Bose?
October 6, 2006
In my short time being a fan of A/V products in general, I am always told or I read
that Bose makes brilliant speakers because they use their own technology, whatever that
is. Myth or reality? Are Bose speakers really good or even better than others? I believe
they are quite dear as well. What is your view on Bose speakers? Hope you can lighten us.
Sergio
I have not actually listened to a Bose product in many years. The last Bose speakers
I really sat down to listen to were a pair of 901s, which were quite popular back in the
‘80s. Frankly, I don’t remember much about them. Bose is somewhat of an enigma
because they follow their own path. You don’t see cookie-cutter designs from them. In
some way they do set trends, as evidenced by their Wave Radio. There is no doubt that they
have the engineering resources to produce whatever A/V product they choose to tackle.
Whether their speakers, in absolute performance terms, are worth the cost, or can be
bettered by other less-expensive brands, is a question many have asked. All I can really
tell you is that I don’t see a lot of Bose speakers in the systems of the enthusiasts
that write in to GoodSound! Bose products are widely available, however, so it
shouldn’t be too difficult to get a listen.
Spades or bananas?
October 3, 2006
Are spade terminations or bananas better from a sound-quality standpoint? I’m
speaking of the amp end of the chain.
Johnny
I’m not sure there is really any difference in the sound of two identical amps,
one with spades and the other with bananas. I don’t believe I’ve ever heard of
anyone trying to run an A/B test to find out, either. Now, people have their preferences,
but I think it comes down to the more secure feeling of spades versus the more convenient
use of bananas. Beyond that, I’m just not sure it matters.
