OT: Compact Stereos

Skipponator · 10-09-2005, 11:15 PM

A few months ago in the Star Trib I saw an article about Bose Wave systems, and competitors that were just as good or better for less $. I don't remember the brands/models, can anyone help me out? I'd like to look into one to totally get lost in the moment in the Fish Room

-Skip

djyox · 10-10-2005, 04:11 AM

I got one of those under the counter CD players for in the kitchen. Don't have to set the clock if power goes out. Had remote at one point in life I believe....but not anymore, I told my step mother she could have it but I don't think she really cares....And my price will beat those bose systems too...

djyox · 10-10-2005, 04:13 AM

actually, for you skip, you can have it....will throw it in on that last deal we just had. That is if you want it

Loverotties · 10-10-2005, 08:02 AM

My father-inlaw has the bose and I don't like the sound!

Lars · 10-10-2005, 08:27 AM

Yeah, Bose is great at one thing - Marketing. Notice I didn't say sound. They have the perceived reputation for the best sound quality out there. Bose owners will typically agree. But put a Bose system next to any quality system and many people realize that Bose is just overhyped and overpriced. In fact, I have heard that Bose tried to sue Consumer Reports for giving their stuff crappy scores.

Don't take my word for it though. Audio gear is a personal thing, people like and dislike different things. But I suggest hearing a lot of different systems in the same session for a true comparison. Let your ears tell you what to get

Irenicus · 10-10-2005, 08:36 AM

My mom has a Bose Wave Stereo and she loves it. The sound is really nice, but I don't know jack about audio systems.

jules77 · 10-10-2005, 10:09 AM

only one I would actually buy is the flat system at the sharper image. You could also look in consumer reports for their opinion. We go to the library and check it there.

Skipponator · 10-10-2005, 10:37 AM

Well I've heard 1 Bose Wave machine and I was like WOW, it sounded awesome and could not believe the sound it produced from something so tiny. But like i said before there are some competitors of the same type of product that are better and cheaper, I just cannot remember what brands they were, but they were found at your large electronic dealers. Searched Best Buy but I didn't really find what I was looking for.

djyox, what kind of system and how does it sound?

David Grigor · 10-10-2005, 11:05 AM

We have the near style wave radio/alarm clock for our bedroom. Much improved bass over the previous model. We got it primarily because no place to put a stereo. Definately impressive for such a small device but certainly can't take the place of a full sized system. Overall very pleased with it - just maybe not the $500 price tag.

reefmyster · 10-10-2005, 12:33 PM

Check out the Sony CMT CPX22 -looks sweet and sounds very good and should be around $300.

Want cheaper? Go to Best Buy and find the Sharp XLDV60 $170- Bring your own CD of the music you normally listen to load it and take a listen.

Bose has got it down. They charge WAYYY too much for the marginal difference in sound quality. They are also strange because of the fact that they have unilateral pricing. Not too many companies say "if you sell our items for other than this 1 price you will not be able to sell our item". I don't think they are any cheaper at the bose outlet stores.

I shouldn't be so harsh tho. I have a bose system. Yes its true. An acoustimass 5 speaker system. It sounds really good - in my bathroom. Come listen some day.

Bose in the bathroom - "BE MOVED, WHILE HAVING A MOVEMENT"

Superman · 10-10-2005, 02:24 PM

Being a car audio installer for 5 years now , I can say with experience that Bose speakers in general are not any better or worse than any other speaker. The bose wave radios and the like do use "chambers" and such in order to tweak midbass and lower frequencies. The only problem with ANY audio system is that the sound that you will get out of it is about 90% dependant on placement of the audio system in the given environment. Granted you can't make a completely crappy system sound great just by tweaking where things are placed and such, but If average to high end quality tweeters midbass and woofers are used then there are many ways to improve the audio quality of a system by adjusting the environment. Example, a sound system is going to sound one way in a wide open room with harwood floors and sound a completely different way in a room with carpet and a bunch of soft furniture. So let your ear make the decision and don't believe any hype. The only advice that I can give you is to make sure that the system gets loud enough for your tastes with out being even close to audible distortion when played at the higher volume levels that you enjoy.

Skipponator · 10-10-2005, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Superman

Being a car audio installer for 5 years now

Hey can you help me getting my Clarion DXZ735MP fixed? It needs a new laser. Went out 2 months after being used and Clarion wouldn't warranty it since it was bought new on Ebay and not in a authorized dealer.

Superman · 10-10-2005, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skipponator

Hey can you help me getting my Clarion DXZ735MP fixed? It needs a new laser. Went out 2 months after being used and Clarion wouldn't warranty it since it was bought new on Ebay and not in a authorized dealer.

Sorry, Circuit City doesn't carry Clarion (hardly anyone does except Mach1 I believe) It's going to be tough trying to get that one fixed. Best thing to do is to send it to an authorized Clarion Repair shop and pay to have it fixed, though it may not be worth paying to get it fixed compared to just buying a brand spankin new deck.

David Grigor · 10-10-2005, 06:13 PM

Yet another reason not to ebay......

salty65gal · 10-10-2005, 07:13 PM

Great post... I've installed many car audio systems--- none professionally but there is a huge difference in where and how items are placed and so forth.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Superman

Being a car audio installer for 5 years now , I can say with experience that Bose speakers in general are not any better or worse than any other speaker. The bose wave radios and the like do use "chambers" and such in order to tweak midbass and lower frequencies. The only problem with ANY audio system is that the sound that you will get out of it is about 90% dependant on placement of the audio system in the given environment. Granted you can't make a completely crappy system sound great just by tweaking where things are placed and such, but If average to high end quality tweeters midbass and woofers are used then there are many ways to improve the audio quality of a system by adjusting the environment. Example, a sound system is going to sound one way in a wide open room with harwood floors and sound a completely different way in a room with carpet and a bunch of soft furniture. So let your ear make the decision and don't believe any hype. The only advice that I can give you is to make sure that the system gets loud enough for your tastes with out being even close to audible distortion when played at the higher volume levels that you enjoy.