I think the Bose speaker systems sound alright. I visited an outlet store the other day where they had everything set up nicely. They did sound ok, but I felt a bit underwhelmed.

Bose seems to be trying to fill in a niche in the market by making their speakers so small and touting that so much. The problem is that none of us (us being the people in this forum) care if our speakers are hidden. In fact, I'll bet pretty much all of us want people to notice our systems. We just don't really want to pay extra so that our systems are invisible.

The heavier flame seems to come from some people who don't realize this, expecting that every speaker system created is supposed to fit "their" needs. Not really a big deal though, as everyone has their own tastes. To each his own.

I have now tried several configurations of the Bose AM10 speakers and after not being too happy with the results from the surrounds, I've decided to get what I can for it and get a system a friend from work has suggested, the Acoustic Research HC6
(I believe BenjaminRigby is correct about Bose and its marketing to those who want "hidden" speakers. Too bad that means acoustics are sacrificed for appearance,IMHO).
There are only two reviews on Audioreview.com, but one of them is by Flashman who has a 1050, so I think that may be good enough for me.
My friend from work has a mad home theatre (Transducers that the army uses for tank simulations and a pc to play dvds), and in another room, an insane stereo set-up that browns-out the neighborhood (600-pound turntable stand with 50-pound platter riding on a cushion of air and seven foot speakers with 2-inch thick cables laid on ceramic insulators to avoid signal loss to the carpeted concrete floor. I feel like I'm in the Deathstar weapons station).
He says he has seen reviews in his ultra-high-end magazines that heap praise on the HC6.
I've got three questions for any one who would care to respond;
1) How much would I be likely to get for my Bose AM10 speaker system? It has never been used to it's fullest extent and like the good little audio-nut I am I have everything that came with it, including the rubber feet for the speakers(never put them on). I bought it about two years ago.

2) Does anyone else have any thoughts on the AR HC6?

3) I went to the SVS website and fell in love with the powered 25-31pci. Any ideas with marrying this sub with the AR HC6? (Dual subs may a bit much, especially with the wife, but I should be able to sell the AR sub. I should stay with a $1000 budget if I want to live.)

Thanks for all your comments and suggestions. For this novice, all the info I can get is much appreciated.

I sold my Acoustimass 7 (~4 years old) last fall for $350 on eBay -- no original box, but original manual and cables. The AM10 is selling for a fair bit more than that. Try these two links: active eBay auctions and completed eBay auctions . It may give you some idea of what the "market rate" is currently.

------------------
gonk -- Saloon Links | Pre/Pro Comparison Chart | 950 Review

2) Does anyone else have any thoughts on the AR HC6?

I have heard nothing but, good things about the HC6. The Perfect Vision raved about it and how it will suprize the listener on music. I acually heard the system at Wal-Mart of all places so, I really can't give you much help on the sound because of how the store had it set up. However they look like they cost 300 dollars each. what a good finish on the cabinets. beware of the HC6B sytem out there. It is much different. I hope this helps a little anyway.

CBWills:

Before you jump on to AR HC6, try to audition some other speakers. I am a big Paradigm fan, start with thier Micro or Atom speakers, they are approx. $150.00 ( MSRP ) a pair. Good Luck.

KE

KE - You speak wisely, sir. I'm also a Paradigm fan, but even more so the advise to listen to different speakers before you buy is very good. Gather some material that you are familiar with (I had a little pouch of CD's and a list of good tracks that I used when I was speaker shopping last year) and listen away!

------------------
gonk -- Saloon Links | Pre/Pro Comparison Chart | 950 Review

Gonk : Thanks for the kind words. As you know, I have Ref 60, Studio CC and Studio ADP ( same as your set-up ). I was looking for a pair of speakers to set-up 7.1, that is when I auditioned Atoms and Micros they are incredible for the price.

Any more addition to your 950 review. I got my 950 on Sat and it is going through burn-in and testing ( right out of the box it sounds far better than my B&K ref. 20 ). I will post an extended review after a week or so. Keep-up the good work/service on this forum.

KE



[This message has been edited by KE (edited May 16, 2002).]

This is an update on my system. All your comments were very helpful.
This is a quote from a reply I posted in the speaker forum to someone who bought an AR HC6.
If anyone has any comments, they would be most appreciated.

"I purchased the AR HC6 speaker system too and am also impressed. It is a definite improvement, to my ears, over the Bose system I replaced.
I do have a concern with the sub's auto-off feature, which I wish was defeatable. Have you had your sub cut out repeatedly, like it was receiving signal and then not receiving signal? I tuned the system which seemed to help, but at times the sub will turn off with an audible 'thunk' (the auto-off feature in action. By the way, how long is the delay supposed to be?).
It appears the only way I can keep the sub on during an entire movie is to switch the crossover to 200, push the sub trim to nearly to 10, and raise the overall volume to around 45. Anything else and the sub turns off, and then sometimes on and off in rapid succession.
Do you think I should increase the sub signal in the calibration mode? Maybe this will get more signal to the sub and allow me to turn the crossover down to 150 or lower.
I hope it isn't a problem with the sub itself. That would definitely be disappointing given the excellent quality of the rest of the system.

IP: Logged"