B is for Bose

This is written by a dinosaur who made the $1999 purchase in June 2007. The store then had a $200 discounted price (rare for Bose products) three weeks later but they honored the 30 day price guarantee and returned the difference to me. So, my cost was $1799 and that contributes to my favorable bias once I got past the sticker shock (tough for those of us who remember when gas was 29c a gallon).

I paid the store an extra $350 (included delivery) to have it and the total home theater package installed by an AV guy. He hooked up my Hitachi 55" Plasma TV (reviewed under televisions) as part of the deal. The system now includes a 160GB HDD Philips DVR (also reviewed). I am very satisfied with the complete package and am glad that Bose has perpetuated its reputation that has been built based on past developments.

The installation cost included a short tutorial on the system, in wall and under floor wiring, and the needed cables. I highly recommend that if you are not tech savvy then pay for installation to save frustration and time. If you need help to set up this Bose system only then it shouldn't cost you more than $50 and about 30 minutes of the tech's time in home. Most of those guys want to be paid travel and milage as part of the fee.

It was worth it for the system plus the fee to have it installed by a professional. After reading some of the criticisms I have to wonder if those folks are sure that they have done everything correctly and made all the necessary adjustments which includes identifying five preferred or typical seats in the room for the best sound quality. As my installer showed me, sound can also be distorted by other appliances in the vicinity. If the sound quality is critical to us then we are sure to turn off the air purifier in the hallway and are not operating the dishwasher in the next room around the corner. Of course, if you miss something in the set-up procedure you can easily believe that you have an inferior or defective product.

The operations manual is fairly comprehensive about troubleshooting problems. My manual was published in 2005 so I believe that Bose may have quietly addressed the earlier criticisms. For example, a couple of reviewers noted that their did not have progressive scan but my manual provides tips to get the best use if you have a TV that supports progressive scan.

I am also biased because my first sound system was bought in 1977 when systems were pieces of furniture. The 1977 system with huge speakers on metal stands is still operational. It is kept in my wife's reading room because she likes the sound and looks of it even though it takes up too much space. Also, I now own the table top clock radio, the single CD/radio Acoustic Wave Sound System, and the Sound System with multiple CD changer. Each time I acquired a Bose product I still showed amazement (age will do that to you) at the sound quality, size, and simplicity. Thus, you should take into account that you are hearing from a committed Bosephile.

The biggest concern that people have of course is the sound quality when they look a surround sound system compared to its cost. Perhaps we are not too picky but I and my wife, both having very good hearing, have no complaints. Also, take into account that our viewing room is 20'x30' and has a sloping cathedral style ceiling with skylight. That's a lot of space to fill.

The sound is so good to me that it took a couple of months when looking at a DVD not to get up and check the microwave, telephone, or front door when the accompanying sound came from the speaker from behind my chair. It was so realistic. Now I double check the scene on the screen or await the same sound before getting up.

I imagine the higher priced Bose Systems have more to offer but this one easily met my needs and was at the limit of what I wanted to pay for sound to supplement a $2650 plasma TV as well as play music or listen to the radio.