I wanna buy a very good Home Theatre [ Audio only] system?

Question

I am considering Sony and Bose which friend suggest are best of them all. However, Bose systems are way more expensive than Sony. Why is it so ? Is it true that a lower end Bose model has a much better sound effects as compared to higher end Sony Models ? I havn't seen Bose yet but have zeroed in on a Sony System that is 1200 W RMS with 4 stand mounted speakers, one small central speaker and a bog woofer. Can someone guide me on that ?

Answer 1

Ok... im going to get a lot flak for this but im just being honest. So hear me out. I have sold many Sony and Bose system when i worked for a major CE retailer. However i will tell from a experience that Sony are the weakest when it comes to home theater.

Bose is good for people that want something thats "out of site out of mind" kind of concept, but the sound is terrible.

Now i am an audiophile so my preference will be much different. im not trying to discourage you if you like the way bose sounds.

Remember, we all here things differently, if you like it and your

happy. don't let the "experts" convince you otherwise.

But there are much better sounding audio systems for much less than what you would pay for Bose.

I have even owned my own home theater business. i have never lied to any of my clients. that would be bad for business.

Good luck and enjoy

Answer 2

Listen to a Bose system. Most decent shops will have a demo room, but Bose are way better.

Answer 3

Bose is not well respected in the audiophile community.

Before you buy - find a magazine with a review.

(This is a bit of a trick as Bose sues anybody that tries to review their speakers.)

Most speakers give you a tweeter, midrange in a wooden enclosure.

Bose gives you 1 over-sized tweeter in a plastic box and charges $1,000+ for the system.  They force stores to all sell their speakers for the same price to enforce that they are a "premium" brand (they are not).

Inside the bass module is circuitry that tries to make up for the defects of the small cubes.

...

(I could go on, but Bose is a Marketing success, not an audio success).

I will admit - between the 2 Bose is better than Sony - but only because Sony makes crappy speakers.

Go listen to some Polk, Klipsch, DefTech, Boston, etc. (Real speakers from real speaker companies).  They have budget models that are quite good.

While these dont have the 'cool' factor of small cubes, they are cheaper and will serve you better. (And you wont be laughed at by friends who know something about audio.)

If you really want small speakers, check out "Anthony Gallow" speakers.  These are softball sized speakers and unlike Bose - have gotten favorable reviews from magazines like "Stereophile".

Answer 4

Neither.  Anybody who recommends Bose or Sony for home theater is not your friend.  Bose = Buy Other Sound Equipment.  You go to the stores that sell Bose and ask them what they have for their surround sound.  The answers you will get are Klipsch, JBL, Definitive tech, Cerwin Vega,  several others.  They have Yamaha, Onkyo, Denon, and Pioneer receivers.  They arent not buying Bose because they cant afford it they don't buy it isnt as good.  I have Klipsch F-3 towers, C-3 center, S-3 surrounds, and only a SUB 10.  These speakers are far from the top of the line but they blow Bose away.  If you do end up with Bose ( I hope you dont) DONT get the 3-2-1.  Get a system with actual surround speakers.  Bose won't list any specs about their speakers except for the dimensions of the speakers. You can get a Yamaha receiver with Klipsch Quintent set, Sub 10 for under $900.

Answer 5

The Bose 3-2-1 is excellent!  OMG!  Bose is so much better than Sony and its worth it because that's what they specialize in.

Think about it...

Would you rather have something from a company that makes computers, stereos, TVs, cameras, etc...

OR... from a company that only deals with sound quality?

Answer 6

If you can foot the bill for the bose - do it.  Bose has the most amazing sound -- I've had three so far and love them.  I've had Sony's as well - they're ok, but nothing special.  Once you actually hear the Bose, you'll be able to tell the difference in a second...amazing stuff.

The Acoustimass systems are great - -   The Acoustimass 6 is about $600USD and it's still a great system.  The Bose systems range from about $600-$4000USD  -  so there's definitely a big range there.  You may want to check

for wholesale items to try to get it cheaper...or even try buying

piece-by-piece...but if you're currently up for spending the 20000INR - you may want to consider holding off and saving just a bit more for the bose -- they're definitely the highest quality.

I was just checking out the website and I see they have a CiniMate system - two speakers and a woofer - I've never heard it before, but it might be something to look into - it's a little cheaper ($500USD)

Answer 7

Don't buy bose. Bose is overrated and over-priced. If you want a HTiB, I would recommend Onkyo or Yamaha. They aren't that that expensive yet they are still decent systems.