Re: Bose system
I know this may rub Bose lovers/owners the wrong way and I absolutely do not want to offend anyone. I am writing this post only to offer more sources of information so that you can make a more educated purchase. I know that I am coming from a middle high end prospective with a system that I have over $7,000 invested in, but I do quite a bit of research and assist friends and family in their purchases of systems ranging from $220 to $2000. I use AV Science forum quite extensively to gain knowledge in audio and video equipment. Most AV Science forum members audition and/or own the equipment that they write about and give honest opinions because they do not have an ulterior motive unlike salesman. When I decide on what I feel is the right piece of equipment for myself or a friend I then purchase the equipment online (sometimes used on audiogon, ebay, etc.) at a fraction of the retail price.
Bose systems are extremely over priced (at thier retail price) and that is because they spend so much on advertising and marketing. Here is a thread from AV Science forum discussing Bose and alternatives to Bose for the same price.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthre … light=bose
Believe me I am not a "know it all" I fell for the "white van speaker scam" several years ago...making a snap judgement without doing any research.
BTW $400 for that Bose system is a very good deal and a hard one to pass up.
The best under $500 system (used) I've come across is a Polk "all in one system" that retailed for $2600. I was able to find it on ebay on two occasions for under $500 shipped. I purchased this system for two different friends and they are absolutely astonished by its build quality....piano black finish on all of the speakers and unbelievable sound quality.
http://www.hometheatermag.com/hometheaterinabox/113/
Again I am not writing this to offend anyone and bottom line if you are happy with your purchase that is all that really counts.