Hey,

My dad is wanting to get a bose 3-2-1 system because of the virtual surround sound and not having to run wires around/across our living room. So i was wondering if any of you out there have it. If so how does it compare to a full 5.1/6.1 system

The only advice I can give you is to stay far, far away from Bose, they overprice thier products in addition to the speakers sounding like absolute crap, again just stay away.

Overpriced absolutely agree, but there speakers sounding like crap? what do you mean? Music/move how do they sound bad?

http://www.intellexual.net/bose.html

There are some errors there and some skewed info, but he hits on just about every reason that the majority of avs users say to avoid Bose.

They don't sound horrible, but typically systems from other manufacturers can produce more pleasing sound for a much more affordable price.

Ohh goody,, I just love the mindless Bose bashing !!!!!!!!!!

So much b.s. !!!!!!!!!

Now, for a real answer to the thread question.


The Bose 321 can be a great system givin the right set-up and in used in the right room.

I have owned several Bose 321's and have been very happy with them and in the right room they can really sound great and do a fairly convincing job of creating a surround sound effect,,,,, not true 5.1 ,,,, but very close.

And if you ever have a problem, Bose customer service is the very best.

Are Bose overpriced, yes and no, thats a gray area in my opinion.

Very user friendly, easy set-up, no wires all over the place and great sound (sorry Bose bashers) make the 321 a pretty cool unit.
On a side note, do keep in mind that most and I do mean MOST of the Bose bashers have never owned a Bose or tried one out or givin it a chance.

I have owned and tried out many fake surround systems, is the 321 the best out of all the ones I have tried out, No, the best would be the Yamaha YSP800, second best would be the 321.

Davyo

Finally a real answer to my question, thank you very much, i will pass the info along to him.

Anybody else try this out?

Oh, yes i watched batman begins on it at BB for about 5 minutes and it sounded good, but i didn't watch it long enough to notice the "5.1" so thats why i ask for the comparison
thanks again

The thing about this, and other, Bose systems is that they cost so darn friggin' much.

Oddly enough, the sales guy wasn't even trying to sell me on the sound, he was trying to get me to bite on the *lifestyle* and *convenience* of their systems.

I must say, those teenie/unobtrusive speakers do leave me wanting to test this system out.

But, again, for over a grand...just leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

Finally a real answer to my question, thank you very much, i will pass the info along to him.

Anybody else try this out?

Oh, yes i watched batman begins on it at BB for about 5 minutes and it sounded good, but i didn't watch it long enough to notice the "5.1" so thats why i ask for the comparison
thanks again

You are welcome.

And also, I would suggest a few things.

1: If you have a Bose store in your area go there and try to purchase a re-furbished one,, you will save at least a hunderd bucks.

2: Give it a good run thru and see if it works for your room and the room shape ( you can always return it if it does not), sometimes just moving the speakers just a little in or out of your listening postion will make a big difference.

3: Keep your receipt, dont loose it.

The 321 does not work in every single room you can put it in (as all fake surround systems dont either), the only way your going to know is buy taking it home and playing with it, while they do sound cool in the store sometimes that is not the case when you hook them up at home,, but then again sometimes that IS the case when ya get em hooked up at home.


On a personal note to all the Bose bashers.
I must admit it gets a little sad to see people try to offer opinions on something they have never owned or had any hands on experience with.
In all the years I have been a forum member on AVS I make it a rule for myself to never pass judgement on any A/V gear that I do not have personal hands-on, real world, experience with.
This "Bose sucks", and "Dont buy Bose stuff" is really un-fair.
In most rooms (not all), the 321 can really rock and sound great and be well worth the price.

Davyo

Awesome thank you, i believe that complete answer my question.
Again thank you all for the help

The only advice I can give you is to stay far, far away from Bose, they overprice thier products in addition to the speakers sounding like absolute crap, again just stay away.


I can't speak for all Bose systems, but the speakers on the 3-2-1 GS II system that I own do not sound like crap. They sound very good when playing stereo music. The fidelity is pretty good from a small speaker, though not great. The speakers do a decent job of staying as neutral as a small speaker can, given the nature of the beast.

There is no doubt about it that small speakers, like the ones that Bose produces, will always sound a bit bright, with more treble then midrange. And since Bose is a proprietary system, there is no way to correct this using separates. Still though if you have small bedroom, like where my system is installed, the Bos 3-2-1 system is very well suited.

Music will sound better then Digital sound through a DVD or or other video source, simply because the bright tones that the speakers output will pick up the instruments and beats in the music far better than will a movie soundtrack.

As for being overpriced, I guess that depends on what you consider overpriced. I mean to me Paradigm is overpriced, considering that the average listener in a blind/blind test could not tell the difference between Paradigm studio's and Def tech pro 1000's.

I've A/B'd the Bose 3.2.1 (series I & II) against many other 2.1 systems. After each test it's clear, to me at least, that the Bose 3.2.1 is the best overall system. I have yet to find a 2.1 HTIB that can do everything as well as the Bose. For example, the Sony DAV-X1 provides a superior DVD PQ and does a better job with DVD soundtracks, however the Sony falls way short in audio quality with non-Dolby TV stations, CD, and radio. The Bose provides a full, rich, pleasing sound regardless of the audio input source.

OBTW, not all reviews about the Bose 3.2.1 are negative. CNET's review stated,



The Bose 3-2-1 Series II DVD system does a surprisingly good surround-sound imitation with just two satellites


and ...


Although many two-speaker surround-sound simulations fail to provide any semblance of rear-channel audio, we were surprised by the Bose 3-2-1 Series II's broad, expansive sound field. Surround-channel sonic elements certainly weren't as localized as they would have been with an actual 5.1-channel speaker setup, but we experienced a few moments when sounds, such as effects in the Requiem for a Dream DVD, almost could have fooled us into thinking rear speakers were in play.


and ...


With the system connected to our HDTV's component-video input, DVD video looked good. Discs consistently played without any snags.



Personally, I have been very pleased with the performance and reliability of my Bose 3.2.1. My first Bose 3.2.1 Series I performed flawlessly for over 5 years, and my newest Bose 3.2.1 Series II has also been a champ. Also Bose customer service is among the best in the industry; when firmware updates are released Bose mails them to you and their technical assistance reps are knowledgeable and very willing to provide any help that you may need. Bose customer service doesn't care how long you've owned your Bose, they will always provide technical assistance ... many other electronics manufactures refuse to provide assistance after the warranty period or charge you for the service.

IMHO, too many people knock Bose without giving them an objective assessment; I have found the Bose to be a great 2.1 system.

For the price you pay for the 3-2-1 system you could have a much better setup. To me, the Bose do sound horrible in their price range. If the 3-2-1 system was in a lower price range, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them. The truth is you are not going to find many people who bash what they have spent their hard earned money on. The following example is about $400 less and will provide a much larger sound stage with more detail and bass will extend much lower.

Example:
2 Mirage Omnisats $158
Velodyne VX10 $199
DVD Player $100
Pioneer VSX516 $156
Total = $613

For the price you pay for the 3-2-1 system you could have a much better setup. To me, the Bose do sound horrible in their price range. If the 3-2-1 system was in a lower price range, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them. The truth is you are not going to find many people who bash what they have spent their hard earned money on. The following example is about $400 less and will provide a much larger sound stage with more detail and bass will extend much lower.

Example:
2 Mirage Omnisats $158
Velodyne VX10 $199
DVD Player $100
Pioneer VSX516 $156
Total = $613

Well, I spent MY hard earned money on a few 321's, I also spent my hard earned money on a Yamaha YSP-800 and a Dennon 101, and I have spent my money on lots of different systems 2.1 and 5.1, Yamaha, Sony and Onkyo just to name a few of the many systems I have owned.
With that being said I have no problem at all saying the 321 does not sound horrible, they sound really really good as a matter of fact,,, but then again,, what do I know,, I've only owned them and had them in my house and used them.
As far as the items you listed being $400.00 cheaper than a 321 you might wish to re-do your math.
A new 321 is sold for 899.00 a re-furbished one at any Bose store can be had for 699.00 to 799.00,,, meaning the difference would be $286.00 at the most to $86.00 at the least.
But then again,, Bose bashers do tend to exagerate everything from price to poor sound quality.
All while never personaly owning any Bose products to base a real opinion on.


Davyo

I appreciate your experience with the 321. Basically I have narrowed down my search to ysp-800, bose 321 and FullStageHD. I know you have said in previous posts that 321 and ysp sound better or vice versa in different applications. Id love to hear your pro's/con's on the ysp and bose 321. I think It most likey will come down to me buying each at trying it in my living room as it isnt a true square or rectangular room. The family room is open to the kitchen/dining room area in the back minus a half wall(open to the ceiling) that partially splits the room. The right wall (as if you were facing the tv) has 2 windows which is divided by a fireplace. The left wall also sports a half wall which on the other side is the stairs to the basement. A full wall is 4 feet or so beyond this wall. The tv is nearly centered between the right wall and the left "half wall". Any information is greatly apprecited.

Jason

I appreciate your experience with the 321. Basically I have narrowed down my search to ysp-800, bose 321 and FullStageHD. I know you have said in previous posts that 321 and ysp sound better or vice versa in different applications. Id love to hear your pro's/con's on the ysp and bose 321. I think It most likey will come down to me buying each at trying it in my living room as it isnt a true square or rectangular room. The family room is open to the kitchen/dining room area in the back minus a half wall(open to the ceiling) that partially splits the room. The right wall (as if you were facing the tv) has 2 windows which is divided by a fireplace. The left wall also sports a half wall which on the other side is the stairs to the basement. A full wall is 4 feet or so beyond this wall. The tv is nearly centered between the right wall and the left "half wall". Any information is greatly apprecited.

Jason

The Fullstage I have never owned so I cant comment on that.
As far as the YSP800 vs the 321, I would have to say the YSP800 is my favorite, in the right room the YSP is off the hook, insain great and can and does rival any 5.1 system,,, in the right room that is.
I returned my YSP as my room was to open for it to work as well as it can.
The YSP seems to need more reflective walls than the 321 does, in a more wide open room the 321 seems to do better than the YSP.
I think the reason for that would be the 321 speakers are further apart with more seperation than the YSP so ya have little more room in speaker placement with the 321,,,,,, hope that makes sense.
My advice or 2 cents for what its worth and givin the room you have described, I would get the YSP and try it out and do the same with the 321.
Bottom line,,, when I was at CES and visited the Yamaha both and heard the YSP-800 demo set up I was speachless, the 5.1 sound coming from the YSP was jawdropping great, too bad it has to be in just the right room to sound so great.
If I had a square room with walls on each side and a back wall I would be owning a YSP and would never miss a 5.1 system ever ever ever.
If ya cant tell I really love the YSP,,,,, second choice would be the 321,,, both great units given the right room set up.

Davyo

Thank you very much for you info. When I was at best buy I listened to the "demo station" of the ysp and 321. If I had to go purely on sound as I stood a few feet away, the 321 really got me. The YSP was very close, but it didnt have a sub mated with it to give that complete sound that the 321 with its sub. So you think given my rough room description that the YSP would work? Any advantage of getting the YSP-1000 or 1100..or even the YSP-1 for that matter over the 800? The YSP-1 can be had at roughly the same price it seems as the 800. Any comments on the sub that is made to "go with" the ysp-800?

Thanks again,

Jason

Just because I have a different opinion than yours automatically classifies me as a "Bose Basher". The Mirage Omnisat speakers normally retail for $250 a piece, Vanns has them at an astounding $79. I have heard the Bose 321's next to a similarly Mirage setup ( I persuaded the sales rep to do this as we all know Bose frowns upon A/B comparisons) as I listed, with the exception of the Pioneer receiver. The Mirage/Velodyne setup was remarkably better at reproducing both highs and lows and a much lower pricepoint. Everyone has their own point of view. If you search for my postings, you will see that this is the first Bose discussion that I've partipated in and for good reason. I know what I'm talking about, I own a $5000 Mirage setup and $399 Mirage setup. Have you? Just because you own one particular setup doesn't mean you are an expert. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions and I believe it is our duty hear to give recommendations to others to give them a choice of what they can get for their dollar. I don't think anyone can honestly say that Bose makes good price/performance products. Not to mention the many links here that prove through scientific testing that they are inferior products within any pricepoint. You are also comparing refurbished products to new products and the Bose were still considerably higher. The only caveat in Bose's corner is the extra easy compact setup of the integrated DVD/Receiver combo. Let's not digress to name calling. I won't call you a Bose Zealot if you don't call others Bose Bashers. Let's be adults and help others to make wise decisions.

I have a Bose 321 system (first version). The convenience of the wiring is great, and it does sound great. It does occassionally give you a surround sound effect, but not all the time. The major gripe I have is the DVD player. It's very particular about what it will play. Homemade DVD's may not always work, and it doesn't play CD's with photos on it. I don't know about the newer 321 systems. I also don't think the DVD player is progressive scan or upscaling.

A friend has a YSP and it sounds absolutely incredible. However, he has it in a rectangular room, and has it placed on the long wall. If you put it in the corner like I need to, it limits some of the modes you can use. I was researching it as I am considering moving my 321 to the bedroom and getting something that will complement my Samsung 50" DLP a bit better.

no highs, no lows, must be Bose. I couldnt imagine a worse purchase in their price range. A monkey could walk into any audio shop and blindly purchase 6 speakers and come out with superior sound and lower price.

The Mirage are fantastic with hard rooms because of their omni directional dispersement.

Freaksavior,

Make sure you pick up a full set of Monster Cables with those Bose.

Jon

^^^^^^^^^^^
Lol... :D
Knowing how huge of a difference there is between one digital cable and another, that made me laugh. {In case you couldn't tell, I'm being sarcastic}.

Finally a real answer to my question, thank you very much, i will pass the info along to him.

Anybody else try this out?

Oh, yes i watched batman begins on it at BB for about 5 minutes and it sounded good, but i didn't watch it long enough to notice the "5.1" so thats why i ask for the comparison
thanks again
Just compare it with a higher quality setup of a similar price. Not an HTIB, but a decent 5.1 setup. AKA Speakers from Althena, Polk, etc..., an SVS subwoofer, and an Onkyo reciever.

no highs, no lows, must be Bose. I couldnt imagine a worse purchase in their price range. A monkey could walk into any audio shop and blindly purchase 6 speakers and come out with superior sound and lower price.



I think the phrase Bose bashers use is,,, no highs, no lows, must be "Blows",,,,,,if your guna Bose bash at least use the right phrasing.

Davyo

I think the phrase Bose bashers use is,,, no highs, no lows, must be "Blows",,,,,,if your guna Bose bash at least use the right phrasing.

Davyo

funny....i thought it was "blose" :p

Hi......I've owned a Series II 321 system a couple of months now...very pleased. Easy to set up,..easy to use,..great [yes, great] sound. This forum almost had me convinced after my initial purchase that maybe I had made a mistake [getting the 321]..............took it back,...checked out other 2.1 systems at 3 stores......came back home with the 321......a very nice system.

Steve

I've had a chance to audition that system. Its actually not to bad especially if your one of the 95% of music listeners (those not on this forum). Of course thats highly subjective so if your used to a 10k pair of fronts (or more :eek:) its not gonna sound good.

IMHO they're so over priced you have to consider the placebo effect.

I've had a chance to audition that system. Its actually not to bad especially if your one of the 95% of music listeners (those not on this forum). Of course thats highly subjective so if your used to a 10k pair of fronts (or more :eek:) its not gonna sound good.

IMHO they're so over priced you have to consider the placebo effect.

I think that's where the problem stems for everyone here. It's not a horrible system. It's a horrible system for that price. If it were 1/3 the price, it would be a decent little system to start with. For that price though, you could get an incredible sounding system.

Freaksavior,

Make sure you pick up a full set of Monster Cables with those Bose.

Jon

I hope you're being sarcastic. ;)

Bose has an excellent marketing scheme - advertise the hell out of a low cost, under-engineneered, highly profitable speaker to the average consumer......Brilliant :p

Bose is a ripoff, sure go ahead and have your dad buy that setup. :D there would be less complaints if they were priced lower, but hey they take advantage of the dimwits. :( lol

Bose= Marketing Scheme

like it was mentioned before, make sure you get monster cables, they are the best, platinum diamond crested shielding on the market. You can definitely tell the difference! :D

Not a Bose buyer per se, but it's the stock setup in my current Acura, it's not too bad. I do like the Bose umusic feature that stores audio on a hard drive in some of the home systems. Do any other manufacturers offer this?

Not a Bose buyer per se, but it's the stock setup in my current Acura, it's not too bad. I do like the Bose umusic feature that stores audio on a hard drive in some of the home systems. Do any other manufacturers offer this?

Just a friendly FYI, your car doesn't have a Bose system in it. Generally Bose will make the sub and/or amplifier only. Your headunit and speakers are most likely clarion, panasonic or some other company that makes cheap speakers. If you pull the head unit and look on the back of the speakers magnet it'll tell you who made them.

I knew that but forgot. Bose speakers and amps. It sounds better than the Bose speakers in my previous Acura, so they have improved some car setups. I think my head unit is Alpine. It's an 03 Acura.

My friend has the 3-2-1 and it sucks. Two small speakers and a "sub" - their soundfield is better than you'd expect from just 2 speakers but the quality is pretty poor. No lows and the highs aren't much better. The DVD player works poorly as well and the "reciever" has few inputs and outputs.

You are better off with something else IMO.

Just a friendly FYI, your car doesn't have a Bose system in it. Generally Bose will make the sub and/or amplifier only. Your headunit and speakers are most likely clarion, panasonic or some other company that makes cheap speakers. If you pull the head unit and look on the back of the speakers magnet it'll tell you who made them.


The facts, and not an opinion...

If this is either an '03 TL or 'RL, Bose makes the amplifier, speakers, and the custom equalization.

Honda buys headunits from a variety of suppliers.

John Feng

Ok, it's an 2003 Acura CL Type S coupe, 6 speed, 6 CD in-dash changer.

I had 2 Legend Coupes before this that had Bose speaker/amp setups. The CLS has a better sound.
I am not a Bose fanatic, they have good points and bad points. It came with the car. I didn't like it as much at first but I think the system has matured into a fuller sound after the speakers got broken in.

Back on topic-

I actually went to the Bose Outlet store near here and looked at their stuff. Doesn't really work for me for the cost but I like the umusic hard drive audio storage, can't believe no one else is offering a similar function.

OP, the only way you'll know for sure is to take your $$$ and go and listen to a variety of quality setups. Preferably a store that specializes in Home Theater. That is what you're looking for I'm assuming by going with Bose in the first place is it not? "Quality?" There's that infamous marketing again. Virus is correct in that there are many and I do mean many other options for the money you're gonna drop that sound better than the 3-2-1 system. Considerably better. The system he recommended is one of them. Go and audition yourself so you can get the most bang for your buck. If you still choose the Bose over anything else that you've heard then great! To you it's money well spent.

Good Luck!

Robert

As a 321GSII and a audiophile rig owner I think I can comment on this subject. The 321GSII is a "good" sounding system, not excellent but warm sounding system. No worse than that tubey amd mushy Conrad Johnson sound (depending on the speakers its matched with). The problem with the GS321II is if you are used to highs from a dome tweeter,you will not like 321. The highs are there, just not as pronounced as some would like.

Also,for those who own the system or have "friends" who own the system. Check you tone settings. Take it off the Auto setting from the factory and it will sound more open. In other words READ THE MANUAL. I have the treble set on 5 and the bass set on 3,sometime I move the bass back to neutral. When you do,the chuffing noise from the sub is nonexistent. Also set your speakers about 3 from the TV on both sides, about 20 inches from the back wall if they are on stands. That will give you a WIDE soundstage. 321 does a good job on great recordings and are forgiving on bad ones (pop compressed 80s music). Oh,and just for kicks put in a Stereophile test CD with the various test frequencies........................You will be pleasantly surprised ............

Maybe it is simply that they have a great marketing scheme but the reason its succesful is because it is so difficult for the average customer to put their own customized system together. I recently purchased the 321 GS because I bought a 46" LCD whose speakers are ridiculously horrible and knowing nothing about audio the Bose sounded good to me when I checked out the demo at the factory store. The system was for a small, very oddly shaped family room in which a full-blown 5.1 setup would have a) probably looked ridiculous and b) not sounded that much better. All in all for me, the ease of setup, good sound (to my inexperienced ears), and unobstrusive cosmetic appeal coupled with the great customer service seemed to be a perfect fit. When I tried going to Brandsmart, Sound Advice, and Best Buy I felt as though the sales people knew little and were simply trying to shove off the highest-priced system on you. The Bose sales person pointed me right to this system after I explained my needs. I would have loved to get the most for my money but if there is a better setup out there for me I for one have no clue how or where to find it. Whatever money I may have saved would have been wasted in time and headaches trying to decipher the audiophile jargon and getting through the jungle of alternatives out there. For the inexperienced customer shopping for an audio system can be an overwhelming if not intimidating experience. It seems you either run into sales sharks trying to take you for all you got or snobby audiophiles who act as though its a sin not to understand the latest technology.

Bose it's for people that don't know any better.
Coming to this forum, reading about better systems, and still wanting to buy Bose after all = Priceless!

ieatplasma:

I completely agree and admit to being one of those people who do not know better (unfortunately). Just posted previous reply so you guys who know about audio understand how we get lured to Bose-it is an overwhelming & intimidating process if you don't know about a/v (especially for a girl!). Fortunately, I may have found this forum in time to undo the damage. I'm trying my best to read as mcuh as possible and come up with a better (or comparable but lower-priced) solution for my needs before the return period for my Bose is up.
I have posted a help thread and if I find a system in time I will return the Bose (will have to eat up the cost of the speaker stands since I threw the box out-$100-oh well maybe can re-sell on ebay and recoup some $) =/

Bose it's for people that don't know any better.

Comments like this are from people who just don't know.

Bose it's for people that don't know any better.
Coming to this forum, reading about better systems, and still wanting to buy Bose after all = Priceless!

Never owning a Bose product but thinking you know about it.
Not paying any attention to the positive post's from owners of 321's.
Not realizing that "ALL" products have their pro's and con's.
Slamming Bose because it seems like the hip cool thing to do.
Thinking that an AVS member buys a Bose because they dont know any better.
Asuming that anything is better than a Bose

= Extra Priceless

Davyo

ieatplasma:

I completely agree and admit to being one of those people who do not know better (unfortunately). Just posted previous reply so you guys who know about audio understand how we get lured to Bose-it is an overwhelming & intimidating process if you don't know about a/v (especially for a girl!). Fortunately, I may have found this forum in time to undo the damage. I'm trying my best to read as mcuh as possible and come up with a better (or comparable but lower-priced) solution for my needs before the return period for my Bose is up.
I have posted a help thread and if I find a system in time I will return the Bose (will have to eat up the cost of the speaker stands since I threw the box out-$100-oh well maybe can re-sell on ebay and recoup some $) =/


I find it odd that you would not be able to return the stands just because you don' to have the cardboard boxes. I would take them back if you choose to return the system. Bose's return policy says nothing about needing original packaging.

I would suggest that you bought Bose in the first place because it was exacly what you wanted, a simple system that would be easy to set up with few speakers. Only you did not realize that you knew more then you thought you knew. You knew what kind of service you wanted, and picture quality was important, and you needed more inputs. You are also smart enough to research here with the "experts."

Even though, from your other posts, the Bose sales person was the best, you are a victim of bad sales people. They all should have asked you what important features are and what other equiptment you already have, then shown you how to hook it up.

I would suggest looking for a higher end specalty retailer. Tell them everything you said here about your problems and needs. You could even look on the Bose website for independent authorized retailers so you can compare.

At the big box stores it might help to find a mid-level supervisor to deal with , not management, the old salesman, or the new guy. I have also asked at customer service who the most knowlegable sales person is. You might spend more money because of what you learn, but you should be asked the right questions.

Thanks, getstuff. I will do some shopping around this weekend, and some returning =) guess i can always bring the speaker stands with me when I return the Bose just in case, I only assumed that they wouldn't take them back but you'r eright never hurts to try.

no highs, no lows, must be Bose. I couldnt imagine a worse purchase in their price range. A monkey could walk into any audio shop and blindly purchase 6 speakers and come out with superior sound and lower price.

I bet you don't and would never own a Toyota, Honda,Mac computer or Maytag washer as CU might recommend . CU has always rated Bose speakers for accuracy in the upper 25% of those tested (except CC) and where the match differs from others in overall accuracy may still sound different depending on thier variation in frequency response.....so audition the most accurate speakers, which for CU would include many Bose models. Seems fair unless you're narrow minded with preconceived notions to support your unfounded opinions. $8K B&W are over priced as much as a Bose 901 at $1.5K. Sure !!!!!
Arrogant, self righteous, make believe audiophile.......keep your Ford, I'll drive my Toyota.
I'll listen to my Boston Acoutics because they won out in an AB test, not because of someones snob opinion founded on hate of a company.

Guys, don't insult other members. That will get you suspended.

Kyser

I recently bought the 321GSX system. I bought it for my bedroom 37" LCD set up. That being said. Yes it lacks HDMI inputs. However so far I have enjoyed its performance as a progressive scan dvd player, I have a Mintek 37" which has a built in upconverting DVD player which seems incapable of allowing 4x3 programming to be displayed in proper aspect ratio. I have no such problem with the component input from the Bose however.

I have a very nice surround sound system in my living room. I will be eventually upgrading my receiver in that system to a newer model that allows HDMI input etc. I will also be replacing my old tubed tv set in the living room. I had to start somewhere and found it easier to get a smaller set for the bedroom. For the purpose I'm using it for the 321 system makes lots of sense, the room is not huge. The speakers do a nice enough job in that enviroment. I'm sure my neighbors will hate it in the summer when I have the windows open.
I will post more as I wade through my dvd collection and cd collection as to how it handles various movies and types of music.
Gary

I also wanted to buy a bose 3-2-1, after doing some research I think that the denon s-301 is much better.. have you considered taking a lokk at it?

I am not a big fan of Bose products. I do think they sound ok but they are way over priced. The wave radio does sound great for a small portable radio but it is WAY over priced. The 321 system, the new one and the older one, sound ok but nothing to get excited about. If the system cost around $300.00, which it should, then I would feel it was decent for the money.

If anyone has ever taken apart a Bose speaker they would realize how cheaply they are made. The only reason why Bose can charge so much is because of their advertising. Ask ten people to name a speaker company and 9 out of 10 will say Bose. You have to hand it to Bose for creating a household name. How many other American company product's are available as an upgrade on Japanese vehicles??? Think about that for a minute... The Japanese paying to use an American audio company name in their vehicles!!!

I think the Philips HTS6500 is a much better deal for a 2.1 system. It can be bought for less than $300.00, has an upconverting HDMI dvd player, and it looks and sounds great. Philips is releasing a newer model in March that should be even better but the price is suppose to go up to @$500.00.

Like many of you I am the person friends go to for AV advice. The always start out with "What about Bose?". I watched part of an infomercial on this system last night and I was dumb founded. They brought the system into peoples homes and filmed them all going "WOW , the sound is all around me.
What does this thing do ? Just spread the sound with DSP. Would you actually hear someone driving up from the back or a dog barking in the left corner as with even a medium priced 5.1 system? If not than I don't get it . Why would anyone buy it? There are many good,small 5.1 and 6.1 systems with subs and hiding wires is not that tuff. Not a Bose basher , just trying to get a grasp of how these little cubes with cone speakers in them can sound good.

Bose 3 2 1 is a very good sounding system. Pricey yes. The best. No. We all have different rooms, different ears and different features we want. Service. Outstanding. I had a wave radio out of warranty for over a year. They sent me a new one, no questions asked.

My advice. Buy from Bose direct. They'll give you 60 days for a tryout. Then go online to Best Buy, Circut City ect... pick up another one or two systems on your credit card, hook them up, listen to them in your room, make a decision what sounds best for you. What you don't like, take back. A little time consuming but you'll be able to make a better decision outside the show room.

Happy listening from this satisfied Bose customer.

Ok, I guess I'll begin my first post with a question. BTW, this is an awesome site & a good thread!

I too own the 3-2-1GS system & I am very interested in upgrading from the SD DVD player to a BD. :confused: Has anyone encountered audio discrepancies when plugging an additional player into the Bose receiver? I have no way to actually test this idea, but thought I'd ask the experts:D if such an idea is feasible without the lack of audio clarity. Please, I'm a newbie at this so any help would be greatly appreciated.

Jessie

Ohh goody,, I just love the mindless Bose bashing !!!!!!!!!!

So much b.s. !!!!!!!!!

Now, for a real answer to the thread question.


The Bose 321 can be a great system givin the right set-up and in used in the right room.

I have owned several Bose 321's and have been very happy with them and in the right room they can really sound great and do a fairly convincing job of creating a surround sound effect,,,,, not true 5.1 ,,,, but very close.

And if you ever have a problem, Bose customer service is the very best.

Are Bose overpriced, yes and no, thats a gray area in my opinion.

Very user friendly, easy set-up, no wires all over the place and great sound (sorry Bose bashers) make the 321 a pretty cool unit.
On a side note, do keep in mind that most and I do mean MOST of the Bose bashers have never owned a Bose or tried one out or givin it a chance.

I have owned and tried out many fake surround systems, is the 321 the best out of all the ones I have tried out, No, the best would be the Yamaha YSP800, second best would be the 321.

Davyo





Whats hard about the wire with the red line goes in the red button and the wire with the black line goes in the black button?

Whats hard about plugging in the power cord to the AC outlet?
Whats hard about pressing the video button one, two, three times since it says video one, video two and video three?

Whats hard about pressing the button that says CD when you want to listen to the CD player?

Every single receiver is setup this way with all of them requiring that folks plug them into the AC outlet.

Sorry but:

Rant:
Anyone that buys under performing and over priced Bose "products" just so that they can callup customer service just to be told to "plug it into the wall and it will turn on" deserves a bashing including me for buying 501 series and they sucked versus other brands at lower price points, tried the 901s and they got sent back so fast it almoust created a time warp, Bose wave radio...........geez dont even get me started on that and the lifestyle got sent back to Crutchfield back in the day as I was real pissed about lifestyle "performance"....bah! bumhug! and wanted to use it as a wheelchock and take pictures, but my wife convinced me to send it back and get something else by another manufacturer instead.

My response these days when ever a salesman tries to shove some Bose product on me is "they make good wheelchocks".

End rant.

Do I hate Bose?
Maybe.....................

I am sorry for running over the man on the sidewalk but on the brightside it was one of those bankrobbers on Most Wanted.

Did we know it was a bank robber?
No, we saw the guy wearing a Bose t-shirt and had the idea He was a Bose salesman............

Whats hard about the wire with the red line goes in the red button and the wire with the black line goes in the black button?

Whats hard about plugging in the power cord to the AC outlet?
Whats hard about pressing the video button one, two, three times since it says video one, video two and video three?

Whats hard about pressing the button that says CD when you want to listen to the CD player?

Every single receiver is setup this way with all of them requiring that folks plug them into the AC outlet.

Sorry but:

Rant:
Anyone that buys under performing and over priced Bose "products" just so that they can callup customer service just to be told to "plug it into the wall and it will turn on" deserves a bashing including me for buying 501 series and they sucked versus other brands at lower price points, tried the 901s and they got sent back so fast it almoust created a time warp, Bose wave radio...........geez dont even get me started on that and the lifestyle got sent back to Crutchfield back in the day as I was real pissed about lifestyle "performance"....bah! bumhug! and wanted to use it as a wheelchock and take pictures, but my wife convinced me to send it back and get something else by another manufacturer instead.

My response these days when ever a salesman tries to shove some Bose product on me is "they make good wheelchocks".

End rant.

Do I hate Bose?
Maybe.....................

I am sorry for running over the man on the sidewalk but on the brightside it was one of those bankrobbers on Most Wanted.

Did we know it was a bank robber?
No, we saw the guy wearing a Bose t-shirt and had the idea He was a Bose salesman............

Very odd post, what was the point of the whole "whats so hard" ramblings ?

The rant part made a tiny tiny bit of sense, but what I dont understand is you claim to have purchased 501's, 901's a Wave radio and a LifeStyle but hated all of them.

Why if you did not like Bose products would you purchase so many of them ?

The last part of your post,,,,,,,,,, running over bank robbers on the sidewalk that were on Americas Most Wanted but you didnt know it was a bank robber, but just a guy wearing a Bose shirt that turned out to be a Bose salesman,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,nevermind,, I think I will just stop typing now.

Davyo

Davyo, I hope that Bose is paying you well. Direct them to this site and tell them to pay up. As I have told you before, I respect anyone who stands up for thier beliefs, no matter how misguided...

Davyo, I hope that Bose is paying you well. Direct them to this site and tell them to pay up. As I have told you before, I respect anyone who stands up for thier beliefs, no matter how misguided...

I do agree, Bose should be paying me or sending me free stuff for all the slamming I take defending some of their products.

Just for fun though I should let all know that there are things I dont like about Bose, I will name a few.

Bose took forever to include HDMI on any of there products, Bose really dropped the ball on that one.

Years ago, the 321's did not come with component out and no progressive scan DVD on the 321 while EVERY other company in the world were selling pro scan DVD with component out, Bose still stuck to S-Video.
I even called Bose back then and asked about it and they gave some BS about how their DVD/321's did just as good of job with S-Video and no pro scan.

I would also agree to some degree that Bose is overpriced.

Ok, so there ya have it, there are things I dont like about Bose.

Cheers
Davyo

My wife's step-dad almost-always tries to 1-up me on things like technology and typically fails because he does not do any research at all, and claims how happy he is with whatever he owns (in this case, his Bose).

I finally gave my older Sony all-in-one "dreamsystem" to my parents and built my new TXSR805 w/ a combo of klipsch b-3,c-2,s-2,12-inch sub.. etc.

Her step-dad was over helping me install some gas logs. After this he saw the sys.. mumbled some things.. of which was.. "I'm happy with my bose"

I sat him down to finish watching Transfomers on the hddvd.

I made no comments (I don't care what he thought anyway) to the likes of "so how does it sound?".. as he usually does to me when I'm over at his house.

Lets just say he was speechless.

Although I don't think I've ever owned any Bose equipment, I certainly would not rule it out. In fact I've recommended Bose to many people.

It's true that you can get as good or better sound for less money than Bose charges. But what you won't get is a system that will produce decent sound as easily as the Bose will. I'm always shocked at the number of reasonably intelligent people that are incapable of correctly hooking up an AV system. The number one problem is hooking speakers up out of phase. This does not happen with Bose systems. "Out of Phase?", some people ask, "I don't even know what that means." These are the people Bose systems were meant for. Decent sound. Easy to set up.

Jim

[...] I'm always shocked at the number of reasonably intelligent people that are incapable of correctly hooking up an AV system. The number one problem is hooking speakers up out of phase. This does not happen with Bose systems. "Out of Phase?", some people ask, "I don't even know what that means." [...] Amen

hello everybody!!

i am new here.

why people bash bose products??

Bose is expensive but the sound quality is very good, some Bowers and wilkins are better.

i have a Bose lifestyle 20 in my home and the sound is amazing.