What is the wattage of bose speakers and amplifiers are as apparently it appears to be a Bose secret ?

Question

Hello,

I have been thinking about buying a BOSE home theatre system but the reviews aren't brilliant. Also, trying to get technical specifications of the BOSE systems is near impossible which makes it difficult to compare systems. Does anyone have a BOSE 38 / 48 and would recommend it. Does anyone know the wattage of the jewel cube speakers?

Thanks, michelle

Answer 1

Everyone's pretty much right on the money about speaker design in general.

I've listened to a satellite based Bose system at BestBuy about 10 years ago and have to agree with the weak midrange assessment.

I have a Boston Acoustic 3 piece satellite system made for computers bought for $6 at Salvation Army hooked up to my Toshiba TV. And though they play adequately loud so as not to disturb my neighbors above me and play very accurate and clean vocals, the midrange below a man's voice is almost non-existent. It kind of destroys the 3D audio imaging plane. But hey! For the price. You can't beat that.

I think that type of speaker design is just plain flawed. Some directional midrange frequencies just have to be played using a larger driver in stereo than those teeny weenie stereo satellites. Expecting a subwoofer to play them isn't being very realistic.

Answer 2

I suggest that you do not buy Bose. Bose is overpriced and relies on marketing instead of quality of materials and sound. They do not publish their frequency range and power levels because you will find out how inferior their products are compared to similarly or lower priced speakers.

Their systems have no mid range and the bass module does not go deep enough and the highs are not neutral.

Answer 3

Be careful. Power is not a great measurement to judge speakers because it is so complex.

On average - a AV receiver with 5 speakers and a sub puts out ... 10 watts per channel over a movie.

You need 80-120 watts per channel in your amp because:

- To increase the volume by 1 db, you must double the power

- Speakers have an 'efficiency' issue where every watt does NOT translate into sound

- Low frequency sounds take a LOT more power to produce than higher frequency sounds. (This is why self-powered subs are so common).

With a Bose system - the 'bass module' takes the bulk of the power. The cubes are basically 4-inch tweeters and do not take much power - but most tweeters dont anyway.

MY ADVICE:

Check out Anthony Gallow speakers. Unlike Bose (who sues magazines who try to review their speakers), The Gallow speakers have made the "Recommended" list in Stereophile and other magazines.  Pair them up with a nice sub and you have a nice, un-obtrusive speaker system.

Answer 4

i have the lifestyle 48 system i am not totally sure about the wattage but i believe its somewhere around 50watts a channel, its an alright system but for the price you can get better and the sound quality isn't that great but if you want it because of the little speakers than its good. there is a saying no highs no lows it must be bose.

Answer 5

Yes, I agree with you...it has been the Bose attitude for decades.  If you have to ask what the specs are you are not worthy of Bose.  Just trust us because we are the great all knowing Bose.  

I think their equipment is very good but sometimes overpriced when compared to other systems.

Read the reviews, but the important thing is if YOU like the sound and can afford it, go for it.