Sony CT150/350 or Bose CineMate GS Series II

[TangoJuliet]

I was almost ready to buy the Sony soundbar when a coworker of mine told me to check out the bose system. I'm not really a big fan of Bose as most of their products are overpriced.

However, I went to best buy today and saw the above mentioned Bose system and I have to say it sounded really nice. It fits all of my criteria for being compact and not having a lot of speakers/wires. The only downside is price - the Sony is $349 and the Bose is $799.

Cnet did not have any reviews on the bose system but the reviews on Best Buy's website were pretty good. Anybody have any other suggestions?

My current setup is

50" Samsung C7000 Plasma
Samsung 3D BluRay player
Wii
Xbox 360 & Xbox 360 HD DVD player

Link to said bose system:
http://www.bose.com/controller?url=...inemate_systems/cinemate_gs_series2/index.jsp

 

[TangoJuliet]

any thoughts??

 

[sdifox]

neither

There are better compact systems than the Bose and cheaper.


did you read the first thread pinned to the top of this section of the forum?

http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=89484

 

[joetekubi]

Never buy Bose, except if you want a nice kitchen radio...
Sony has never been known for quality speakers.

If you want a good center channel, this JBL looks good:
http://www.jr.com/jbl/pe/JBL_LC2_hy_BK/

or this Klipsch:
http://www.google.com/products/cata...ult&ct=result&resnum=1&sqi=2&ved=0CDQQ8wIwAA#

If you feel a bit more adventurous, this kit is very good:
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=302-976

The basic formula and ROT, is you want an MTM for a center channel (2 woofers and 1 tweeter), and depending on the sound volume you need, either dual 5.25 inch woofers or dual 6 inch woofers. (The 6 inch woofers will play louder).

Please do not spend money on either the Bose or Sony.....

-joe

 

[TangoJuliet]

Thanks for the replies guys. I did read the first thread pinned at the top and I think there are some topics missing. It may be further down in the thread but I couldn't find it.

Anyways, the biggest concern I have is size/quantity. My wife does not want any more then 2-3 speakers in the living room. I understand there are options to get in wall speakers and speakers that will match the furniture but she is adamant on it. She also does not want wires all over the house even if they can be hidden or snaked under the floor.

That really limits me on what I can get - either a DIY 2.1/3.1 solution, a soundbar or something by Bose.

Like I said in the first post, the Sony setup sounded like I was in a box whereas the Bose had really rich sounds. It could have been the way each were configured so who knows. I had a Sony HTIB and it broke after 2 years....it left a really bad taste in my mouth and I really do not want to buy from them again. However, the CT-150 has gotten really good reviews and the price is nice. I was leaning towards the CT-350 since the bar is 8" longer (40" total) and thought it would look nice with my 50" TV.

This is my current setup so you can see where I am coming from

 

[sdifox]

so you could just get a standard 2 channel setup no?

get some Polk speakers that are eternally on sale on newegg and a receiver, end of story.


example, 2 of these. The price is regular price right now, just wait for sale.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-209-_-Product

plus a receiver of some sort and you'll be laughing.

you don't have to get this big of course, there are smaller ones, but they are pretty decent value.


You didn't mention your budget.

 

[TangoJuliet]

so you could just get a standard 2 channel setup no?

get some Polk speakers that are eternally on sale on newegg and a receiver, end of story.


example, 2 of these. The price is regular price right now, just wait for sale.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-209-_-Product

plus a receiver of some sort and you'll be laughing.

you don't have to get this big of course, there are smaller ones, but they are pretty decent value.


You didn't mention your budget.

Too big. I said size is one of the biggest factors. I either need a couple tiny speakers that could fit on the shelves next to the TV or a large soundbar. Those polk speakers would have to go next to the bookcase stands and would look awkward.

Here is another picture straight on

My budget is $500-700.

 

[sdifox]

Too big. I said size is one of the biggest factors. I either need a couple tiny speakers that could fit on the shelves next to the TV or a large soundbar. Those polk speakers would have to go next to the bookcase stands and would look awkward.

Here is another picture straight on

My budget is $500-700.

nothing is going to sound good given your placement constraints.

Can you get rid of the glass doors and clear 1 shelf on either side?


this still too big? They were 110 for the pair a few days ago.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-202-_-Product


you can use "But honey the speakers hide those ugly wall sockets!" argument

try photo chopping 2 speakers in on the side, they will not look awkward.


if you must have a soundbar, perhaps something like this? At least you are getting blu-ray too

650

http://www.amazon.com/SAMSUNG-HT-BD...2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1285334579&sr=1-2

 

[TangoJuliet]

nothing is going to sound good given your placement constraints.

Can you get rid of the glass doors and clear 1 shelf on either side?


this still too big? They were 110 for the pair a few days ago.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-202-_-Product


you can use "But honey the speakers hide those ugly wall sockets!" argument

try photo chopping 2 speakers in on the side, they will not look awkward.


if you must have a soundbar, perhaps something like this? At least you are getting blu-ray too

650

http://www.amazon.com/SAMSUNG-HT-BD8...5334579&sr=1-2

Yep, those are still too big. The Samsung setup you linked to the bar is HUGE. Plus I already have a 3D BD player so I don't need another one. There is another samsung soundbar but its garbage and looks cheap.

I can't place any speaker on the center console (where the TV is) because its 52" long and the TV is 50" long. If the speaker isn't tiny then it will block portions of the tv. A soundbar will fit perfectly below the TV. Or if I go with bookshelf speakers I can put them on the side shelves but they cant be that big.

 

[sdifox]

Yep, those are still too big. The Samsung setup you linked to the bar is HUGE. Plus I already have a 3D BD player so I don't need another one. There is another samsung soundbar but its garbage and looks cheap.

I can't place any speaker on the center console (where the TV is) because its 52" long and the TV is 50" long. If the speaker isn't tiny then it will block portions of the tv. A soundbar will fit perfectly below the TV. Or if I go with bookshelf speakers I can put them on the side shelves but they cant be that big.

You are getting to the point where it becomes pointless

these are small and goes for 599.

http://www.amazon.com/Mirage-Nanosat...p_ob_e_title_1


Bonus, if you order before Oct 15, you get a free receiver! Pioneer VSX-820.

That should kick any soundbar's ass, not to mention Bose.

damn that is a great deal...

I do value my life however and I do not wish to make my wife a murderer...

 

[blotto]

Got another room you can move your TV to? Buy her a 26" and set up your room the way you want. Nothing pisses me off like hearing this sort of thing, she's allowed to decorate the room however she wants to but god forbid you want some speakers. Just go buy a nice 5.1 set and hide the wiring, if she complains tell her to deal with it.

 

[Gibson486]

Bose is fine, but for the money, you can get something better. Question is, can you tell the difference?

 

[TangoJuliet]

Sdifox I really appreciate the replies but I'm talking sedans and youre answering with SUVs.

Bose is fine, but for the money, you can get something better. Question is, can you tell the difference?

I can definitely tell the difference between the Bose and Sony. I mean I'm not opposed to buying a receiver and then a 3.1 speaker package but I haven't seen any that aren't the size of the empire state building.

 

[sdifox]

Sdifox I really appreciate the replies but I'm talking sedans and youre answering with SUVs.



I can definitely tell the difference between the Bose and Sony. I mean I'm not opposed to buying a receiver and then a 3.1 speaker package but I haven't seen any that aren't the size of the empire state building.

the nanosats are too big???? they are palm size!


this picture shows the speaker size compared to a beer bottle.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/ima...SIN=B001H2VBD0

 

[TangoJuliet]

the nanosats are too big???? they are palm size!


this picture shows the speaker size compared to a beer bottle.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/ima...SIN=B001H2VBD0

no, theyre not too big. there are too many of them!! I don't want a 5.1 system.

 

[sdifox]

no, theyre not too big. there are too many of them!! I don't want a 5.1 system.

you know the Bose needs the big box too right? otherwise there will be a big chunk of the audio spectrum missing.


is this too big? 2 of them and you are done. Amp is built into the speaker.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.co...tion-2-Powered-Studio-Monitor-Each?sku=482825

 

[TangoJuliet]

you know the Bose needs the big box too right? otherwise there will be a big chunk of the audio spectrum missing.


is this too big? 2 of them and you are done. Amp is built into the speaker.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...h?sku=482825"]

yep, I know the bose needs the sub. The sub can go behind the TV and it doesn't have to be seen.

 

[sdifox]

yep, I know the bose needs the sub. The sub can go behind the TV and it doesn't have to be seen.

so use 2 or 3 of the nanosat and save the other ones as spares?

 

[TangoJuliet]

so use 2 or 3 of the nanosat and save the other ones as spares?

now, thats just a waste of money. I'm sure someone makes a 3.1 setup.

 

[sdifox]

now, thats just a waste of money. I'm sure someone makes a 3.1 setup.

you are getting a free receiver...

 

[sdifox]

You could also look at Yamaha Sound Projector

http://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-YSP-300...560263&sr=8-11

 

[Chronoshock]

The typical recommendation on avsforum when someone asks for a very small setup is Orb audio: http://www.orbaudio.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=12
Related thread: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=769976

A word of caution though -- the laws of physics are still inviolate and small speakers do come with definite drawbacks with respect to frequency response (specifically low frequency and overall output).

To help us help you decide, what are you looking for in this system? Do you want to listen to movies louder than your TV speakers? Do you want to hear dialog better? Are you looking for more impact in action scenes? is the 799 for the Bose your upper limit?

 

[TangoJuliet]

If anything I am going to buy it from best buy. I got over $400 in gift cards there.

 

[Number1]

now, thats just a waste of money. . I'm sure someone makes a 3.1 setup.

Not a waste of money if it sounds good with 3 speakers and the sub. $598 compared to the Bose at $799 Definitely worth your while to listen to it and judge for yourself. Bose product are good but always over priced. You can always get better sound for the same or less money.

Stay away from Sony.

 

[Number1]

CNet editor choice Energy Take Clasic 5.1 looks like a nice system for about $400.00

Cnet review

Amazon

I don't think you can get it at Best buy unfortunately.