Need Help Urgent - Bose system

[Imureh]

Folks, some one at work is selling a brand new sealed Bose 3-2-1 GS Series II DVD HT system for $675. Normally retails for $999. Do you think its worth buying? My room is fairly large but only thing that got my interest up was the price. Thanks

 

[avaserfi]

I would buy it from him, if it was actually sealed I would buy it and then sell it on ebay to get a decent sound system. If you were actually thinking about using it well for 700 you could probably make a nicer system from separates.

 

[gene]

Personally I would suggest passing on this deal and going for a high value speaker package (5 speakers + sub) and a low cost A/V receiver. At least start with the receiver ($200-$250) and a pair of speakers and add to it as your budget allows.

Alternatively, if you want an all in one system, the Denon S-101 and S-301 is superior to the Bose IMO and the former is around the same retail price as the Bose.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Two good suggestions already. If you want to go through the hassle of buying it to sale then go ahead but if you think you want it for yourself then skip the deal because you can do much better.

 

[Gimpy Ric]

All in a name...

I'd skip it too. When you buy Bose, your mainly paying for the name.

 

[Davemcc]

I still have my 3-2-1 Series II. If you get this system, here is how I suspect things will go. At first, you will be amazed at how much sound the system puts out, for its size. You will also think it sounds pretty good and goes pretty loud, for its size. You will also enjoy its elegant appearance and simplicity. After all, these are the reasons I kept mine beyond its 30 day return period.

But after you use it for a while, especially if you listen to music, you will notice that the bass is boomy and muddy. You will also notice that the highs are indistinct and unclear. Further, as you try to improve the system or add components, you will lament its poor connectivity options. Someday, you may want to watch a DVD in 720p or 1080i, but you won't be able to because the Bose only does 480i/480p.

The question you need to ask yourself is whether you want something good looking, small and simple that sounds okay or if you want to assemble the best sounding system in your budget, that is upgradable in stages and offers technology and connectivity upgrades over the Bose.

If small and simple is your schtick, offer around $500 for the 3-2-1 and see if he bites. I mean, Bose has it's target market and you may be it. Worst case scenario, you eventually build a rockin' system and the Bose gets shuffled to the bedroom.

 

[j_garcia]

I agree with Davemcc. I've heard it and while it is not terrible, I think people are literally insane to pay that much for what you get...it is ridiculous. Yes, the sound comes from everywhere, but it doesn't sound good. The one thing they really down play is the fact that you basically cannot upgrade these units in any way, you are essentially locked into what you bought. For a bedroom system, fine; If you intend to use it for a full blown HT, or even a decent music system, no way.

 

[dem beats]

I still have my 3-2-1 Series II. If you get this system, here is how I suspect things will go. At first, you will be amazed at how much sound the system puts out, for its size. You will also think it sounds pretty good and goes pretty loud, for its size. You will also enjoy its elegant appearance and simplicity. After all, these are the reasons I kept mine beyond its 30 day return period.

But after you use it for a while, especially if you listen to music, you will notice that the bass is boomy and muddy. You will also notice that the highs are indistinct and unclear. Further, as you try to improve the system or add components, you will lament its poor connectivity options. Someday, you may want to watch a DVD in 720p or 1080i, but you won't be able to because the Bose only does 480i/480p.

The question you need to ask yourself is whether you want something good looking, small and simple that sounds okay or if you want to assemble the best sounding system in your budget, that is upgradable in stages and offers technology and connectivity upgrades over the Bose.

If small and simple is your schtick, offer around $500 for the 3-2-1 and see if he bites. I mean, Bose has it's target market and you may be it. Worst case scenario, you eventually build a rockin' system and the Bose gets shuffled to the bedroom.

This is the best post you can have on this subject. I would call it a garage system though hehehehe.

To add to the thought, if you really are into music... I would get a low cost 5.1 receiver and 2 high quality speakers.... You don't need sound everywhere for music. If you watch tons of movies, I mean 2-3 per weak, and you really enjoy movies(not on tv movies but DVD etc...) then the 5.1 (or higher) is worth while. Also if you like romatic comedies, and not so much star wars and big action movies.... you won't use what's behind you much...

A great pair of speakers will beat out 200 crappy speakers everytime and you can upgrade gradualy as you do.

I won't lie the bose system is the first systm that got me into HT.... then I went to some specialty stores and oddly enough I never saw any of them cary bose. In fact, they frowned on it, even with systems that cost far far less.

For those bose cube thingies.. well, I can say the bose gets loud and sounds crisp for the size, but honestly, don't sell yourself short. You can get much much more for less, only draw back is a bit larger... but thats just basic principals. those little speakers can't handle all the sound something a bit larger can. I also think bose looks cheep and takes away from a room. I don't even consider them to be hidden.

 

[Imureh]

Thank you all for the suggestions. I decided to skip it and save up for a better system. I have been considering a HSU sub and HSU bookshelh and center channel. Any one heard their speakers? I know their subs get great reviews. Thanks

 

[avaserfi]

Their Horn speakers have a pretty good review on the site too. Check it out here: http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/bookshelf/hsu-research-hb-1-bookshelf-speaker-review?searchterm=hsu+horn

 

[Gimpy Ric]

Thank you all for the suggestions. I decided to skip it and save up for a better system. I have been considering a HSU sub and HSU bookshelh and center channel. Any one heard their speakers? I know their subs get great reviews. Thanks

Yes, I have HSU Research's VTF-3 HO w/Turbo for a sub, and am currently using HSU HB-1's bookshelfs. I really like the sound. Preamp crossover is set at 80hz, and the HB-1's are happy. For $129.00 they are HARD to beat, as they image great, and match the sub nicely. They do have horn loaded tweeters, so they have a "sweet spot". But they are sensitive @ 92 db 1 Watt, 1 meter.

Now about this VTF-3 HO. This some SERIOUS bass for the money. I put the funky looking Turbo on, and down she went, to a claimed 16 Hz. Seven year warranty so crank it up! Be prepared to put things back into place on shelves and tables after action movies

Wise move to skip the Bose plague. Just go for quality one piece at a time.

Have Fun

 

[Buckeye_Nut]

This is the best post you can have on this subject. I would call it a garage system though hehehehe.

Not really..... Now This is a garage system!!

 

[Gimpy Ric]

Hey Buckeye_Nut, are those esoteric cerwin vegas for sale maybe? If you throw in the boom box I'll buy them

 

[Buckeye_Nut]

Hey Buckeye_Nut, are those esoteric cerwin vegas for sale maybe? If you throw in the boom box I'll buy them

Hahahahaha...... Sorry, but the D-9's are not for sale because they have too much sentimental value to let go I've have some very good memories indeed......ya know, from back in the 80's day when those CV's served a vital role during many-a-keg party.
(among other things)

Since I've had the surrounds redone, they're as good/bad as the day I bought them

And yes.... that Sony boombox is vintage '83(or thereabouts), and it still sees rare use from time to time in the backyard. I used to play a lot of basketball as a kid, and I've burnt up "many-a-battery" blasting that thing at the local park during pickup games. However, it was a bit large and awkward to carry while peddling a bicycle

 

[ViviF0rever]

Being a Penn State student i must say that picture poses a huge problem... first of all it has some very nice speakers in it.... 2nd of all it is filled with memorabilia of a team that I hate greatly... but hey what would college football be without rivalries, new year coming up well see what happens

 

[Buckeye_Nut]

Aaaaaah yes, JoePa has experienced many-a-nightmare at the hands of the mighty Buckeyes since PSU joined the BigTen......

But ya'know....... nobody can ever take that 63-14 thumpin' the NitLions put on the Bucks in '94.
(not to mention 4 more quality PSU wins since joining the TEN) I remember that 63-14 game like it was yesterday because that game was one of the biggest OSU thrashings since modern history.

PSU's 12-0 1994 team was robbed of a national title, thanks to BigTen bowl ties forcing them to spank an inferior Ducks team at the rose bowl.

I for one, have a lot of respect for PSU, and watching road games played in Happy Valley is never easy.