is there anything that sounds like a Bose system, but more affordable?

Question

just starting to shop for a system, but am in the dark. i am a music lover that wants great sound. my dream system would be a Bose, but not with my budget. can anyone suggest a comparable system. am willing to invest a good amount of money, just not what Bose is asking for.

Answer 1

It isn't clear to me what price point you are considering, nor what you mean by "great sound".

At any price point you can do better than Bose. The company has excellent advertising and have fostered an image of a superior product, but the reality is that they are mediocre performers and overpriced.

Let me suggest that you consider what great sound is to you. To me it is realistic, open, airy, transparent, etc. Imaging is exact and when you close your eyes speakers disappear. On that basis, I don't believe any respected audiophile has included Bose products on their top 10 list of speakers.

As an example look at the most recent CNet top 10 compact speaker list (1st link), or look at other categories (floor standing, bookshelf, etc).

Let me suggest that rather than considering that you somehow are choosing a second best speaker system if you can't afford Bose, that you think in terms of getting the best sound for your hard earned dollar.

Speakers are arguably the area of the audio world where dollars spent least correlate to sound quality. You can spend a lot and get mediocre results, and you can find some remarkable bargains. Just look at the ratings on the list at the link below ... there is little correlation betwean rating and price.

What I recommend you consider is how to find the best performance/price ratio in your price range.

Also consider that more efficient speakers (look for the rating for db output@1 watt input @ 1 meter) don't require as powerful (and expensive) an amplifier, potentially allowing you to spend more money on the speakers and less on electronics. A value in the range of 87 to 90 db@1 watt / 1 m is a good target. It is also reasonable to consider spending as much on speakers as for the receiver/DVD player together. Also consider speakers are a long term investment and many people replace electronics several times while retaining their speakers. So ... plan to spend as much as you can afford (plus a bit) on your speakers.

There are many good speaker systems available. Ultimately the choice is almost overwhelming, so you must make some decisions before looking.
- Define your price level first.
- Define what type of system (stereo, surround).
- Define the type of speaker (floor, full size, compact, bookshelf).
- Then look at reviews.

Get some ideas for good brands (e.g. Klipsh, KEF, Infinity, PSB, Mission, etc.). Go to local audio dealers with some examples of your favorite music and audition some top quality speakers to see what the extra $$ buy. Educate your ears.

Only then are you equipped to purchase speakers that best approximate the characteristics you value at a cost you can afford.

The second link provides a link to a buying guide you may find useful.

One possibility to consider is buying used. Speakers are usually a good value used because they age well. It is often possible to find medium to high end speakers for a fraction of the cost of new ones. Some of my best speakers are either 20+ years old (Snell E) or purchased used (Klipsch Tangent). However, it is harder to find small satellite based surround systems used.

So do I have recommendations? Yes and no.

I don't know enough about what you want to be precise, but some manufacturuers to consider include: Klipsch (they tend to deliver good-excellent sound and are highly efficient); Totem (my personal favorite); PSB; Mirage; Infinity; Polk; Amperion, plus a whole host of European brands. A couple of brands with a reputation for excellent value for the money include Fluance and Axiom. This is by NO MEANS an exhaustive list, but should get you started. I've provided a few URLs for selected manufacturers below.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

You are not going to find any Bose system in any magazine that review speakers and other items. I recommend you go online to Home Theater Magazine and read the reviews on receivers and speaker along with home theater in a box. They have been testing electronics for the home for well over 30 years. For receivers I have been using Pioneer Elite and Onkyo for the past 40 years and for speakers JBL, Infinity, Klipsch, Martin Logan, Energy and NHT. Hope this will help you out.

Answer 3

Other than Bose, one of the best sounding stereos I've had was a Yamaha. I don't know how they compare in price, to be honest, but Yamaha does make a damn good product.

Answer 4

Bose will let you pay over a 12-month time period, by just putting it on your credit or debit card each month. I have done this twice on 2-different items.

Answer 5

A used Bose system...