I was looking at Sams Club at the Philips Sonowave HTS6500 and the Bose 321. There is about $500 differance.$800 (Bose) $300 (Philips). Any thoughts? :confused:

AHHHH run away from the Bose...QUICKLY!

I personaly would go with the 321, they sound really good when set up right.
But then again Im not being fair to the Philips as I have not taken one home and played with it, only heard it in the store.
Just get both and return the one you dont want.
And dont let the bose basher put you off from giving the 321 a try, just make sure to get the Series ll 321, its way better than the Series l 321.

Davyo

Its not Bose bashing :). Just had way too many problems with bose speakers in the past, and their customer service is something to laugh at most of the time. I have tested some speakers in store in one of the sound test rooms. I found, and I'm sure many will agree with me that for the same price as a bose home theater set/speakers you can get a lot better quality sound from another brand. Really it all comes down to preference and budget. Just shop around a little more if you plan on getting the Bose because you can probably find something better for the same price.

Its not Bose bashing . Just had way too many problems with bose speakers in the past, and their customer service is something to laugh at most of the time.

OK, now I know this poster is definitely a Bose basher. His comment about Bose's customer service couldn't be farther from the truth ... the customer service at Bose is the industry standard. When you contact their customer service you will always speak with a person, i.e. not an automated service. This customer service rep will be very knowledgeable and will bend over backwards to assist you. Bose always sends firmware updates to the owners of their products; other electronics manufactures either don't send updates at all, or require you to download from their websites. This poster's comment about Bose's customer service is quite simply ridiculous.

OP, unfortunately it has become very popular on this forum (and really on most A/V forums) to malign Bose products ... very undeserving slander I might add. I estimate that most of the Bose bashers haven't even fairly auditioned Bose's products.

From the Bose bashers you will hear wild stories about outrageous prices and poor quality. Again, these comments don't represent reality. A Bose 321 can be obtained for less than $800, I consider this a very reasonable price considering the alternative. The alternative (as recommended by the Bose bashers) is to purchase all components seperatetely ... typically Bose basher recommendations far exceed the price of the 321.

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 marginally superior DVD PQ, however the Sony falls way short in audio quality. 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. I recommend you follow davyo's advice and purchase both systems to determine which you prefer.

. I estimate that most of the Bose bashers haven't even fairly auditioned Bose's products.

.

I estimate that most Bose customers have not fairly auditioned other products.

I estimate that most Bose customers have not fairly auditioned other products.

If you read my post you would know that I did audition other 2.1 systems. In addition to the Sony DAV-X1, I also compared the Bose 321 against the Denon 301; I decided against the Denon even though it performed well--too many reliability problems with the Denon.

Overall many variables weigh into the equation when determining what audio system to select. For me I wanted a simple system without the hassle of trying to match different components, yet I also wanted a system that performed well. The Bose 321 fit the bill.

The intent of my post was to inform the OP that many people seem to bash Bose just because it's seems to be the popular thing to do. As evidenced by Soransis' post, he is clearly misinformed (or just interested in spreading propaganda) about customer service at Bose.

To be fair, I'm certain that there are better DVD players and receivers out there ... however, if you want a simple, compact system that performs well, the Bose 321 is just such a system. If you search my other postings you will see that I've auditioned some of the best DVD players (best as defined by members of this forum and the "DVD benchmarks"), including the Panasonic S97. After calibrating both the Bose and the S97 I could perceive only a nominal improvement in PQ on the Panny. Not enough of an improvement to justify switching to separate components (vice the Bose 321). I've auditioned several other DVD players (all in the $300 or less range) and none of them provided a significantly better picture. I estimate that to obtain a significant improvement in DVD PQ, I would have to step up to some of the $800+ DVD players (e.g. Denon 2930). By the time I purchased a receiver and speakers I would have spent well over $800 (cost of Bose 321).

I know you auditioned other products and I applaud it. However as you pointed out while many Bose bashers do it to "fit in" you do have to admit many Bose customers (not you because you are a smart consumer) never audition anything else and assume that the SQ is among the best you can get.

Also, what I don't understand is the double standard here on this site. We clearly tell people to do their own research, come to their own conclusion, and of course tell us about you personal experiences here. Thats what this forum is for and of course MVV with everyone.

So in this case soransis (who I don't not know) claimed that he had a bad experience with Bose yet you say that is not possible and propaganda. How is that fair? Perhaps he had a bad experience? Just like people who love gear despite other peoples hatred of it.

Bottom line you wanted a simple system and Bose performed well enough. I would have no problem recommending Bose to someone I felt would benefit from its simplicity. Personally, I think the SQ isn't up to snuff, but SQ is much higher on my list than other attributes.

I've only bought a Bose Wave Radio. I like the features and it's flawless as a wakeup clock. I have to say that it's never given me good sound but I have to qualify that by saying I am about 25 miles away from NYC and surrounded by (low-lying) mountains; perhaps it would work better upstairs than downstairs in my home. :confused:

Anyway, I did talk to CSR with a problem a few months in and they were 100% professional.

What's the advantage to buying the 321 -- home theater on the cheap ? Does it pay if you really don't need the DVD player ? Is it best for a really small room?

My cousin has it and likes it with his Sony RPTV. :)

I know you auditioned other products and I applaud it. However as you pointed out while many Bose bashers do it to "fit in" you do have to admit many Bose customers (not you because you are a smart consumer) never audition anything else and assume that the SQ is among the best you can get.

Also, what I don't understand is the double standard here on this site. We clearly tell people to do their own research, come to their own conclusion, and of course tell us about you personal experiences here. Thats what this forum is for and of course MVV with everyone.

So in this case soransis (who I don't not know) claimed that he had a bad experience with Bose yet you say that is not possible and propaganda. How is that fair? Perhaps he had a bad experience? Just like people who love gear despite other peoples hatred of it.

Bottom line you wanted a simple system and Bose performed well enough. I would have no problem recommending Bose to someone I felt would benefit from its simplicity. Personally, I think the SQ isn't up to snuff, but SQ is much higher on my list than other attributes.

As was said above I had a bad experience with a Bose CSR. There are many deciding factors for me to choose a sound system, CS being one of them. Maybe the person I had talked to was having a bad day, but this turned me off to Bose from that moment. We all have different likes and dislikes, and yes I was a bit bashing in my first post, I had meant to come back and edit it, but got cought up in work and didn't get a chance to before someone saw it. Bose systems are nice, and easily setup, maybe their CS is normally very nice too, but I haven't dealt with them in a while because of the bad experience I had. I was just saying that if you take the time and do a little research you can find systems with better quality sound than a Bose for the price you pay. Granted a lot of those systems take a little more time to set up, or a little more know how, but there are systems out there. Most of the time with sound systems you pay for what you get. Most more expensive systems will give you better quality, and sometimes you find one that doesn't work for your setup.

What a good suggestion would be is to find out if you can demo both products and see which one you prefer for your home situation.

What a good suggestion would be is to find out if you can demo both products and see which one you prefer for your home situation.

Well stated, ultimately you have to determine what system works best for your specific situation. There are, without a doubt, better sounding systems (than Bose) out there ... it just depends on what features matter to you (e.g. price, performance, aesthetics, practicality, reliability, versatility, etc).

OK, now I know this poster is definitely a Bose basher. His comment about Bose's customer service couldn't be farther from the truth ... the customer service at Bose is the industry standard. When you contact their customer service you will always speak with a person, i.e. not an automated service. This customer service rep will be very knowledgeable and will bend over backwards to assist you. Bose always sends firmware updates to the owners of their products; other electronics manufactures either don't send updates at all, or require you to download from their websites. This poster's comment about Bose's customer service is quite simply ridiculous.

OP, unfortunately it has become very popular on this forum (and really on most A/V forums) to malign Bose products ... very undeserving slander I might add. I estimate that most of the Bose bashers haven't even fairly auditioned Bose's products.

From the Bose bashers you will hear wild stories about outrageous prices and poor quality. Again, these comments don't represent reality. A Bose 321 can be obtained for less than $800, I consider this a very reasonable price considering the alternative. The alternative (as recommended by the Bose bashers) is to purchase all components seperatetely ... typically Bose basher recommendations far exceed the price of the 321.

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 marginally superior DVD PQ, however the Sony falls way short in audio quality. 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,








and ...







and ...








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. I recommend you follow davyo's advice and purchase both systems to determine which you prefer.

Cutting and pasting is very deceptive...read the entire review it also states in the same review"overpriced","limited vieo connectivity is a let down".

MY .02 ;)

Cutting and pasting is very deceptive...read the entire review it also states in the same review"overpriced","limited vieo connectivity is a let down".


I disagree with your assertion ... I clearly stated where the review originated from, thus I my intent wasn't to deceive anyone. My point, as I stated, "OBTW, not all reviews about the Bose 3.2.1 are negative. CNET's review stated", was to illustrate that some Bose reviews are positive. There are certainly negative aspects in the CNET Bose review ... just as their are negative comments in most reviews of any electronic product--nothing is perfect.

so what system WOULD you recomment if not the Bose 321? I'm in the market for the same sort of system and I'm very unsure of what to get.

I disagree with your assertion ... I clearly stated where the review originated from, thus I my intent wasn't to deceive anyone. My point, as I stated, "OBTW, not all reviews about the Bose 3.2.1 are negative. CNET's review stated", was to illustrate that some Bose reviews are positive. There are certainly negative aspects in the CNET Bose review ... just as their are negative comments in most reviews of any electronic product--nothing is perfect.


your correct I am sure your post was not to dicieve, MY BAD. But that being said I have heard two different bose systems. even ticked off my brother when trying to move his setup around to get it better sounding. then brought him to my house to hear my S790.....I can honestly say they are not as good as some other components and some HTIB systems.

RONOPP

so what system WOULD you recomment if not the Bose 321? I'm in the market for the same sort of system and I'm very unsure of what to get.


Depends on what you are loking for, the Onkyo S790 has good reviews for a 7.1 system, and the S590 has good reviews for a 5.1 system. Sony has some good ones, the DAV-FX500 comes to mind as a 5.1. (Forgot to mention the Onkyo systems don't have a built in DVD player)

CircuitCity has a good selection where you can look up different systems and do some research. Some prices you might be able to find better elsewhere, some maybe not. I use CircuitCity to look up different HTiBs then run around to different sites and look at reviews.

I ended up buying a Pioneer Elite VSX81 TXV with Klipsch RF 82 Towers,RB 51 Bookshelfs, an RC 52 Center channel, an RW10D subwoofer. Sounds pretty good. I think I will return the 10" subwoofer and trade for a 12".

Sounds like the case of another audiophile in the making :).