[trivisingh]

Hey Guys,


I am setting up my Home Theatre System and was looking for some speakers to go along with my Denon AVR-1804. I am considering getting the Bose 601 (front), 301 (rear) and the VCS-10 (centre) speakers. Can anyone let me know if they are good enough. Well, the only other speakers that I can get in my place (I am not from the US) are Jamo, JBL and Pro-FX. I think Bose outperforms them all but I still want a second opinion.


Thanks

 

[Mr.Poindexter]

I certainly wouldn't buy the bose even if they were the cheapest of the lot, were on sale and the sales chick was totally hot and a big fan of bose - but that's just me...

 

[Version]

What JBL speakers are you looking at? They may be a better alternative.

 

[tonygeno]

Quote:

Originally posted by Mr.Poindexter I certainly wouldn't buy the bose even if they were the cheapest of the lot, were on sale and the sales chick was totally hot and a big fan of bose - but that's just me...

What about if she'd go out on a date with you, would you buy them then?

 

[Goatspeed]

I used to have a Bose HT setup with 2 of the 3 pieces you are looking at. Mine however was an AM-15 for sub/surrounds, VCS10 center, and 601's for the front. I got the VCS10 for 100 bucks and the 601's for 150 which was the only redeeming characteristic of this HT setup. Overall, I was never happy with how they did music. They were okay for HT until I heard a REAL sub. Bose is great for how small they are, but that Acoustamass bass module is just that...a bass module, but not a subwoofer. It was terrible. The 601's are okay if you get them for as cheap as I did. The VCS10 is the worst center channel speaker on the market for any price. Seriously, it was worse than using the little swivel bose cube.


I bought my Bose system when I didn't know anything about sound or speakers other than knowing I wanted good sound. I'd look at Klipsch if I were you. You can get some Klipsch speakers in the price range. I replaced my Bose with Monitor Audio equipment, and I couldn't be happier. You might want to look at Monitor Audio Bronze speakers. They should be in that range too.

 

[indieman]

Where are you located? Even in India (where I am from), B&W and Rotel and a lot of other names that I could not imagine possible have dealers there!!

Mike

 

[Bondmanp]

The VCS-10 rattles like crazy at anything approaching useable volume. I agree with Goatspeed. The VCS-10 is the worst center-channel speaker I've heard outside of some (but not all) cheap HTiB systems.

 

[TowJumper]

Do you have the possibility of buying both the Bose and JBL and listening them in your home (and returning what you do not like)?


I have heard several Bose speakers including the 601 but the stores are generally set up to NOT allow direct comparison Bose and other brands. Such an a/b test would be your only real aid in determining which is best. That being said, FOR THE LOVE OF GOD DON'T BUY BOSE!


Sorry got carried away, definitely try both.


Quote:

Originally posted by trivisingh Hey Guys, I am setting up my Home Theatre System and was looking for some speakers to go along with my Denon AVR-1804. I am considering getting the Bose 601 (front), 301 (rear) and the VCS-10 (centre) speakers. Can anyone let me know if they are good enough. Well, the only other speakers that I can get in my place (I am not from the US) are Jamo, JBL and Pro-FX. I think Bose outperforms them all but I still want a second opinion. Thanks

 

[topspeed]

If you've heard them all and still think Bose is better, buy 'em. It's your money and your ears. I'm not a fan of Bose either but I'm not the one purchasing so who cares what I think.


Good luck and buy what moves you.


TowJumper, where'd you get that quote from Clinton?

 

[sm1]

"What about if she'd go out on a date with you, would you buy them then?"


Yes, then return them for a refund.

 

[TowJumper]

Quote:

Originally posted by topspeed TowJumper, where'd you get that quote from Clinton?

Here it is.

link

 

[SungWookie]

Quote:

Originally posted by Goatspeed I used to have a Bose HT setup with 2 of the 3 pieces you are looking at. Mine however was an AM-15 for sub/surrounds, VCS10 center, and 601's for the front. I got the VCS10 for 100 bucks and the 601's for 150 which was the only redeeming characteristic of this HT setup. Overall, I was never happy with how they did music. They were okay for HT until I heard a REAL sub.

I'm also using them, and a bose fan. Nonetheless, I agree that VCS10 is one of the 'Worst Center in History, Ever!'.( I really want to replace it !!!)

If you can buy 601, 301 very cheap, I think they could be better than other cheap sattelite speakers.

 

[BassHog]

It depends on what series the 601s are. If they are series IV, I would not recommend them. However if they are series II or III, they are very good sounding speakers and are well made. My bedroom system consists of a pair of 601 series IIs for the mains that I have had for 20 years. They still look and sound like new. I've got 201s for the surrounds. I did use the VCS10 for a while. It is an adequate center, not a great one. I ended up replacing it with a Polk CSI40 that I got at a close out price. This is a great sounding system that didn't cost much at all.


If you do a little searching on this site, you will see that Bose is not highly thought of by most people here. I don't particularly care for Bose's current line-up of small cube systems. However everything with the Bose name on it is not junk. The 601 series IIs and IIIs can be found very cheap. I'm talking $100 to $300 and can make a great foundation for putting together a budget HT.

 

[hdshark]

If you are planning to buy the setup you mentioned new, you are looking at spending almost $1200 in the US, probably a lot more outsite of US. For that much money, you should be able to get a good quality 5.1 system (including the subwoofer). Jamo makes some pretty decent systems in that price range.

 

[Rman75]




I agree with hdshark, for the money you could probably purchase one of the other brands listed and enjoy the sound much more. See if the retailer will allow you to audition both to make the judgement for yourself on what sounds better. (I agree that the VC10 is quite possibly the worst center channel ever. Or up there with the worst.)

 

[Goatspeed]

Yes, I really must underscore how bad the VCS-10 really is. Bose should be made to apologize to everyone who spends 200 dollars retail on that thing, and then pay them their money back plus 50 dollars in restitution. I mean, Bose stuff is overpriced and whatnot, but it's worth it for some to get the teeny tiny speakers, and some people just like name brand and whatnot. But that center channel.....that is the absolute worst. It's like paying 200 dollars to have a trained chimp to sit on top of your TV backwards and let loud audible farts and call that center channel.

 

[csteelejr]

I'm new, so bear with me. I haven't gone to a Hi-Fi Buys (Tweeter in GA) in a looooong time to listen to a Home Theater System, but...


Personally, I have a Bose Setup that I'm happy with. I know & have heard that Bose is overated/overpriced (I got a REALLY GOOD DEAL on mine though). I haven't been disapointed yet. I'm using: 701's, VCS10, 161's, & a JBL PB12 for extra punch. I'm very satisfied for now. Haven't had a issue with my VCS10 rattling. Sounds great to me. Then again I'm not using a top of the line high power receiver either. I'm using (for now) a Sony STR-DE675. Plan on upgrading, but the cost... When I upgrade I don't want to have to buy anything else for a few good years. BUT, back to the Bose topic, I'm happy. Listen for yourself & decide what you like. A lot people from my job looked at me like "Bose, there o-k." But when they hear my set up (granted not the best by any means), they leave impressed...

 

[paulbehnke]

der's good Cadilacs and the are bad ones! Check Consumer Reports for an objective reveiw ? Then buy what sounds best in your home. I've had JBL's for many years and love the for some things...have Klipsh"s which are great for HT and Rock and Roll buty suck for classical music and at my age have yet to find THE speakers at a price I can aford

 

[TrojanHorse]

Whatever you do, if you buy the Bose (or anything, really) DO NOT go over to a friends house who spent MORE on his system and watch movies or listen to music.


Just say no! Because ignorance is bliss, and upgraditis is catching with no known cure.

 

[csteelejr]

Quote:

Originally posted by jhanson Please don't bash someone else's equipment. That's just plain rude. If they like it, then that's their choice and opinion. Why make someone feel bad about THEIR equipment when it is THEIRS? Come on guys.

If and when I decide something something sounds better to me. I'll make that move. But I won't be insulted into buying something.