3·2·1® GS Series III DVD Home Entertainment System - Graphite

I bought this late August '08 from a Bose store (prices fixed at $1k at all stores right now). First off, it is 2 speakers that fit in the palm of your hand, and a somewhat large woofer that can be put out of sight (e.g., behind TV cabinet). Sound is amazing given it's only 2.1 speakers. System does an okay job at filling the room with sound (I don't think it's fair to say it seems like there really are rear speakers, but the sound is for sure big and full), but it does deliver all 5.1 channels of sound through the 2.1 speakers when listening to those sources - awesome. Big + for me is that music sounds really good - not always true on home theater systems. Unit is easy to use and set-up - onscreen menus straight forward, and universal remote really is universal (including my cable box). Upconverting of DVD picture looks great. Sound from TV and DVDs is amazing (especially digital 5.1 sound from HD channels).

Now, for the cons: I wish it served as a video receiver as well - it does not. Example, this means when I watch cable I need to turn the TV on to cable video input and set the Bose to cable audio output - not a big deal but a bit annoying. There is only 1 optical audio input (which you can assign to any available source), but digital coax inputs are there for all sources (sound and signal for optical vs. coax digital audio is the same, differences heard are people playing vodoo). There is a bit of a sound delay when switching sound sources or when changing cable channels (~0.5-1 second) before the sound starts again.

Lots of people knock Bose because they are expensive. Well, Bose really does have superior speaker (always have) and now digital processing technology - look into it yourself, don't just trust reviews online from random people (such as myself). But, you should take a trip down to a Bose store or Best Buy and listen for yourself. And bring a full band audio CD to listen to of your own (the Dave Matthews acoustic demo they always play is stupid - acoustic guitar sounds good even on crappy speakers).

If you have the $$ and don't want to hassle with 5.1 speakers, at least give this some serious consideration.

Another note: I shelled out another $100 for the overpriced speaker stands (floor stands), and did notice a slight increase in quality as the speakers can spread out their sound a little better (as opposed to my previous set-up where they were on the edge of a shelf).