Bose Lifestyle 5 Theater System
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Doin' the wave
Pros
Compact size. Small footprint. Big sound. 12 months interest free financing !
Cons
Initial shock over the cost, small unlit remote control.
Recommended it?
Yes
The Bottom Line:
Rediscovering your music collection the way the artist wants you to hear their music is worth the cost. Very well made, high quality sound system. An excellent value !
Somebody stole Mrs. Twigg's dining room C/D player a couple of weeks ago ! No, we haven't been victimized by some larcenous cretin. (Although we are being taxed to death the Massachusetts' .gov.) Alright, I confess, the larcenous cretin was non other than yours truly. I've claimed a spare room in our house as an office and I really wanted something nice for listening to music on while I attend to the paperwork end of my business. Mrs Twigg was not pleased.
Several short days later I had a replacement for Mrs. Twigg's purloined player. The Big Brown Truck stopped by and the driver walked over to the door of my shop just as he did last time he had something nice for us.
Once again,
My eyes lit up when I saw the white box emblazoned with "Bose Acoustic Wave Music System II". I signed for the package, and gave myself the afternoon off to set up Mrs Twigg's new sound system in the dining room.
Unpacking the box
I found the Acoustic Wave player, a demonstration C/D, the itty-bitty remote, the user manual, power cord and a stereo audio cable.
The system has a good size to it at 10 5/8"H x 18"W x 7 3/8"D and it's fairly beefy, weighing in at fourteen and a half pounds. The "footprint" is small for the sound this system can put out though and I'm sure you'll be impressed. I was.
Now about this itty-bitty remote, if you are the type who can't find your car keys or glasses do yourself a favor and buy yourself a spare because this is a credit card sized remote and can easily slip down into the depths of the Sofa Of No Return. (Don't ask me how I know.)
There was a common complaint about a lack of player mounted controls on the smaller Bose Wave Music System I reviewed in July of 2005. Arrayed neatly across the top on both sides of the flip up C/D player cover are ... controls !
To the left of the flip up C/D cover there are the controls for sources, AM/FM pre-sets (Still just 6 AM & 6 FM) & the On/Off switch. The lid covering the C/D player even has a special damper to reduce vibration induced skipping. Neat huh ?
On the other side of the lid is a generously sized backlit display which will show information from your selected listening modes. The display also shows track, title and artist information for MP3 CDs.
Right by the display are controls for radio station/C/D track select, play, stop, you know the usual stuff. Everything the remote does is duplicated on the top of the unit.
The appearance of this system is a stylized simple rectangle with a stylish grille covering the area over the sound ports. You can have this in one of two colors, Platinum White or Graphite Gray. Mrs Twigg prefers the darker color as this does not show the fingerprints of my grubby mitts.
The housing itself feels solid and well made and the C/D cover opens and closes with a tactile response. The cover is solid and locks securly when you close it. The buttons on the remote have a similar good feel to them as well.
The back of the unit features ports for connecting a Bose Link which will enable you to use the Acoustic Wave System II in tandem with select Bose Lifestyle units. This permits you to remotely listen to this system in another room while using the player feature on another unit.
There is a mini-jack for a set of headphones and when you plug the headphones in the sound drivers will be silenced. There is one really neat feature most folks don't know about. You have the option to set the output level for either headphones or as a "Line Out". Using the latter will enable you to use bigger speakers and squeeze more volume out of this !
You will also find an auxiliary stereo input (For TV, I-Pod, C/D jukebox, etc...) The power cord doubles as the radio antenna but there is also an input for a 75Ohm FM antenna using a proprietary connector which you will need to purchase from Bose if you want better reception.
Speaking of reception, the radio works well for us. there are no problems pulling in stations from far away.
Sound quality can be very subjective.
Most folks are used to having at least a "Bass" and " Treble" knob to twist. Heck, I'm used to having a parametric equalizer with ten sliders per channel to adjust the music the way I want it to sound. The only adjustment here is a "Talk Radio" mode which reduces the bass response only when the radio source is selected.
About Direct/Reflecting sound
When we hear something we are listening to reflections of the sound source, even if it facing directly at us. Sound bounces off objects in our environment on it's way to our ears. This "Direct/Reflecting" principle is how Bose music systems shape the sounds we hear.
Placement in the room
This is critical with most Bose products because they are designed to reflect sound towards us, not blast sound directly at our ears. Bose recommends locating this unit at 30 to 48 inches off the floor, while keeping the unit near the center of a wall and about 6 inches from the wall. If the unit does not sound quite right, try another location. Furnishings and window treatments can also affect the sound.
The mechanics
Bose music systems use a "driver" which can be made smaller than a speaker and still reproduce clear sound without audible distortion, even at high volume levels in the low frequencies. The size and shape of the "Waveguide" also has an influence on the quality of the sound.
A bi-amplified system is used here, with one amplifier driving low end frequencies via a 4 1/2 inch driver through an 80 inch "Waveguide". The length of this wave guide (Basically a long folded tube.) is what develops the bass, and this is more than twice the size of the Waveguide used in the Bose Shelf Systems.
A separate amplifier pushes the mid-range and high end tunes through a set of 2 1/2 inch stereo drivers.
Perception
This system will permit you to listen to music the way the artist wants you to hear it. Bose does not publish power output or frequency response data for their products so I cannot quote the specifications but I can tell you what I hear..
The volume level can be turned up enough to drown out any possibility of conversation and still be crystal clear without perceptible distortion. The bass response has always been a sore point with first time Bose listeners but I find this system to reproduce the low end of the frequency spectrum very well.
When listening to classic rock, I have not only felt the kick of the bass drum when the drummer steps on the pedal but also I can hear the creak of the pedal working !
If I an enjoying a solo acoustic guitar C/D I can hear the different sounds made when the guitarist's left hand changes position on the fret board and the brush of fingers against the strings.
Mrs Twigg enjoys a cappella music and has remarked she can even hear the breathing of individual singers in a group. She should know, she sings with a local women's chorus.
For some folks it's hard to justify the cost of this system. To some folks it's just a "table radio".
To others, especially those with an appreciation for music or who are musicians themselves, the value is obvious. This is a "table radio" which can fill a large room with crystal clear sound. Bose products have a reputation for longevity and quality, For example; the 901 stereo speakers manufactured by Bose have remained unchanged since they were introduced in 1968. This company is making smaller, better products today using the same technology 38 years later because they got it right the first time.
You can take it with you !
You have the option to use a separate 12 volt power source, like your vehicle, or the optional
Acoustic Wave Power Pack (Single battery, power cord and re-charger) and Acoustic Wave Power Case. Portability has it's price though at $149.95 ( ! ) for each of the above.
There are several other accessories as well;
A five disc C/D changer, your choice of three different remote controls, an Acoustic Wave Connect Kit for the I-Pod, and a Power Protector to filter out power surges which might harm your Acoustic Wave Music System II.
If you've been considering one of these, give it a try ! Bose continues to offer a 12 month zero interest purchase plan with a No-Risk 30 day return policy. Mrs Twigg is pleased, and I'm sure you will be pleased as well.
Several short days later I had a replacement for Mrs. Twigg's purloined player. The Big Brown Truck stopped by and the driver walked over to the door of my shop just as he did last time he had something nice for us.
Once again,
My eyes lit up when I saw the white box emblazoned with "Bose Acoustic Wave Music System II". I signed for the package, and gave myself the afternoon off to set up Mrs Twigg's new sound system in the dining room.
Unpacking the box
I found the Acoustic Wave player, a demonstration C/D, the itty-bitty remote, the user manual, power cord and a stereo audio cable.
The system has a good size to it at 10 5/8"H x 18"W x 7 3/8"D and it's fairly beefy, weighing in at fourteen and a half pounds. The "footprint" is small for the sound this system can put out though and I'm sure you'll be impressed. I was.
Now about this itty-bitty remote, if you are the type who can't find your car keys or glasses do yourself a favor and buy yourself a spare because this is a credit card sized remote and can easily slip down into the depths of the Sofa Of No Return. (Don't ask me how I know.)
There was a common complaint about a lack of player mounted controls on the smaller Bose Wave Music System I reviewed in July of 2005. Arrayed neatly across the top on both sides of the flip up C/D player cover are ... controls !
To the left of the flip up C/D cover there are the controls for sources, AM/FM pre-sets (Still just 6 AM & 6 FM) & the On/Off switch. The lid covering the C/D player even has a special damper to reduce vibration induced skipping. Neat huh ?
On the other side of the lid is a generously sized backlit display which will show information from your selected listening modes. The display also shows track, title and artist information for MP3 CDs.
Right by the display are controls for radio station/C/D track select, play, stop, you know the usual stuff. Everything the remote does is duplicated on the top of the unit.
The appearance of this system is a stylized simple rectangle with a stylish grille covering the area over the sound ports. You can have this in one of two colors, Platinum White or Graphite Gray. Mrs Twigg prefers the darker color as this does not show the fingerprints of my grubby mitts.
The housing itself feels solid and well made and the C/D cover opens and closes with a tactile response. The cover is solid and locks securly when you close it. The buttons on the remote have a similar good feel to them as well.
The back of the unit features ports for connecting a Bose Link which will enable you to use the Acoustic Wave System II in tandem with select Bose Lifestyle units. This permits you to remotely listen to this system in another room while using the player feature on another unit.
There is a mini-jack for a set of headphones and when you plug the headphones in the sound drivers will be silenced. There is one really neat feature most folks don't know about. You have the option to set the output level for either headphones or as a "Line Out". Using the latter will enable you to use bigger speakers and squeeze more volume out of this !
You will also find an auxiliary stereo input (For TV, I-Pod, C/D jukebox, etc...) The power cord doubles as the radio antenna but there is also an input for a 75Ohm FM antenna using a proprietary connector which you will need to purchase from Bose if you want better reception.
Speaking of reception, the radio works well for us. there are no problems pulling in stations from far away.
Sound quality can be very subjective.
Most folks are used to having at least a "Bass" and " Treble" knob to twist. Heck, I'm used to having a parametric equalizer with ten sliders per channel to adjust the music the way I want it to sound. The only adjustment here is a "Talk Radio" mode which reduces the bass response only when the radio source is selected.
About Direct/Reflecting sound
When we hear something we are listening to reflections of the sound source, even if it facing directly at us. Sound bounces off objects in our environment on it's way to our ears. This "Direct/Reflecting" principle is how Bose music systems shape the sounds we hear.
Placement in the room
This is critical with most Bose products because they are designed to reflect sound towards us, not blast sound directly at our ears. Bose recommends locating this unit at 30 to 48 inches off the floor, while keeping the unit near the center of a wall and about 6 inches from the wall. If the unit does not sound quite right, try another location. Furnishings and window treatments can also affect the sound.
The mechanics
Bose music systems use a "driver" which can be made smaller than a speaker and still reproduce clear sound without audible distortion, even at high volume levels in the low frequencies. The size and shape of the "Waveguide" also has an influence on the quality of the sound.
A bi-amplified system is used here, with one amplifier driving low end frequencies via a 4 1/2 inch driver through an 80 inch "Waveguide". The length of this wave guide (Basically a long folded tube.) is what develops the bass, and this is more than twice the size of the Waveguide used in the Bose Shelf Systems.
A separate amplifier pushes the mid-range and high end tunes through a set of 2 1/2 inch stereo drivers.
Perception
This system will permit you to listen to music the way the artist wants you to hear it. Bose does not publish power output or frequency response data for their products so I cannot quote the specifications but I can tell you what I hear..
The volume level can be turned up enough to drown out any possibility of conversation and still be crystal clear without perceptible distortion. The bass response has always been a sore point with first time Bose listeners but I find this system to reproduce the low end of the frequency spectrum very well.
When listening to classic rock, I have not only felt the kick of the bass drum when the drummer steps on the pedal but also I can hear the creak of the pedal working !
If I an enjoying a solo acoustic guitar C/D I can hear the different sounds made when the guitarist's left hand changes position on the fret board and the brush of fingers against the strings.
Mrs Twigg enjoys a cappella music and has remarked she can even hear the breathing of individual singers in a group. She should know, she sings with a local women's chorus.
For some folks it's hard to justify the cost of this system. To some folks it's just a "table radio".
To others, especially those with an appreciation for music or who are musicians themselves, the value is obvious. This is a "table radio" which can fill a large room with crystal clear sound. Bose products have a reputation for longevity and quality, For example; the 901 stereo speakers manufactured by Bose have remained unchanged since they were introduced in 1968. This company is making smaller, better products today using the same technology 38 years later because they got it right the first time.
You can take it with you !
You have the option to use a separate 12 volt power source, like your vehicle, or the optional
Acoustic Wave Power Pack (Single battery, power cord and re-charger) and Acoustic Wave Power Case. Portability has it's price though at $149.95 ( ! ) for each of the above.
There are several other accessories as well;
A five disc C/D changer, your choice of three different remote controls, an Acoustic Wave Connect Kit for the I-Pod, and a Power Protector to filter out power surges which might harm your Acoustic Wave Music System II.
If you've been considering one of these, give it a try ! Bose continues to offer a 12 month zero interest purchase plan with a No-Risk 30 day return policy. Mrs Twigg is pleased, and I'm sure you will be pleased as well.
