I am a definite newbie in this hobby and I have something to say about Bose. I almost let them rip me off. I was listening to the Lifestyle 5 at CC for $1300 an I came within a hair of buying it. The problem is I knew damn well that it sounded weird. I could hear the sats and the sub seperately. I almost spent $1300 on something because it said Bose. Thank God I found this review to back up what I was hearing.

People, People, People!!! Listen to ANY other speaker for half the money...The Bose get smoked Badly. I mean, they don't sound good! Period. I can't
fathom these people who say they're OK. THEY'RE NOT!!! They are awfull.The
only people who might say they are good are the salesmen making tons of
money on you, or the people that are licking their wounds because some
slimy salesperson has made a ton of money on them. This applies to the entire
line!! 901's? Clearly the most ill-conceived product to ever waste the money
of audio enthusiasts. Listen: SPEND LESS MONEY ON ANY OTHER SPEAKER IN THE
WORLD, and you will BUY A BETTER SPEAKER! I have to give this speaker a huge
rating so the misguided might stop to read this. It just might save some
people money!!!

An honest candid review. The Bose AM-5 loudspeaker system represents the benefits of mass advertising. Bose activly uses radio, tv, and magazines to promote the speaker lines they offer. I believe that customers are drawn to Bose products by name recognition rather than sound quality. The AM-5's are cost protected and as a result sell at all retailers for a MSRP of $649.00. The AM-5'soffer an actractive system consisting of two small cubes ( about 4'' wide, 4'' deep, and 8'' tall) and a passive woofer. The sound is descent on the highs, however the bass suffers, and the midrange is missing altogether. For half of the price a customer could purchase a Cambridge Soundworks product and recieve a much "fuller" sounding system (and a seven year warrenty!!). For about the same price potential customers should explore NHT, Boston Accoustics, and Eosone lines.

I have had the Bose for several years now. What you have to understand is that it depends on the type of music you listen to. I listen to jazz. Put on someone like Kenny G and you can't get a better sound. On the other hand, if you try to rock the house with something like Megadeath, Bose is not what you want. Real simple. Also add a EQ to your seystem and that will do wonders to any system
Steve

I, too, had this speakers before but that was when I still have some good image with bose( specifically from their 901 model which my pop used to rock the house with them). I had never bought any satellite designed speaker when I bought bose am5 and that has scared me until now to, agian, back to any bose product. how can I put this politely? it's not, in any respect, anywhere near hi-fi product should be. First it has no image, boom box liked bass, actually I had no idea what is what in bass and positively no deep bass. Don't have to mention playing these speakers with jazz music, in fact, I don't think Kenny G is a jazz musician. These speakers better off with something loud and imageless music such like heavy metal or so called adult contemporary music kinda thing. Is there anybody think these speakers can deliver satisfied classical music play back, I don't think so. And the midrange, oh man, these speakers have likely to be the most irritating midrange I've ever heard from this price ranged speakers. Enough said.

A lot before....

Everything after...

I have had this setup for a while now and I always loved the sound. Then after I finally got sick of my family nagging me to get my hearing checked, I got a checkup and ended up with a hearing aid. Now the system sounds awful! I take my hearing aid out when I watch movies anymore because listening to them like a person with normal hearing makes me physically sick that I spent so much money on such crap.

I was suckered - dont fall into the same trap!

size,name

COMPANY REPUTATION BUILT ON LIES!!!

I AM POSTING THIS REVIEW ON ALL BOSE PRODUCTS FOR THE BENIFIT OF POTENTIAL VICTIMS-
Recently i visited a BOSE factory store- I auditioned several speakers there,including the 301, 701, and 901. After testing these i went into there demo "theater room".
When they fired up the system i must say i was impressed,to say the very least.
Bose's lifestyle system almost met up to my much larger system consisting of a THX certified onkyo reciever, large high-end infinity towers,B&W Center and 300 watt AR sub-
However, upon leaving the demo room i had the opprotunity to discuss the performance of the system of with a BOSE rep, who told me that their system was "Modified", Tweaked beyond recognition", and "nothing like the lifestyle system that i could buy".This makes me wonder what else Bose has to hide and why they don't publish specifications.Several times i have spoken with their reps on the phone and have never been given a straight answer to my questions- It seems to me that many of the people who buy bose are quite ignorant and buy into the name, so dont be fooled


IF I HAVE DISCOURAGED JUST ONE PERSON FROM BUYING A BOSE PRODUCT I FEEL MY GOAL HAS ACCOMPLISHED-PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME WITH ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS THAT YOU MIGHT HAVE

Similar Products Used:

Infinity,JBL,B&W,AR

Great sound in a small package

Price

I have owned this setup for 2 years and I am happy with my purchase. The cost is a little high, but the performance for their size is phenomenal. You need to tweak the way you aim these so you make the most of the reflected sound. They do sound better at high volume levels. Try them on the optional stands, but be sure not to knock them over because they are delicate and will break. There are better speakers out there, but if space considerations are an issue...then these will fill your needs.

Similar Products Used:

Bose, Klipsch, Infinity

Small size, good sound

A little expensive

I was looking for a sound system to complement my computer and replace the tin boxes that came with it. As it has to sit on a (largish)desk whatever I bought had to be small. Originally I was looking at a JVC mini system comprising MD/CD and nothing else, but when I listened to it the sound was not what I was looking for. Then this guy next to me tried out the Bose speakers. Exactly what I wanted - rich sound, good bass, clear highs, small size. So I ended up walking out with the speakers, a Technics amp and a Sony MD. In my study/library the speakers are perfect whether for listening to music or hooked up to Half-life and Sstem Shock. And because I have a young baby who sleeps above this room and I generally play games at night I can say that I'm also happy with the sound produced at a low level. All in all I'm very happy with my purchase. The nit-picking I'll leave to the rest of you. I don't know if it's hifi or not and I don't care. I like 'em and I'm happy. So there.

Similar Products Used:

Philips Legend 2, Marantz so long ago I don't remember the model

Excellent high and mid-range. Not having large (or even medium) size speakers cluttering a room is a plus.

Bass, if not carefully positioned (Accustimass module)can be weak.

Overall, very good speakers for sound, even excellent considering the price range. I found it important to position the bass module in a "proper" location (still hidden), and set the tone controls accordingly. Those that gave the system a poor rating either 1)did not set the speakers up to optimize room accoustics, 2) like only loud boomy bass, 3) have a vendetta against Bose, or 4) are too sofisticated for us mere mortals.

Similar Products Used:

None, Speakers replaced were very good quality, but 18 year old technology.