Why do people insist on recommending Bose systems when they're nothing but overrated garbage?

Answer 1

Agreed! It is simply the power of marketing and BOOM! If you actually pay attention to what people perceive to be "good sound" you will find out that it is the stuff that "hits them in the chest" which is what Bose does better than most. Their systems are boomy, and have NO capability to Image a sound (trick your brain into perceiving the individual instruments or performers to be somewhere in 3 dimensional space and not just coming from the speakers) but they are EXTREMELY profitable for a salesperson, and you don't see Sonus Faber, McIntosh, Krell, or Martin Logan doing 30 minute infomercials for their products every night of the week, so Bose is capable of shaping their own brand image to be whatever they want it to be, weather or not it is based on reality.

Answer 2

The 901 was a great speaker even by today's standards. However, everything that they've made since then has been over-hyped overpriced junk. When most people are told that a speaker sounds great they believe it. Bose is a perfect example if this. I have had the opportunity to work with the Bose PAS system and have found that their pro audio gear leaves a lot to be desired too. I hate that they refuse to publish specs such as frequency response curves and power handling/consumption. It almost seems like they have something to hide...

They should change their motto to "Better sales through marketing".

Answer 3

There are few people that listen to music critically and those that do, find Bose products well below par in soundstage, imaging and generally lacking in ability to handle power well. This audience will scratch their heads everytime someone raves on about Bose.

On the other hand, there is a vast market for people who listen to music much less critically and is therefore not motivated to explore beyond what is constantly thrust in their faces. Also, a lot of people find small cubicle speakers blend nicely with the rest of their living rooms, as opposed to large obtrusive speakers occupying center stage in your personal/entertainment space. There is a huge market for that and Bose does a great job of satisfying their customers in that market segment.

Bose is a runaway marketing success (much like the Polo Ralph Lauren T-Shirt; a lot of people will happily pay a premium for the story, not the shirt). Which is perfectly fine!

Would I ever buy Bose? Never. Would I recommend it to anyone? Yes, if that anyone's needs are best met by Bose. The simple point is that listening to music is a pleasureable activity, it's not a contest. Whatever equipment provides that pleasure to an individual is the best for them. Even if it's Bose

Answer 4

Because Bose is the only speaker manufacturer that advertises. None of the others do except for magazines. Bose has radio spots, TV spots, and infomercials.

Those that have recommended Bose have bought into the hype. Maybe they have listened to other speakers but have been overcome by the "status" of owning a Bose system so they can put it in their Camaro, stop by starbucks on the way home, and show their other suburbanite shallow friends their purchase.

Answer 5

In a word, "marketing". Bose is a master at marketing their product, and blocking other makers (with many patends) from using their designs and making them better for less money. You ever notice how almost never do you find Bose products on sale at consumer electronics stores? It's normal to see a "BIG SALE", and then in small print, "...except Bose".

You know how the saying goes, "if you hear it enough, you begin to believe it". So, with nothing on TV to compare to Bose systems, and Bose saying that they are best, then many people that don't know any better think, "Since I've been hearing that they're best for years from TV and from my friends, and since they're expensive with no discounts, they must be 'the best'."

Now if the other audio companies could market as well as Bose...

Answer 6

People reccommend it cuz its the only high end name they have heard. Even though bose is no where near the high end speakers but people know them because of the heavy advertisement.

Bose arnt bad but there r way beter systems for the same price..... Bose is for older people who cant figure out remotes with more then 3 buttons.

Answer 7

finally a great question. Bose is overrated. I guess they must be getting a commission, or they think if the price is expensive they must be good if they are recommending them.

Answer 8

Agree... Bose is overrated and overpriced. I have a nice set of speakers that got off ebay and they work great.

Answer 9

I have found that Bose are very good audio systems. They're expensive but work very well. I haven't found anything that is truly comparable.

Answer 10

because some people think that stuff that you can get at best buy is the best stuff you can get. they have never heard klipsch referance, boston acoustics, b&w or paridign (sp). and thats the truth. same for car audio. people with there $500 best buy alpine system think its gods gift to earth. and when they hear boston acoustics in my car they are blown away.