Bose Blows: I just need to vent

[Soundman]

Like the title says, I jut need to vent. I don't know why it infuriates me every time this happens, it just does. Let me explain.

The other day in the office, I overheard a couple managers talking about a home project and they went on to talk about speakers. Of course I perked up once this topic was brought up. I don't want to name someone hear so we'll just call him William. Anyway, his comment was, "The best speakers I've ever heard are Bose. They sound so crisp and clear at low and high listening levels, and the bass is very good." Of course I just sat there and didn't say a word because they are my managers and if I say something to make them look stupid, it may not go over so well. So, I just shut my mouth and smiled.

Again, I don't know why it infuriates me everytime I hear these discussions going on. I have nothing to lose or gain by these idiots throwing their money away, but for whatever reason, it just does. Anyway, I know this topic is probably brought up more then it should, but I just had to vent to someone, and really can't say anything here. Well, I'm glad I got that off my chest. Any comments are welcome.

 

[jamie2112]

There is a sucker born every .0098790 of a second.....

 

[Soundman]

BTW, his name really is William

 

[Joe Schmoe]

My favorite is having someone hear a system that is actually good, and then commenting "That sounds great! Almost as good as Bose!"
The incredible thing is that they really don't understand that this is a severe insult!

 

[Soundman]

My favorite is having someone hear a system that is actually good, and then commenting "That sounds great! Almost as good as Bose!"
The incredible thing is that they really don't understand that this is a severe insult!

WOW! That is unbelievable! I don't get it. Every Bose system i've ever heard is horrible. I just don't get these people.

 

[Halon451]

The issue with Bose IMO is price. One can listen to a Bose system and to the average listener it really does not sound bad, in fact to many it will sound quite decent. Anyone can tell a crappy sounding speaker or system, whether they're an audioholic or not - but Bose cleverly rides that thin line between what is "decent" and what is "perceived" to be as great. This is accomplished through their obvious massive marketing campaign, targeted at those individuals who will easily be led to believe they are the superior product. It's often hard for these individuals to distinguish things on this level when what they hear doesn't sound awful to begin with. I bet they have no idea what a frequency plot is or a -3dB level, hence my point.

So again, the guys in your office are tricked into thinking Bose is the best. Marketing ploy successful. Bose wins again, and the rest of us here at AH are left stomping our feet and scratching our heads in frustration. Because we do hear a major difference, and it ruins the image that Bose tries so hard to project for itself.

I've said it before and I'll say it again - I would consider buying a Bose system for some simple purpose like using in my kitchen or back lanai, where I'm not as concerned with audiophile level sound quality, and all I need is a simple, compact equipment package - IF they sold their systems at a price that they're worth. Which they clearly do not. Their marketing claims are either uninformative or downright deceptive. The product itself is one thing - the sell is the other, more nasty part of the equation.

 

[Soundman]

The issue with Bose IMO is price. One can listen to a Bose system and to the average listener it really does not sound bad, in fact to many it will sound quite decent. Anyone can tell a crappy sounding speaker or system, whether they're an audioholic or not - but Bose cleverly rides that thin line between what is "decent" and what is "perceived" to be as great. This is accomplished through their obvious massive marketing campaign, targeted at those individuals who will easily be led to believe they are the superior product. It's often hard for these individuals to distinguish things on this level when what they hear doesn't sound awful to begin with. I bet they have no idea what a frequency plot is or a -3dB level, hence my point.

So again, the guys in your office are tricked into thinking Bose is the best. Marketing ploy successful. Bose wins again, and the rest of us here at AH are left stomping our feet and scratching our heads in frustration. Because we do hear a major difference, and it ruins the image that Bose tries so hard to project for itself.

I've said it before and I'll say it again - I would consider buying a Bose system for some simple purpose like using in my kitchen or back lanai, where I'm not as concerned with audiophile level sound quality, and all I need is a simple, compact equipment package - IF they sold their systems at a price that they're worth. Which they clearly do not. Their marketing claims are either uninformative or downright deceptive. The product itself is one thing - the sell is the other, more nasty part of the equation.

Very good points, but honestly, none of the Bose systems I've heard sound good at all. Maybe I'm just spoiled because I've gotten so used to good sound quality, while the average consumer thinks their Sony cubes aren't too bad. So, when they hear the Bose setup at BestBuy they think that's high-end sound.

 

[alexsound]

BTW, his name really is William

At least his name isn't Richard Hertz.

 

[EJ1]

To the average person, Bose sounds great because they have yet to experience a real audio setup.

 

[calnbs]

If you say it enough times, people will actually start to believe you....Bose definately did a great job. It must just be me....Never liked Bose. Even before I even knew Audioholics and avsforums. Knowing these two forums just confirms my belief.

 

[Halon451]

...none of the Bose systems I've heard sound good at all.

"Good" is a relative term, and I certainly would never use it and "Bose" in conjunction with each other. "Decent" is the absolute highest I would give it credit for, and even then it's a stretch. For discussion's sake, if they sold them for about a hundred bucks I might consider one for other ancillary purposes where I don't need a very high quality system. IMHO, that's about what they're really worth, if even that much.

 

[EJ1]

If I didn't have a reference, Bose would sound awesome.

 

[Soundman]

If I didn't have a reference, Bose would sound awesome.

 

[jostenmeat]

If I didn't have a reference, Bose would sound awesome.

Quite plausible.

Ya know... I know these two guys that run a CI business. They've done those 50k instals, pics published in mags, and what not. Seriously, one of these guys keeps talking about Bose!!

I ask him, straight-faced, if he is aware that Bose is the most widely ridiculed audio brand anywhere on-line? He's aware.

He really digs some particular system, which I don't know, because I'm just too unfamiliar with their product lines. It must be said that he must really enjoy the lifestyle aspect, and their EQ or something.

Also, Bose setups/demos are supposed to be pretty dialed in, right? That's enough to impress a neophyte. I can't tell you how many high-end speakers sounded AWFUL in terrible rooms, and this included BW 802Ds, NOT a joke.

parting shot: didn't Bose make some nice speakers back in the day?

 

[Alex2507]

parting shot: didn't Bose make some nice speakers back in the day?

The 901's are still made today and sell for $1400/pr. I briefly listened to a pair in a Bose store recently. Placement is critical. To my way of thinking you need to build a room around them. I think you could do a lot better for that money and make it work in just about any room. I'm not an expert on Bose or high end speakers. $1400 and a little work has done way more for me in my room than the 901's could even begin to do. If I could afford them and had never done any reading here at AH, I probably still wouldn't own them. I have to give myself at least a little credit.

 

[tcarcio]

It is obvious that Bose is not audiophile material but it has it's uses. For instance my wife knows what I have in my home theater room, put that equipment in her living room and face the wrath. I bought the 321 system and she is happy and in turn so am I. Like I said it has it's place.

 

[Alex2507]

It is obvious that Bose is not audiophile material but it has it's uses. For instance my wife knows what I have in my home theater room, put that equipment in her living room and face the wrath. I bought the 321 system and she is happy and in turn so am I. Like I said it has it's place.

A blight on chowderheads every where.

 

[Gimpy Ric]

Like the title says, I jut need to vent. I don't know why it infuriates me every time this happens, it just does. Let me explain.

The other day in the office, I overheard a couple managers talking about a home project and they went on to talk about speakers. Of course I perked up once this topic was brought up. I don't want to name someone hear so we'll just call him William. Anyway, his comment was, "The best speakers I've ever heard are Bose. They sound so crisp and clear at low and high listening levels, and the bass is very good." Of course I just sat there and didn't say a word because they are my managers and if I say something to make them look stupid, it may not go over so well. So, I just shut my mouth and smiled.

Again, I don't know why it infuriates me everytime I hear these discussions going on. I have nothing to lose or gain by these idiots throwing their money away, but for whatever reason, it just does. Anyway, I know this topic is probably brought up more then it should, but I just had to vent to someone, and really can't say anything here. Well, I'm glad I got that off my chest. Any comments are welcome.

You should invite them over for a beer, and tell them to bring a few favorite CD's for "background music". Then let them hear your system. I've got the same pre/pro-amp, and sub as you. You'll blow them away.

 

[markw]

Their highly effective marketing campaign plays to the pride of ownership genes.

The stuff looks tiny,modern, and cute. They advertise in all the publications that yuppies with more money, (particularly women*) than taste read and try to emulate the cult following that Rolex has when, in reality, they don't keep any bettter time than a Timex. In fact, I think I read that Timex does a better job.

But, ya gotta impress the equally ignorant neighbors.

To be fair, if one admits they buy it for the styling, I can live with that. But, when they try to tel me they bought it for the sound, well...

* Didja ever notice that virtually every magazine in a doctors or dentists office advertises Bose?

 

[Soundman]

It is obvious that Bose is not audiophile material but it has it's uses. For instance my wife knows what I have in my home theater room, put that equipment in her living room and face the wrath. I bought the 321 system and she is happy and in turn so am I. Like I said it has it's place.

If the wife likes the small form factor, there are better, much more economical choices available these days. For example, I believe, Polk, Klipsch, Dennon, as well as some others, all have Sat systems available that will sound better then Bose, and some of these cube systems are even smaller then Bose setups.