Question for all you audiophiles out there...

[davidober]

Bose?

I have a Bose system in my car, and I love it. Maybe I don't know what I'm missing. So what is it about Bose that makes audiophiles shudder with such disgust and comtempt? I'm guessing it's because you think that Bose systems are overpriced and sound horrible compared to what you can get for the same money from "better" manufacturers, and I'm sure that's probably the case. But what specifically is it about the Bose sound that you don't like?

David (Future Bose-Hater)

 

[potato28]

It's beacause they overpice everything by almost 150%. Other than that they're some of the better cardboard speakers... *edited for spelling and forum loop*

 

[davidober]

When you say "overprice everything by almost 150%," do you mean that the price an item that should cost $1000 at $1500? or that they price an item that should cost $1000 at $2500? If it's the latter, then dayum, that's way overpriced...

 

[Ika]

Originally posted by: davidober
When you say "overprice everything by almost 150%," do you mean that the price an item that should cost $1000 at $1500? or that they price an item that should cost $1000 at $2500? If it's the latter, then dayum, that's way overpriced...

It's not a hard figure or anything. Most people who've objectively listened to Bose Triports (from the headphone point of view) say they sound like they're worth around $40-50. Meaning, if they were priced at $50, they would be a decent (and competitive) buy. However, at $150, they're junk.

 

[corkyg]

All are valid points. Basically, it is a matter of value. Bose trades on a name, and they do charge for that name. It is very difficult to acquire Bose stuff competitively - it is so "fair traded." But, I did splurge on a pair of Quiet Comfort II headphones, and I haven't found anything yet that would make me change. I like them much better than the new QC III models - I don't like things resting ON my ears - I find putting them in cups is more comfortable. They also seal out external noise better.

Now's the time your Yo-Yo to climb on to his soapbox. He has a negative passion for Bose.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Their HT systems are what I have issues with. The car stuff - whatever.

(link in sig)

 

[davidober]

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello
Their HT systems are what I have issues with. The car stuff - whatever.

(link in sig)

What is it, though, specifically, that you don't like about their HT systems? Is it just the price? Would you buy a $2000 Bose surround system for $500? Or do Bose systems just sound really bad to you? If so, in what way do they sound bad?

I'm really trying to learn all I can about audio, and one theme I hear constantly is that audiophiles don't like Bose (with some exceptions, of course). I'm just trying to find out why.

 

[alcoholbob]

The problem with Bose is that they are marketed everywhere due to Amar Bose's marketing strategy, and have, *at times*, made some sweeping claims (along the lines of "You know you are buying the best". As a result, many uninformed people think that Bose are the best speakers commercially available.

The problem is, Bose actually sells a product that is considered a small market (non-mass market, small, decor-based and space-limited speakers). Compared to its direct competition (aka Orb, Mirage), Bose is may be more expensive and worse performing, but its not like they are selling poop in a bag. The problem is, Bose isn't actually competing in its own market. It's competing with *all* speakers because of its wide marketing strategy, and is currently is the market leader for selling speakers, where larger and less expensive speakers outperform it by a large margin, yet are being neglected by consumers who otherwise *should* buy them if they could see beyond brand recognition. So you could say, the masses are uninformed, and Bose is just being clever.

Bose sells speakers designed for Decor or space limitations in the HT market. This, like I said, is a very small market, and the speakers generally arent' very high performing and cost quite a bit. Most actually don't have the space constraints that this type of speaker is designed for, and they *should* buy better performing speakers.

As for the Car Audio market, they have some very good products there. Historically, Bose Car Audio has been just as bad as the HT deparment, but in recent years, they've hired some very good minds and have actually been designing some *very good* audio products, especially the joint effort by Acura/Bose.

It's mostly a brand recognition problem with consumers IMO, Bose is simply doing something very, very smart. Remember, despite being the largest Audio company in the world, they are still a private business, not publically traded. So from a technical perspective, they aren't even an audio business at all, but just a company selling a brand for consumption, and they don't have to answer to the public. With the anonymity of a private company, they have the right to sue anyone who tries to point out that Bose is not a true audio company, since this affects their profits, being that their business strategy itself is profiting from being clever.

 

[davidober]

Thanks. That (^^^^^) is exactly what I was looking for, and I'm starting to understand now. Everything you said makes complete sense, too, especially the size thing. Most people do NOT need tiny speakers, and if larger speakers can provide better sound for (oftentimes) LESS money, then they would be better served by going with something that might be a bit (or even significantly) larger.

I really appreciate the time you put into your reply, by the way.

David

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: davidober

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello
Their HT systems are what I have issues with. The car stuff - whatever.

(link in sig)

What is it, though, specifically, that you don't like about their HT systems? Is it just the price? Would you buy a $2000 Bose surround system for $500? Or do Bose systems just sound really bad to you? If so, in what way do they sound bad?

I'm really trying to learn all I can about audio, and one theme I hear constantly is that audiophiles don't like Bose (with some exceptions, of course). I'm just trying to find out why.

Well I thought I'd direct you to my sig and you could read that to get an idea of some of the general motivations behind the dislike. It covers a lot of it.

This link http://intellexual.net/bose.html

Nice summary Astrallite

 

[Molinjir]

Bose is indeed being very clever. However, a major complaint, price, marketing and teh like aside, is merely the quality of the components.

Mirage sells the Omnisat, which looks a bit like an acoustimass module, same small design (though it is somewhat larger and 50$ more expensive) however, consider the specs.

Bose:
2.5 in untreated paper cone driver

Mirage:
4 in titanium/treated paper driver
1 in titanium tweeter

Neither will be audiophile quality, but such an obvious component different will obviously make tremendous differences in the audio quality. Bose has managed to take that market, and warp it. Mirage, Anthony Gallo, Morel and several others have begun to fight for that market, with much better quality equipment, but higher prices as well.

On the other hand, bose car audio is getting increasingly better. However, Acoustimass, 201, 301, 901.... all pretty terrible for the price. It's low grade materials, poor construction, and shoddy manufacturing. It just can't win, with so many cut corners.

I'm aware I'm responding after the question has been asked, but oh well...

~Paul

 

[Zepper]

The real problem with Bose is that they don't make sound reproduction equipment - they make sound PRODUCTION equipment. For example, I have never seen a real tweeter in Bose speakers "because they makes the sound too edgy". Speakers that put sound thru a driver that has a diameter greater than the wavelength of the highest frequency going thru it will give the sound a nasal quality. Easily demonstrated in a side-by-side, A/B switch comparison of Bose speakers with accurate sound reproducing speakers - except that you can't get such in authorized Bose dealer's stores (at least that was the case when I was heavily into audio) because Bose didn't allow it (clue right here for folks to get if you haven't one yet!). Even pairs of inexpensive Boston Acoustics or Polk speakers can put any Bose to shame in regards to lack of sound artifacts and general accuracy. They basically appeal to the technically illiterate, which the gov't juvenile detention facilities (aka public schools) produce in droves.

.bh.