[LoRoller173]

Hi all,

I've rented a home with a home theater system in the den; the room size is about 12 X 12. Seating is along the back wall. The room has a Bose Acoustimass 15 with four double-cubes mounted in the corners up close to the ceiling, the center double-cube mounted sideways just above the TV and the bass module on the other side of the front wall facing through a wall-mounted speaker grill. The Acoustimass system is fed by a relatively new Marantz NR1608 receiver.

The bass module is buzzing so I've turned off the power. The other speakers seem to be functioning OK, but I don't have anything below 280Hz.

The owner has offered to let me replace the speakers, with a maximum budget of $500, with the provision that the I use the existing speaker placements. I would hope to reuse the speaker wire as running new wires would be very difficult in this house.

While I could take the money and buy a used bass module, I'm well aware of the limitations of the Bose system and would love to replace it. BTW, the existing system is white which makes it almost invisible against the ceiling, and a system that is likewise available in white would be a plus per the owner.

TIA for your thoughts.

 

[Rgarc]

not sure where you are but if you are in the US this setup would probably be a good upgrade to your current speakers in your budget range:

https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/focalsib51wht/focal-5.1-sib-cub3-home-theater-speaker-system-white/1.html

 

[gajCA]

Hi all,

I've rented a home with a home theater system in the den; the room size is about 12 X 12. Seating is along the back wall. The room has a Bose Acoustimass 15 with four double-cubes mounted in the corners up close to the ceiling, the center double-cube mounted sideways just above the TV and the bass module on the other side of the front wall facing through a wall-mounted speaker grill. The Acoustimass system is fed by a relatively new Marantz NR1608 receiver.

The bass module is buzzing so I've turned off the power. The other speakers seem to be functioning OK, but I don't have anything below 280Hz.

The owner has offered to let me replace the speakers, with a maximum budget of $500, with the provision that the I use the existing speaker placements. I would hope to reuse the speaker wire as running new wires would be very difficult in this house.

While I could take the money and buy a used bass module, I'm well aware of the limitations of the Bose system and would love to replace it. BTW, the existing system is white which makes it almost invisible against the ceiling, and a system that is likewise available in white would be a plus per the owner.

TIA for your thoughts.

The little Focal system linked is a step above the Bose.

 

[Kini62]

This would be a significant step up although the sub is not great it's still better than the bose bass module.
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_700TL35010/Polk-Audio-Blackstone-TL350-Home-Theater-Bundle.html

 

[smithsabom]

Hi all,

I've rented a home with a home theater system in the den; the room size is about 12 X 12. Seating is along the back wall. The room has a Bose Acoustimass 15 with four double-cubes mounted in the corners up close to the ceiling, the center double-cube mounted sideways just above the TV and the bass module on the other side of the front wall facing through a wall-mounted speaker grill. The Acoustimass system is fed by a relatively new Marantz NR1608 receiver.

The bass module is buzzing so I've turned off the power. The other speakers seem to be functioning OK, but I don't have anything below 280Hz.

The owner has offered to let me replace the speakers, with a maximum budget of $500, with the provision that the I use the existing speaker placements. I would hope to reuse the speaker wire as running new wires would be very difficult in this house.

While I could take the money and buy a used bass module, I'm well aware of the limitations of the Bose system and would love to replace it. BTW, the existing system is white which makes it almost invisible against the ceiling, and a system that is likewise available in white would be a plus per the owner.

TIA for your thoughts.

check out accessories4less.com they have 4 different models in white from 129/pr( https://www.accessories4less.com/ma...3-4-2-way-bookshelf-speaker-white-pair/1.html)

or this: https://www.accessories4less.com/ma...2-way-satellite-speaker-white-pair-new/1.html ( 199/pr) I would go with the KEFs

they also have a def tech sub in white for 219, but that pushes the budget. for pure enjoyment while you are there, it may be worth it to kick in a few bucks of your own.

although if you go with the cantons, it all comes in within budget...

alternatively, parts-express.com has indoor/outdoor speakers in white that would be cost effective... from 68/pr up to 150 / pr. one of which is a sonance with 5.25" woofers which should sound quite well. I have an old set of sonance mariners of the same size and the low end is quite good for a speaker of that size.

perhaps best of all is the JBL control 1, from parts express as well. as all the others have that bracket for mounting which would look unappealing indoors, the JBLs have a 1/4" screw mount so it will look cleaner indoors. at 164/pr, leaves some room for a new sub. you don't say what space you have for the sub. on sale right now from infinityspeakers.com is a 12" , 300 wpc sub for 159 delivered.

good luck

 

[smithsabom]

although other, better SQ recommendations have been made, the boston acoustics soundware xs is closest in form factor to the bose and this is new and in budget: https://www.ebay.com/itm/BOSTON-ACO...025954?hash=item2ad29b65e2:g:LGIAAOSwgsddV4X2

 

[RayGuy]

Also the Cambridge Audio Minx Min is Bose size, but better. Grab an 8" sub that can crossover at 150 Hz (sub should get up to 200 Hz minimum). You can probably find a used set including the x201 sub on ebay.

 

[Zorba922]

Hi all,

I've rented a home with a home theater system in the den; the room size is about 12 X 12. Seating is along the back wall. The room has a Bose Acoustimass 15 with four double-cubes mounted in the corners up close to the ceiling, the center double-cube mounted sideways just above the TV and the bass module on the other side of the front wall facing through a wall-mounted speaker grill. The Acoustimass system is fed by a relatively new Marantz NR1608 receiver.

The bass module is buzzing so I've turned off the power. The other speakers seem to be functioning OK, but I don't have anything below 280Hz.

The owner has offered to let me replace the speakers, with a maximum budget of $500, with the provision that the I use the existing speaker placements. I would hope to reuse the speaker wire as running new wires would be very difficult in this house.

While I could take the money and buy a used bass module, I'm well aware of the limitations of the Bose system and would love to replace it. BTW, the existing system is white which makes it almost invisible against the ceiling, and a system that is likewise available in white would be a plus per the owner.

TIA for your thoughts.

This is how I'd use the owner's $500:

I'd keep the cubes for surrounds and just the replace front 3 speakers with 3 x RSL Outsider speakers (white) for $300:
https://rslspeakers.com/products/rsl-outsider-ii/

You'll have to call RSL to ask them to give you one individual speaker plus a standard pair, given their record of excellent customer service I think you'd have at least a 50/50 chance of success.

For the sub, the BIC F12 is probably one of the better options for around $200 (Amazon)...there's also this Polk if you want to chip in an extra $50 over your landlord's max.
https://www.ebay.com/p/Polk-PSW505-Powered-Subwoofer/69637897

 

[afrogt]

I've become a NHT fan as I purchased some of their speakers this year. Great bang for the buck and very well built. Will blow away the Bose setup

5 of these would work and they're wall mountable.

https://www.amazon.com/NHT-SuperZer...+speakers&qid=1566434679&s=electronics&sr=1-3

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KFSP82C/ref=psdc_3236443011_t1_B005BV0FHG

Buy a better sub with your own money and get the one you want. the room isn't that big so no need to go overboard.

Or if you insist on adding a sub with the rest of his remaining offer go for one of these
https://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-sub-1000-10-100-watt-powered-subwoofer--300-628
https://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-sub-1200-12-120-watt-powered-subwoofer--300-629

 

[Zorba922]

I've become a NHT fan as I purchased some of their speakers this year. Great bang for the buck and very well built. Will blow away the Bose setup

Agreed. Would have said 3 x SuperOnes + 2 x SuperZeros but didn't only because the owner seems to really want white speakers is paying...

 

[smithsabom]

polk OM 03 @ 100/pr on amazon leaves plenty of room for a sub

 

[RayGuy]

BTW, a new Bose 5.1 system is $999 .... He should be doubling that budget.

This may be a good option, if you can find it in the states:

https://www.homecinemachoice.com/content/wharfedale-dx-2-51-speaker-system-review

 

[afrogt]

i don't know where the OP is located but if he's anywhere near the SF Bay Area he can get some white NHT's off Craigslist with mounts.

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/ele/d/milpitas-nht-now-hear-this-super-zero/6938948804.html

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/ele/d/santa-rosa-nht-superone-xu-speakers/6961991561.html

that would leave a ton of money for a subwoofer

 

[zieglj01]

The Focal is a good strong option and is a clean, clear, and dynamic step up

 

[LoRoller173]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. Decided to go with Focal. Good specs and reviews, styling is very close to the Bose it will replace and well within budget after shipping and tax. If i notice a significant difference (questionable given my aging ears) I'll put it out here.

 

[gajCA]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. Decided to go with Focal. Good specs and reviews, styling is very close to the Bose it will replace and well within budget after shipping and tax. If i notice a significant difference (questionable given my aging ears) I'll put it out here.

Good choice.

Please do come back and at the very least give your impressions...other than, "these things are big compared to the Bose Double Cubes."

The Focals have to be larger as they contain a real tweeter and decent sized woofer unlike the Bose with two tiny "full range" drivers.

 

[LoRoller173]

Good choice.

Please do come back and at the very least give your impressions...other than, "these things are big compared to the Bose Double Cubes."

The Focals have to be larger as they contain a real tweeter and decent sized woofer unlike the Bose with two tiny "full range" drivers.

I won't say what you suggested I shouldn't, but I will say that these things are substantial. I'd guess each one weighs between 2 and 3 double-cubes. The picture on the web is a little misleading. They don't disappear into the ceiling the way the cubes did, but it doesn't bother me either.

There's a nice balance of mids and bass coming from the channels where I didn't have them before. The Bose system depended on the bass unit but bass is good from all channels, not just a box on the floor (to state the obvious). While the Bose satellites bottom out at 280 Hz, these go down to 75. It's also nice to have a real subwoofer. It seems a little boomy but I haven't decided if I need some minor adjustments or just need to get used to having it. Overall I'm really liking this new setup.

I do have one problem, that might be OT... I needed to reuse the Bose's speaker wires. The amp's speaker outputs all go to a ribbon cable that terminates in a DB15 at the bass unit. Then, the wires from the bass unit going to the speakers start with RCA plugs. When I used a DB15 breakout board to bypass the bass unit, I needed to cut off the RCA plugs. There aren't any markings on the wire, so when I cut off them off it's impossible (or at least really difficult) to identify the polarity for identifying phase. Audyssey says ALL of my speakers are out of phase! Is this even possible? I get this feeling that if I switched all of them I'd still be out of phase...

Also if anyone has thoughts on adjusting the crossovers, I'd be interested. The Marantz decided that the satellites are "small" and set the crossovers at 120.

Thanks again for all the help.

 

[gajCA]

I won't say what you suggested I shouldn't, but I will say that these things are substantial. I'd guess each one weighs between 2 and 3 double-cubes. The picture on the web is a little misleading. They don't disappear into the ceiling the way the cubes did, but it doesn't bother me either.

There's a nice balance of mids and bass coming from the channels where I didn't have them before. The Bose system depended on the bass unit but bass is good from all channels, not just a box on the floor (to state the obvious). While the Bose satellites bottom out at 280 Hz, these go down to 75. It's also nice to have a real subwoofer. It seems a little boomy but I haven't decided if I need some minor adjustments or just need to get used to having it. Overall I'm really liking this new setup.

I do have one problem, that might be OT... I needed to reuse the Bose's speaker wires. The amp's speaker outputs all go to a ribbon cable that terminates in a DB15 at the bass unit. Then, the wires from the bass unit going to the speakers start with RCA plugs. When I used a DB15 breakout board to bypass the bass unit, I needed to cut off the RCA plugs. There aren't any markings on the wire, so when I cut off them off it's impossible (or at least really difficult) to identify the polarity for identifying phase. Audyssey says ALL of my speakers are out of phase! Is this even possible? I get this feeling that if I switched all of them I'd still be out of phase...

Also if anyone has thoughts on adjusting the crossovers, I'd be interested. The Marantz decided that the satellites are "small" and set the crossovers at 120.

Thanks again for all the help.

120hz sounds about right.

The sub actually measured quite well when S&V tested it so maybe just pull it away from a corner a bit if that is its position.

Maybe just run a new RCA cable to the sub?

You can test for polarity of two speakers using this.