Great Deal Bose Lifestyle 28 Home Entertainment System (Black)
OK, having read such mixed reviews, I felt I had to get to the bottom of things, so I visited a number of dealers, some who sold Bose and some who did not.
I could not believe what a difference in attitude there was between the Bose believers and the Bose haters. So, why is this?
I can only assume it's a lack of understanding or fear of the unknown. Almost every one agrees that if space, operational issues, cable and time were no problem, you can do better than Bose for the money, but for normal people who have little space and time and no inclination to create a pile of mismatched electronics that look ... odd (to say the least) the Bose is a superb option.
What about sound? When a Bose comes out of the box, it sounds Ok in most rooms, but when you use the adaptIQ it really sorts out, even strange shaped rooms like mine where the TV is in the corner and the speakers are impeded by curtains and book shelves.
What about the strange sounding music reported in another review? Sure one or two pieces did not seem to like the Bose 5 speaker experience, but I just pressed the 2 speaker button on my remote and the sound was true and stereo and no where near the TV. For most music however, band and classic especially, the Bose 5 speaker sound is superb, to my ears. I do sometimes turn the centre down a little if there is a strong vocal presence mind you; this spreads it out to a more normal stereo sound stage, but keeping the band and ambiance all around me.
My advice is don't take advice, listen and decide your self. Brands like Bose and B&O did not get to be huge by conning people, they did it by making what people want and it is only people who don't want Bose or B&O solutions who seem intent on bad mouthing them? I've got a Bose and it's great, more people in the world own Bose speakers than any other brand and I guess they think they are great, I hope your choice, what ever it is, works as well for you.
Exactly as advertised - D. Johnson - Central Kansas
We have enjoyed our system for 4 years now. The quality and sound is everything it is advertised to be. Sound effects and music videos could not be better. Sound is great from any seat in the room. I think it is best suited for average sized rooms of about 15x20 ft or smaller. Volume is more than adequate for normal tastes. For extremely loud, ground shaking effects you will want to look elsewhere.
High Performance system that takes a lot less space - David Traill - Stuart, FL United States
We purchased our system to replace a previous Sony multi-module stereo that took up far more room. The compact nature of this system allows a used to use one small shelf for the main unit, and then the speakers can be positioned wherever you want and still deliver amazing sound.
Setup is pretty simple, with a pictograph easily explaining the connections, and then a DVD that guides you through the last few phases. The climax comes when the system uses a special headset you wear in different locations that provides feedback to the system for automatic optimal sound delivery. I know, it sounds crazy, but is cool to have the system fine tune itself.
Playing DVDs is pretty simple, but I wish the system allowed a faster fast forward scan. There is an adapter to allow the video output to be converted to a component output, which is better than an S cable, which is better than the traditional red, white and yellow jacks most people are familiar with. You just need a modern, high end TV that handles component input (like my Samsung DLP) to appreciate it. The surround sound aspect is awesome, and we truly enjoy watching our favorite DVDs with rich, realistic sound that can rattle the house if so desired.
Music CDs come across as clear and sharp, and the bass driven from the subwoofer is convincing when needed.
As far as listening is concerned, you can choose how many speakers you want to use, from 2, 3 or 5. The easy to use remote can control almost anything without a need for the TV screen menu, but that's wasy enough to understand once you get through the difficulties of the manual's technical instructions.
Overall, I am very pleased, and look forward to many years of service from this system.
Rating : 3.0
Price on Oct 24, 2010 19:00:15 : $2,499.99
Offer Price : $1,699.99
Availability : Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Bose Lifestyle 28 Home Entertainment System (Black) Features
- The Lifestyle 28 home entertainment system comes with a media center, 5 cube speakers and a matching Acoustimass module
- Plays DVD-Video, CD, CD-R/RW and MP3 CD
- Decodes Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound, offers Bose Videostage 5 processing, which generates 5.1 audio from any 2-channel source
- 5 Direct/Reflecting cube speaker arrays blend into your decor
- Acoustimass module delivers bass reproduction down to the lowest frequencies, even at the loudest levels
Bose Lifestyle 28 Home Entertainment System (Black) Overviews
This Bose« Lifestyle« home entertainment system includes 5 swivel-cube speakers that project open, spacious sound throughout your room. A powered bass module with proprietary technology adds depth and impact to your favorite music and movies. The receiver/media center is capable of playing DVD, CD, CD-R, CD-RW, and MP3 discs while the digital 5.1 decoding turns your family room into a theater! Multi-source/multi-room capability lets you expand your listening area. Color: black
Bose Lifestyle 28 Home Entertainment System (Black) Specifications
The Bose Lifestyle 28 DVD home-entertainment system delivers home theater simplicity with superb sound, elegance, and simple setup and configuration. The system comes with a central DVD/CD media center, a quintet of Direct/Reflecting cube speakers, a powered Acoustimass module (subwoofer), and everything you need to hook it all up.
The brushed-silver media center features an integrated DVD/CD player and AM/FM tuner. Its Zone 1/Zone 2 configuration gives you independent volume controls in each of 2 different rooms. You get Dolby Digital 5.1 surround processing for dynamic, lifelike surround effects from your favorite movies, as well as Bose Videostage 5 processing for mono and stereo sources. This processing generates 5.1 audio from any 1- or 2-channel source, from old movies and TV shows to today's commercial CDs.
The DVD/CD player plays your DVD-Video movies and CD-based music, including MP3 files written to recordable CD-R or CD-RW. Disc features include repeat and random play, DVD parental controls, forward and reverse chapter/track skip, and scanning within tracks.
The compact Direct/Reflecting cube speaker arrays--each standing roughly 6 inches high--blend with your décor to deliver the kind of sound you'd expect from much larger speakers. And the Acoustimass module reproduces deep, resonant low notes while stationed inconspicuously almost anywhere in your room. The result? Riveting surround sound that seems to come from the cube speaker arrays, whether it’s the hypnotic whisper of rustling leaves or the pure power of a ferocious storm.
In the Bose Acoustimass module, 2 down-firing drivers give you powerful performance for the lowest audible notes and effects. And proprietary Bose technology ensures that you hear with clarity the proper balance of deep lows from all channels for music and movies. Hide the module almost anywhere, even behind furniture, and all the sound seems to come from the small cube speaker arrays.
Other features include AM/FM tuning with 50 preset stations (25 FM, 25 AM), a sleep timer (1 to 90 minutes), and console input jacks for connecting other source components (such as a VCR, DSS, CD changer, or tape deck).
Connections include digital and analog audio inputs and outputs for a range of ancillary components, with a choice of composite-video, S-video, or--with an optional accessory cable that connects to both the composite- and S-video outputs--480i component-video outputs, depending on your television.
What's in the Box
Media center, 5 speakers, 1 Acoustimass module, FM/AM antennas, all requisite cabling, a remote control, remote batteries, a user's manual, a quick-setup guide, and warranty information.
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