Bad News for High End. Very Bad News". Now, are they implying that this $200 system designed to be used for a video game console is suppose to compete on the high end???
Here's what they say you get with the package:

"That unbelievable price buys you a complete system: five satellite speakers, subwoofer, amplifiers, surround-sound processor, D/A conversion, remote control, the works"

OK, now I havent hard this system, so this system may in fact be very good for the money, (I repeat, for the money) but don't tell me a complete system for $200 is going to compete on the high end. That is just wishfull thinking.

 

[jhb]

Actually, I was considering using the speakers in the 1k or 3k setup listed on this web site and selling the Bose. Speaker size is a big issue. I have to keep them discreet. My wife actually does not want a surround sound system because of the problem, so I better do it right this time.

But I guess I am wondering if anyone KNOWS that the speakers are my problem. I suppose I could just buy a decent amp and do it in pieces.

As for the 2nd sub, I have a hard enough time defending the one we have to the "boss", no way I can add another!

Oh yes, one other thing BB is selling. for 300.00 (-100,00 if you buy the tv from them) they will tune your Plasma TV. They claim they can improve the picture and reduce heat output by 43%. They had a display where you could see (and feel) the difference. Interesting that I could not see the cable connections in back. I bet one was HDMI and the other was component video.

I did not question it until I saw the rest of the garbage in my quote.

 

[mtrycrafts]

.Also, my wife always complains about not being able to hear the dialog in a movie as the background noise drowns it out. I always put this off as a tuning issue, but could I actually be hearing the holes in the Bose frequencie response?

Speaker size is a big issue. I have to keep them discreet. My wife actually does not want a surround sound system because of the problem, so I better do it right this time.

Not sure how to solve the latter issue as it might be difficult to meet that with what you have or a good upgrade.
Yes, the Bose can be causing that dialog issue, indeed, but, an improper setup, low level to the center may also be an issue as well.

May need to convince your wife that a good sound system is not invisible unless you really do a theater room costing lots $$$$$$

 

[Rickster71]

I'd suggest you look into this set of surround sound speakers. Spherex Xbox 5.1

I haven't heard them, but they do come highly recommended by "The Audio Critic" and others. http://theaudiocritic.com/plog/ Scroll down about half way.

They aren't made any more.
Parts Express bought out the entire stock, and sells them for a fraction of the original price. One caveat, no plate amp in the sub. see link:
http://www.partsexpress.com/webpage.cfm?FILTER=Xbox+speakers&FTR=Xbox+speakers&search_type=main&WebPage_ID=3
They do sound great for computer speakers. It's no home theater.

 

[flippo]

spherex speakers

They are actually a Mirage design. I have omnisat v2 satellite (big brother and newer) which sound excellent (to me at least). Can't comment on sound of spherex since I haven't heard them.

 

[PeterWhite]

I would be a little skeptical about this review if I were you. I mean, I'm not trying to start trouble, but the title of the review is, "Bad News for High End. Very Bad News". Now, are they implying that this $200 system designed to be used for a video game console is suppose to compete on the high end???

If you read the entire review, I think Aczel gives you enough information to conclude that the speakers are significantly better than anything from Bose. While I wouldn't say it's impossible, I doubt I would prefer them to my Martin Logans.

 

[jcPanny]

Speaker options

For satelite type speakers, check out the recent review of the Orb audio system. They are compact but should perform significanlty better than the bose cubes, especially with the mod2 or mod4 system.
http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/satellite/orb-audio-mod4

Also, consider on-wall or in-wall speaker for a high WAF rating. EMP makes some on-wall speaker for $100 each that could flank your new display. Comanies like Speakercraft, Niles, and Triad make high end in-wall speakers that would be a significant upgrade.

For the sub, I have an SVS SB12-Plus which I found to be a good compromise of size, asthetics, and performance.

A receiver in the $4-500 range should work well for this system.

 

[Soundman]

If you read the entire review, I think Aczel gives you enough information to conclude that the speakers are significantly better than anything from Bose. While I wouldn't say it's impossible, I doubt I would prefer them to my Martin Logans.

I know this is probably moot point now, if this system has in fact been discontinued, but I assure you your Martin Logans will sound better. I know this statement wil come across as controversial since I havent heard the speakers, but seriously you can't even get a good sub in the $200 range, let alone a full system. (Now, they probably sound better then Bose, but Bose shouldn't even be in this conversation. They aren't high end. They're more on par with my $50 Insignia speakers.) Again, it is ridiculous to compare a system in this price category to more expensive setups. Not only is it not a fair comparison due to the price difference, it's just a fact that the lower priced system is severely limited. It's a matter of physical limitations. You can't design, market, and sell a product for 200 bucks and expect it to be on par with higher priced systems. It may sound very good for the money, but to get the price that low, some compromises will have to be made. Also, there isn't a satelite speaker on the planet that will compete with the best full range systems due to the physical limitations of the speaker. It's the law of physics. It can't be done. I know these statements sound bold, but again a system priced that low will not be able to keep up with higher end gear.

 

[mazersteven]

The Bose speakers are truly awful, and always have been. I remember hearing the original 901s when I was a teenager and thinking, "They must be kidding!" I've heard a few Acoustimas speakers and they are much worse than the 901s.

Bose Bashing.

 

[mazersteven]

Actually, I was considering using the speakers in the 1k or 3k setup listed on this web site and selling the Bose. Speaker size is a big issue. I have to keep them discreet. My wife actually does not want a surround sound system because of the problem, so I better do it right this time.

How about selling the Bose system and installing in-wall speakers?

 

[PeterWhite]

I know this is probably moot point now, if this system has in fact been discontinued, but I assure you your Martin Logans will sound better. I know this statement wil come across as controversial since I havent heard the speakers, but seriously you can't even get a good sub in the $200 range, let alone a full system. (Now, they probably sound better then Bose, but Bose shouldn't even be in this conversation. They aren't high end. They're more on par with my $50 Insignia speakers.) Again, it is ridiculous to compare a system in this price category to more expensive setups. Not only is it not a fair comparison due to the price difference, it's just a fact that the lower priced system is severely limited. It's a matter of physical limitations. You can't design, market, and sell a product for 200 bucks and expect it to be on par with higher priced systems. It may sound very good for the money, but to get the price that low, some compromises will have to be made. Also, there isn't a satelite speaker on the planet that will compete with the best full range systems due to the physical limitations of the speaker. It's the law of physics. It can't be done. I know these statements sound bold, but again a system priced that low will not be able to keep up with higher end gear.

That's right. You haven't heard the speakers, and neither have I. Peter Aczel has, and since I respect his ears, if perhaps not his tendency to hyperbolize, I thought it was worth a mention.

More importantly, I think it's a bit silly to dismiss a product simply based on its price. The analogy isn't perfect, but my $2,000 Mac notebook weighing 5 pounds runs rings around computers costing millions of dollars in the 1960s the size of a room and weighing thousands of pounds. Were I able to go back in time with this little computer and make that claim to someone in the business he'd probably laugh at me, and only look like a fool when I turned it on and showed him what I do every day in Photoshop.

There is very little correlation between sound quality and price when it comes to audio gear.

 

[Midcow2]

Good sound less than $400

You have already got a lot of good advice.

If you listen to a lot of movies and TV most of the voice comes through the center speaker if enabled. If not it comes through the front speakers.

It is good to match the front and center speakers to maintain timbre ( seamless sound across your front listening area).

I would look at getting new equipment as a minimum.

Here is a nice inexpensive system that has small speakers and will sound worlds better than your Bose.

Fronts: Cambridge Audio S30 ( small book shelf excellent sound) $219 /pair. The voice dialog should be very good but if not you could actually get a third Cambridge Audio S30 for the cneter speaker. http://spearitsound.amazonwebstore.com/Cambridge-Audio-S30-Speakers-Natural-Oak/M/B00196SJOI.htm?utm_campaign=froogle&utm_medium=organic&utm_source=froogle


The get inexpensive entry Yamaha receiver RX-V363 $158http://www.fotoconnection.com/p86312-yamaha-rx-v363-51-channel-home-theater-receiver-black.html

For less than $400 you have a very good sound system.

And a a previous poster said the SVS is a very good sub woofer that could be added later. The entry PB10-NSD is $429 and would provide very good sound. The larger PSB-12 plus is more at $949 and you might not neet that much bass. http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-box.cfm. If you pay for a less expensive subwoofer, you get just taht a cheap subwoofer that you will want to replace later.

If you replace your Bose system .... then you have taken the first step to becoming an Audioholic

Good luck!