Horrific Confession and Question

One of the reasons people buy Bose is the hype created by its marketing, and Bose is a mediocre brand in terms of performance. I think many would agree to the two facts. Bashing Bose is not equivalent to bashing people who buy it. In fact, I have not seen anyone of Bose bashers here bashing people who buy Bose -- somebody, please, show me otherwise. I am not bashing people who buy Bose, nor would I call them stupid for the lack of time and interest to research and buying the hype. If high end audio industry were bloated with overprofiteering, that would be a legitimate reason for somebody who feel got ripped off to blast it. If you feel otherwise in terms of whether or not you got ripped off, that will be compeltely acceptable by me. However, I do feel such activities as bashing or complaining for a legitimate reason is consumers' right to protect themselves and is an only channel to expedite, along with boycotting the products at personal level, what one sees as common good for consumers. When the sentiment spreads against a product or a company, it becomes a consumer movement materialized in mass boycotting. Of course, so called Bose bashers are inconsequential because they are minority in number. Nevertheless, how many participates in such is inconsequential in terms of the legitimacy of the cause. Even bashing is not a negative activity when there is a legitimate reason. Nor does it arise from envy. Money or price is one of main objects in the evaluation of products. When some products offer little value comparing to the price they charge, or when they juggle with words to create marketing niche by adding imaginary values, some may call it scam.

I wonder if tables were turned around and if thsi post would now be responded by the non-audiophiles(Bose buyers) who would they bash? for example Krell or us audiophiles? I bet they would consider outright stupid to buy 23K monoblocks or 15K speakers even after the fact of thier acknowledgement of the sound qulaity!! To them they have done the right thing buying a good sounding,compact, and highly respected (in thier circle)speaker/stereo system.

Regardless of the market space, everyone wants to believe their purchase is the "good buy." It is obviously true in audio as that perspective certainly persists here and in the more mundane segments of the consumer market. Who spends several hundred, much less thousands, of dollars and immediately proclaims, "Yep, this stuff is crap. That's why I bought it"? So, arguments about "turning the tables", while maybe true, really don't provide much insight. Trying to boil things down and remove the emotion (of which there is much), it seems Bose generates much animosity and anxiety in this crowd largely because we believe ourselves to be well educated about audio. That education says Bose stretches the accuracy of their claims to consumers to the breaking point. Our "knowledge" also tells us that Bose's products offer a poor value for the money.

It isn't fair, though, to say their products are total junk. Sorry, didn't mean to get everyone so wound up! Calm down while I explain.

A conversation yesterday with a co-worker was quite enlightening. Originally from South Africa, this well spoken gentleman has resided in the US for several years. Our lunch time conversation turned to music and he bragged on his room mates "top of the line Bose system." Politely I said there are far better audio systems available for the money. Initially indicating a belief in the marketing hype, he questioned what made me such an expert, suggesting that "everyone knows Bose is the best." The others at the table, having had the misfortune of sitting through many soliloquies on the subject while feigning interest, advised our friend of my "expertise."

Unlike similar exchanges where the other party becomes defensive, this one became quite enlightening instead. Not having any ego or money involved because it wasn't his system per se, my friend inquired into what made a "good audio system." My three minute explanation of soundstage, imaging, etc. was well received. He readily agreed that the Bose system did none of the things I described.

His explanation, equally appreciated, was that the Bose system filled a different set of needs. It was a well known brand, so was impressive to friends and "the ladies." It was "nice furniture". It played music at appropriate volumes and "filled the room" with sound. Given that set of requirement it was probably well worth the price of admission. The goal was not to accurately produce music; of all the needs being satisfied accurate reproduction was last on the list. So, for him Bose was fine equipment well suited to the task.

Admittedly, I cannot say the same for my system. Few people I know have heard of the manufacturers. Most do not fully appreciate its capabilities. It's terribly furniture and the speakers alone take over the room. Does that make it less than Bose? Depends on your perspective and what need is being fulfilled, doesn't it?

Will now encourage others to buy Bose? Not likely! Instead, I will arm myself with this new knowledge and ask "what is important" when someone asks me for suggestions about audio gear.

I think Danvetc on 1-3 was on the money. And I think people's brains process the strong mids type of sound very easily -- thus, it's good background music. Unlike many people, it seems, I don't particularly like hi fidelity music as background music. It's too distracting, it doesn't stay in the background. If there's some real definition and authority in the bass, or bell-like clarity and crisp transients in the highs, I tend to stop what I'm doing and listen. My foreground becomes background -- not so good.

Many great responses especially Cogito and Fpeel. I think that you are right in that the person buying into Bose is buying into the hype.
I also agree with the knowedge we have we do know they are mediacore. They do well against the products that are in the same store but would never hold up against a inexpensive pair of Paradigms.