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DKruger

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Mar 31, 2015
1
0
I need to buy a new speaker system for my TV. Almost everyone I asked have been advised me to buy the Bose Speakers. So last day I went to Bay Bloor radio at Toronto and checked out the Bose system, and I have to tell you I am impressed. Now I am torn between Bose 151 SE and 191 In-Wall Speakers. Which one should I go for? Any advice?
 

jdag

macrumors 6502a
Jun 15, 2012
837
213
I am confused by your selections. The 151SE is an outdoor speakers and the 191 is an in-wall speaker.

Can you explain the intended use, room, budget, etc. and what are you replacing?

You indicate that you are looking for replacement TV speakers, but don't indicate whether you have a receiver. Further, if you do have a receiver, is it an AV receiver or stereo receiver?
 

Tucom

Cancelled
Jul 29, 2006
1,252
312
Does Bose still offer the payment plan? No interest, paid off in an year if over $299 dollars.

I'd go with either the CineMate or Bose Solo if looking for a compact system. Their LifeStyle systems are great but very expensive, worth it for the overall system though I think. However if money is an issue, so to speak, can go for the Acoustimass 6 or 10 with a decent receiver for awesome sound.
 

ChrisA

macrumors G5
Jan 5, 2006
12,838
2,044
Redondo Beach, California
I need to buy a new speaker system for my TV. Almost everyone I asked have been advised me to buy the Bose Speakers. So last day I went to Bay Bloor radio at Toronto and checked out the Bose system, and I have to tell you I am impressed. Now I am torn between Bose 151 SE and 191 In-Wall Speakers. Which one should I go for? Any advice?

I need to buy a car. What should I get?

The above question is impossible to answer because you know nothing at all about my needs. Am I a rancher in Montana with a family of six or a grad student in San Diego California?

You need to tell us about your room, it's size the number of people and why you don't like your current system and how much money you can spend and if the system is to also have other uses like HiFi stereo music. Do you need it built-in or can you use some large size speakers? How big is the TV and how far are you from each of the four walls?

Anyone who answers your question is not helping you. Just like if you said "Buy a Toyota Prius C" to the rancher without knowing who he was.

That said Bose uses "tricks" that people like and may work well for movie soundtracks. They are not accurate like speakers for music listening need to be.
 

Tucom

Cancelled
Jul 29, 2006
1,252
312
That said Bose uses "tricks" that people like and may work well for movie soundtracks. They are not accurate like speakers for music listening need to be.

I whole heartedly disagree - Bose speakers are GREAT for music listening. They have some of the most revealing and detailed sound I've heard. Sure they're not studio monitor flat and 100% accurate down to the smallest iota, but for 99% of listeners out there, in most if not all situations, they're fine.

I've owned KRK ST-6's powered by a NAD C325BEE on OnStage speaker stands with Auralex MoPads (for isolation and decoupling) - and the Bose are just as solid - overall. The mid-range was a little more pronounced on the ST-6's, as you might expect, but nothing too major. I've owned upper end Klipsch, Polk, Infinity, and even the venerable Spica TC-50's. Bose is absolutely fine for music, better than some of the brands I've listed (at least their non reference speakers).

I've also listened to B&W 800's - and man, what an experience, powered by a McIntosh amp, but guess what? Bose are STILL solid.

I don't mean to sound like I'm attacking you, just clarifying.
 
Last edited:

takeshi74

macrumors 601
Feb 9, 2011
4,974
68
Sound is a highly subjective matter. Each needs to listen to the options and decide for the individual. Bose (as well as any other option) is acceptable for some and not for others.
 

phrehdd

macrumors 601
Oct 25, 2008
4,443
1,404
You didn't provide a budget, didn't mention if you have an AVR nor the dimensions of the room you wish to fill with sound.

If you like Bose, go for it. Many of us are not Bose fans but its a matter of what makes you enjoy the audio in the room. I think what Bose has going for it is simplicity. The "sound" as some state is not very accurate but designed to give a great experience based on its design.

Things to consider -

Sounds bars - come in active (amp built in) and passive (requires AVR etc.) Often, these work in tandem with a sub woofer for a rich aural experience that creates a front stage only. Top of the line sound bar would be usually followed by the name Yamaha. Goldenear has an offering that provides a very impressive sound stage that some say rivals Yamahas middle to top of the line offerings. Then there is Visio and a bunch of others you can explore.

Satellite system - usually 5 small speakers plus a sub woofer that are used for a surround system. These can be very cheap or up in cost and often, sound quality to match. A go to for beginners wanting good sound would be something like Energy Take 5 system with sub woofer plus your own AVR to drive the speakers. (Only an example of a decent lower cost solution and there are many more from other makers.)

Full on surround system - you can spend all day at your local stereo store or Best Buy and still come out confused as to which would sound best in your home with combinations of "bookshelf" and floor standing speakers. Be aware that how they sound in the store is not how they will sound in your home. Do some homework.
 
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