Bose 123 (1 Viewer)

[Penny Compton]

I am a new user to this forum and also to home theatre. I live in the Caribbean which is good most of the time, but sucks when you need to buy something electronic. I can however buy a Bose 123 system. This is from a different island and the salesman tells me over the phone that two speakers are capable of reproducing good quality surround sound. Sounds a bit to good to be true to me - does anyone know any better?

 

[Lew Crippen]

I think you mean the Bose 3-2-1 system.

Sounds a bit to good to be true to me - does anyone know any better?

This falls into the category of ‘if it sounds too good to be true, it is’. This system has been around for some time and was designed to appeal to consumers who were interested in ease of setup, not in the quality of sound. With only 2 speakers plus a subwoofer of sorts and the DVD/CD player the concept was that you don’t have to worry about all the complexities of placing five or six speakers in a room (and also wiring the whole thing). IIRC, there was even an option for infrared to the powered sub.

There was some electronic gimmickry that was supposed to simulate 5 channel sound out of the two front speakers. This same kind of feature used to be available on some of the Dolby surround systems a few years back (for those who did not want to bother with the rear speakers). Basically it just used some reverb to simulate the sound coming from everywhere.

I don’t know the price, but almost for sure you can find a better system for the money. Most Bose systems suffer from a lack of mid range and lower bass.

 

[Ted Lee]

in a nutshell....skip it.

bose are *not* known for their audio quality. to be fair, i've never heard this thing, but i just can't believe it can (in any faithful way) simulate a surround system.

what other options are available to you? can you do mail order?

 

[Pam W]

Ted and Lew are right - Bose is overrated.

Pam

 

[Penny Compton]

Thanks for the replies everyone - you can tell I'm new to these getting the bose numbers round the wrong way! I aprpeciate the bose replies. I'm looking for a good quality system with the emphasis being on the sound quality for dvd's and cd's. The problem with mail order is the cost of shipping and then the 25% duty they slap on it when it gets here. The other choices I have are Yamaha DVXS60, Sony DAVC450, Panasonic SCDT100 and JVC THF9. Most of these systems are multi system (PAL/NTC) but apart from that don't know much about them. I won't be able to hear them before buying. The room this is going in is fairly large (25x35) with cathedral ceilings, if that makes a difference. Appreciate any help if you know about these systems - thanks

 

[Ted Lee]

hi penny -

not being able to hear them first is going to be tough. i'm assuming you would have to pay the shipping charges if you decided to return anything? do you get reimbursed on the duty tax?

anyway, if those are your only other choices, and basing my decision solely on the brand name, then i would go with the yamaha - their stuff is pretty decent.

i would definitely stay away from the panasonic and jvc.

 

[JamesHl]

Those are all Home Theatres In a Box, just as the Bose is. Is there not a real stereo shop somewhere?

 

[Penny Compton]

Yes, the shop that I'm talking about is in St Martin and is set up for duty free shopping for cruise ship passengers. I was worried that trying to buy individual items would make it tough compatability wise - Right?? I really liked the Denon system that I saw was available from Crutchfield, and may well break down and pay duties etc. if you think that may be the best of the bunch.
Penny

 

[JamesHl]

Buying seperate components is the way to go, HTIB are generally more expensive for less quality. Everything is pretty much standard, it'll all work together. Denon makes some nice stuff.

 

[Ted Lee]

agreed. if you can buy components, do it.

denon is very high on my list. i may be picking up a 2803 soon myself.

if you're serious about going separates, here's my suggestions.

1. read the beginner's faq - this is a must for you.

2. when you're ready, post a question for each piece of gear. one for speakers, one for receivers, etc. that way you'll get answers specific to the component. if you post a general "what should i buy" type question, it's harder for us to focus and give you a straight answer.

3. also, be sure to search in the appropriate forums. i can almost guarantee any question you have has already been asked before.

4. take your time and do this right. you'll be much happier with your purchase...knowing you made the right decision.

 

[Lew Crippen]

Welcome to the forum Penny. While it is difficult to make these decisions without being able to audition the equipment (especially speakers) you will get some very good advice on HTF. A good many serious purchases have been made on new internet companies such as SVS (a forum sponsor) by members here without being able to listen to the speakers beforehand. After a bit of reading and dialogue here, and elsewhere, you should be able to make a decision with which you will be pleased.

To add to Ted’s excellent advice, I would add that it will be helpful for us to know the budget you have in mind.

I’m sure that you are aware that a good many of us envy your location (and what we believe to be, your lifestyle) even if that means a bit of a problem in purchases such as this.

 

[Pam W]

Amen to Ted and Lew again!

They are giving you sound advice. I wish you could listen and "audition" your speakers, though. Remember, all our ears are different, and what sounds really good to you may not to someone else. But I will tell you this - I have never been steered wrong here on the forum. It's a great bunch of guys and gals! Read up, take your time, and you'll do it right the first time!

Pam

 

[Ted Lee]

lol. amen to pam!

Remember, all our ears are different, and what sounds really good to you may not to someone else.

i probably type that more than anything else here....i call it my golden rule of audio.

 

[Lew Crippen]

The room this is going in is fairly large (25x35) with cathedral ceilings, if that makes a difference.

One more thing Penny—be sure to include these room dimensions as you ask questions. Many otherwise fine audio systems will lose a lot in a room of this size.

I don’t think that any prepackaged system (the Home Theatre in a Box mentioned) will do very well in a room of that size. On the other hand many of us on this forum tend to like things loud—which seems to many just starting out to be a non-issue.

But if your taste in music is rock or opera, chances are you will want some volume some time.

And a surprising number of otherwise introspective movies have moments that demand some extra power.

 

[Myo K]

the bose 3-2-1 system costs 1000 dollars, for 2 speakers 1 bass module and a "non-progressive" dvd player.

it tries to push the idea of 5.1 surround from 2 speakers, ive listened to them, and no matter much ive tried, i didnt hear surround from them whatsoever. imo its placebic. i would assume that the same thing can be done with standard televisions and turning on simulated surround in your tv.

there has been many reports about the dvd player freezing and locking up all the time, do some research and youll find that its not a very good system.

---

imo, i feel sorry for anyone that buys this system. if i was selling you a pinto, and told you it was just as fast as a ferarri, would you buy it for 100,000 dollars?

 

[Karen80]

Hi, I have had the Bose Wave DAB Radio/CD for a few months, and the sound quality I found was brilliant, a little while ago I went to Paul Roberts HiFi, which is the Bose centre of Excellence for the South West (UK) and listened to the 123 system as being a former roadie on rock concerts, I guess I am more used to having my eardrums blasted out than most. I think they do three systems, one about £800, another about £1000 and the top spec one at £1200, which can store about 200 cd's or so, which I bought today for £1000 cash .... it may cost me a bit more for cables etc when they install it, but as for loudness, yes it is very very loud, even though they have two tiny speakers and a base box, and I am more than content to sit and listen to Pink Floyd or U2 upon it as well as use it as my surround sound on my 46" Sony Bravia HDTV. I may not be a hifi geek but it sounds pretty good to me and looks a nice unit as well, with the remote easy to use as well, the only real drawback for me was it wasn't wireless, but then you lose some of the quality using wireless, so although I have the itouch and iphone, I can't transfer the music easily, but have to burn them off and then reinstall onto the harddrive on the 123 system. anyway I like it, and that's all that matters to me Happy New Year Everyone ..... Karen

 

[Al.Anderson]

Quote:
anyway I like it, and that's all that matters to me
The Wave radio sounds okay. The problem is that you can get something that sounds every bit as good for 60% less. (or twice as good for the same price, your choice.) If you have money to burn and you bought for style, then more power to you; otherwise, not such a good choice.

 

[werty7777]

Where did that come from???? 6 year old thread getting bumped a Bose supporter. Amazing really. Bose is on to this forum now, watch out! Lol.

 

[Al.Anderson]

Yeah, I knew she was a fly-by shill, but I couldn't leave that as a last post.

 

[Brett DiMichele]

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