Bose VS ?

[ronron]

Thanks Seth=L

Does anyone recommend Bose lifestyle 28 or other set ups for a buget of $2,000.00 or less.

 

[gmichael]

Put me down for a no. Many better systems could be had for <$2k.

 

[ronron]

Put me down for a no. Many better systems could be had for <$2k.

What do you recommend?

 

[Seth=L]

Well first things first. What will you do mostly with your system? Percentages would be usefull here. EX. 20% games, 30% movies, 30% network television, 20% music.

Also, aesthetics. How do you want it to look. Do you want it as small as possible as not to be a hinderance to traffic, or to be easy on the eyes. Or would you prefer larger speakers and a large subwoofer. You can mix and match certain parts of your system.

What are the room's dimensions, is this a HT dedicated room? If you answer these questions we can certainly get you on the right path.

 

[ronron]

Well first things first. What will you do mostly with your system? Percentages would be usefull here. EX. 20% games, 30% movies, 30% network television, 20% music.

Also, aesthetics. How do you want it to look. Do you want it as small as possible as not to be a hinderance to traffic, or to be easy on the eyes. Or would you prefer larger speakers and a large subwoofer. You can mix and match certain parts of your system.

What are the room's dimensions, is this a HT dedicated room? If you answer these questions we can certainly get you on the right path.

Seth=L
I want the speaker to me small {something like Bose}and also the subwoofer.40% network 40% Movies 10% games 10% music.
The room diamnetion is 12 + 21. It is a great room or family room to watch tv and movies.

Thanks

 

[gmichael]

What do you recommend?

So many options it's hard to know where to start. I guess the best place is to find out what you will be using it for. Will it be for movies only or music as well? How much music? 50/50? 70/30? 20/80?
Do you have to have tiny speakers? They usually mean that you can't play very loud and are not very good for music.
In most cases you can get a very nice receiver in the $500 range. If you need the latest and greatest gadgets (like HDMI) you'll want one of the newer models. Or you could save some cash or get a stronger one thats last year's model etc. What means more to you?
Speakers are the toughest part. Not everyone hears things the same. You'll need to get out and listen to as many of them as you can to find which ones you like. They are also the most important part of your set-up. I would say to budget your money like this: (give or take a few percents)
50% for speakers
30% receiver
balance for DVD player, wire, cables, etc

Bose is not as bad as some here will say, but you can do better for the money. They are way overpriced for what you get.

 

[JKL1960]

Well I just picked up the Paradigm CT90 package and am very impressed. The speakers are quite small but feel hefty and have proper binding posts that can accept real wire. It includes a powered 10" sub. I hooked them up and they sound just fine. Better than any Bose cube based speakers I've ever heard. I think it runs about $700 US. Add a $500 receiver and a DVD player and you'll have a better sounding, more expandable system and keep some cash for movies and music.

 

[Seth=L]

There are sub/sat offerings from like the above mentioned Paradigm as well as PSB, Kef, Definitive Technologies, and Athena Technologies just to name a few.

For recievers, just about anything is superior to Bose in the features and power department. Pioneer, Yamaha, Onkyo, and Denon are just some of the many receiver manufacturers that come highly recommended.

I am glad that we can save you, ronron, from the tyranny of Bose.