Are there better bookshelf speakers for less than Bose 201 or 301?

[cheetoden]

My sister wants to buy some Bose 201 or 301 bookshelf spealers. Are there any others out there that are better, for less money? These are for her home system, not her computer.

 

[AU Tiger]

Yes, go to your local Audio specialty shops before getting the Bose, what would be even better is if you find a store that has Bose plus the other brands that Best Buy/Circuit City don't carry.

 

[tweakmm]

you would get much better replies in the OT forum. I'm sure the subject has been beaten to death.
cheers
mike

 

[flood]

bose? haha
try paradigm or energy
and yes, this belongs in OT

 

[mithrandir2001]

No highs, no lows, must be Bose.

Almost anything is better than Bose bookshelf speakers. 3" paper tweeters aren't exactly 2002 technology (nor 1992 technology).

Infinity, Polk, JBL, etc. are better values at that price point and are widely available. If you are willing to dig further, look for Paradigm, Energy, Boston Acoustics, AR, NHT.

 

[Huma]

If you're not too far from the border, you might want to consider slipping into Canada to pick up paradigms, energys, or axiom speakers.

Paradigm prices are ridiculously low in Canada and they make great speakers.

 

[flood]

<< If you're not too far from the border, you might want to consider slipping into Canada to pick up paradigms, energys, or axiom speakers.

Paradigm prices are ridiculously low in Canada and they make great speakers. >>



what ^he said

 

[RanDum72]

Circuit City has the Polk R1's for $80/pair and I doubt that you can buy anything better at the price. I have Polk RT35i's ( more expensive) and I'm really satisfied with them. Paradigms are really good speakers too. I've noticed Klipsch speakers going down in price and they are a good choice also.

As for Bose, I'm not a big fan of them but I've listened to my neighbor's 301's ( the latest version IV?) and regardless of the drivers they use, they sound very good. I listened to jazz, classical and some rock music and they definitely sound as good, if not better, than any other speaker in their price range. Perhaps people should stop pre-judging things and just listen to them (like "no highs, no lows, it must be Bose". Well, they DO have highs and they DO have lows and they sound pretty good). I bet in a blind listening tests, most, if not all, Bose bashers out there won't know the difference between different brands of speakers or pinpoint a particular brand out of the lot.
Your sister should go out there and listen to the speakers themsleves so she could buy one that matches her musical tastes. Have her bring it home for a few days and test them out. If not satisfied, bring it back and bring another pair home

 

[John]

These are some smooth speakers.

 

[DanJ]

Dear God, just don't buy Bose...even there bookshelves are horribly flawed. Read here for more info on why you should stay away from them at all costs.

 

[Triumph]

Don't trust a manufacturer who won't even list their specifications. Want to know the frequency response? SPL? You'll have to measure them yourself.
*edit* Having said that, my parents have the Wave Radio thingy, and it sounds surprisingly good. But for home theater/serious stereo? Skip the Bose.

 

[tdog44632]