Bose Acoustic Wave System

[hansi]

I am thinking of buying this Bose system. I haven't heard one yet but will do so tomorrow. Without having heard it, personally I think that it's a bit expensive at almost £1000. Could I do better? I really don't want separates as I haven't the room, but I want a decent mini hifi setup with a good bass on it. I know you're all hi fi buffs on here and that separates are best, but any suggestion for a good mini system please.

[GW43]

I've seen 2nd hand or ex-demo Arcam Solos for about £800 - this and a pair of bookshelf speakers for £200 would be my recommendation for a grand (system!). Linn do a one-boxer as well but I don't know anyhting about it - someone else might.

[akhc]

£885 according to the Bose website. Unfortunately 9as the old joke goes) the only thing Bose has in common with Hifi is they both have 4 letters. A friend of mine bought one online and sent it back after 1 day. I did manage to have a quick listen and bear in mind this wasn't an extended one with music I know. The bass was very uneven with obvious reinforcement of some frequencies. The treble/midrange was tinny and it didn't seem to gel with the bass. The unit felt plasticky as well to boot. I can't imagine anyone buying one and keeping it which begs the question how Bose are still in business. Anyway.. as GW43 says the Arcam Solo is a much better buy if you want a one box solution. I'd go as far as to say some micro hifi I've heard is better than the Bose. For the money u're looking at spending, you can get a very nice separates system (cd/amp/speakers) moreso if you'd be prepared to buy second hand.

[clockworks]

Stay away from Bose - they make "lifestyle" audio products, which they sell for vastly inflated prices.

Buying a complete, new, one-box system for £1000 is a bit tricky - not much choice. If you really want to spend that much, I'd agree with GW43 - buy a seconhand Linn or Arcam.

For £300, you can buy something that will sound as good as (probably better than) the Bose. Have a look at the Denon UD-M31 or JVC EX-A1.
The Denon is available with or without speakers, the JVC will play DVDs.

I've got both (Denon in my workshop, JVC in the kitchen). They both sound remarkably good for the price and size.

Denon also do a micro home cinema system, with a sub, which might be worth thinking about.

[deaf cat]

My dentist has one in his waiting room and I think it sounds pretty good. Been going there now for years and years, same thing on all day every day, no probs.
1st time I heard it I thought - wow - where is all the sound comming from - yes a little Bose radio thing.

If your short on space and like it when you demo it why not get it and be happy with it !

Each to there own I say, Try various options and what ever you like the best go for.

I think Bose is ok and like the amount of sound that comes out of the rather small equipment, bit pricey yes, but if it fits your requirements.......why not.

[Londondecca]

I listened to one a while ago. It is not a terrible system and for background music it is fine. Can you buy better for the same money - a great big yes but it will take it more space and may not suit your requirements

[hansi]

Thanks, I'll demo it and see.

[wack]

I have a white/cream one I was thinking of selling, it's just over a year old, hardly used with the 5 disc multichanger that goes underneath it l, has all the original packaging,i'd be looking for about £750 delivered.

Personally I think they do an excellent job for the size of the unit, yes they are expensive but not all partners like/allow masive Hi-Fi in the house