1. Home theater sound from your surround sound components
2. VCS-10® center channel speaker
3. 161 speakers for front channel

Customer Review :

Bose speakers are great!

Great Bose product as usual. The sound/clarity from the center speaker is fantastic. I haven't mounted the rear surround sound speakers to a permanenet spot as of yet, but from what I can tell they definitely improve my home theater sound.


Rating :

Good Center Channel and Surround Speaker System

An excellent Combo of Center Channel and Surround Sound speaker system. A perfect add an to a 2.1 channel to make it 5.1.

Rating :

Great sound

The center channel speaker produces clear sound while the rear speakers really bring home the theater experience. We are very happy with the purchase.

Rating :

Bose VCS-30 II Home Theater Surround Set - A wise choice!

For several years now I've enjoyed the use of these speakers, especially the VCS-10 center channel speaker which works wonderfully in conjunction with the receiver's settings to bring voices out and I've used the Model 100's as the front B speakers just to bring in some additional sound. The advertising here suggests using the Model 100's as rear/surround speakers, either way, these speakers are very good speakers and will work very well in whatever capacity you place them.

I've recently replaced all of the speakers on my primary system with the Bose Acoustimass 10 Series III Home Theater Speaker System and have moved these speakers to the secondary system in conjunction with a pair of Model 301 Series III speakers and another pair of Model 100's as the rear/surround speakers and have found this to be an enjoyable combination for this system.

All three of these speakers are magnetically shielded so you can go right ahead and put that VCS-10 right on top of your television set and it won't affect it any way. The Model 100's can be placed anywhere you desire to put them and Bose also manufactures wall/ceiling mounts for them which are very affordable and simple to install.

The VCS-10 Center Channel Speaker can also be purchased independently and is a highly recommended item for those, like myself, whose hearing just isn't what it used to be. This model definitely brings those voices out during those "low" moments in movies.

Overall, I'd highly recommend the VCS-30 II Home Theater Surround Set as it is an affordable solution to a desire for a quality set of surround sound speakers and serves as just another testament to the long history Bose and the quality that goes with that name! {ssintrepid}

Rating :

1. Designed for amplifiers delivering 10 to 200 watts per channel (front) and 10 to 100 watts per channel (rear)
2. Cubes measure - 6.25H x 3W x 4D (each) and AcoustiMass Module is 14H x 22W x 7.5D
3. Color - Black

Editorial Review :

Whether you enjoy music, movies, TV programs or sports, this Acoustimass® 10 speaker system will deliver a high-quality surround sound performance packed with realism. Direct/Reflecting® technology creates lifelike, spacious sound throughout the room.

Customer Review :

Satisfied

I have always run all of my media through my pc and my former speaker set (a Midiland 5.1 system) was thoroughly aged and falling apart I decided it was time to upgrade. I wanted something that had incredible sound with both music and dvd's. I shopped around and came to the conclusion I would aim for the form factor speakers. When considering this bose system, this MUST be taken into account.

First off, this system is expensive. For just under 1000 dollars (doesn't 999 sound sooo much better than 1g?) you get 5 bi-directional midrange speakers, the subwoofer unit, and speaker cable. At this price it is very disappointing that bose does not include some sort of receiver, but no matter this leaves room for the customer to customize his/her choice to suit any personal needs and/or budget. Bose includes 3 colors (white, silver, black) and all the speakers are well packaged and aesthetically pleasing with the exception of the sub unit (a large rectangular box meant to save space but does not).

What brought me to look into this system was the specific size of the speakers and there general attractiveness. For their size the bose do a very good job of reproducing any sound-granted they are paired with a competent receiver. Anyone who has any qualms about this system should first consider what they are running their sound through, without competent equipment these speakers will not be on par with what you heard in the store.

Once I got the system home it was very easy to set up and install. Bose packages the speakers with clear instructions and all of the wires are meant to be hidden and include markings as to what speakers they belong to-a very handy feature especially when one is trying to hide this system. The only serious issue I have with this system ended up being with my receiver (an Onkyo) and not related at all with the speakers.

Since I do run this through my computer (presently a laptop) I had a few troubles setting up a new sound card and getting it too mesh with my receiver, but when that was all said and done, I was extremely please with the system. With a bose the tweaking one needs to do is very minimal and thus why this deserves the higher price tag-its target audience is usually those more affluent and unable to spend hours tweaking individual speaker levels and sound ranges.

My test soundtracks included: Gladiator, Matrix (II or III), Snatch, and music tracks ranging from techno, rock, classical, and alternative. Everything sounded great with enough low, high, and midrange response. The second complaint I have with this system is not differentiating in the least between any of the satellites. I found myself turning the response on the center channel up so the front speakers weren't drowning out the voices. That was solved with a little tweaking so nothing major there.

All in all this speaker system is a great investment in my mind satisfying all of my needs (though draining my bank account) and providing me with great surround sound.

Good: Great range and volume of sound. Easy set-up. Well built speakers-aesthetically and physically. No interference or feedback.

Bad: Subwoofer awkward, no dedicated center channel, pricey, no included receiver.

For their size these speakers more than compete with any full-blown tower 5.1 system. Here is one satisfied customer.

Rating :

Agree Agree Agree

I am actually surprised at the number of negatives, thought that there would be some loyal blinded bose fans writing review.

Look, Bose really made a name for itself in the 70's early 80's when they had decent bookshelf speakers, they have totally fallen behind with the advent of surround sound, prologic, thx etc.

I agree with many of the comments that the cube speakers are totally worthless, sounds like you are playing a mono am channel. The subwoofer is the worst part of the system, my $50 altec lansing computer speaker system sub blows it away.

Needless to say I will never get sucked into another bose product since i am forced to by a new surround speaker system because of the complete and utter bose inadequacy

Rating :

sound fantastic

Why buy a series IV when you can get the same thing for series III? Just a diff label that they stuck on.

Rating :

Terrible sound with no mid-range

I am not sure why everyone has such a love affair with Bose speakers. Perhaps it is the marketing or the fact that the bass module produces a lot of bass (although it is not very accurate.) The largest problem with these speakers is that there is absolutely zero mid-range. The highs are decent and the lows are powerful, but there is nothing in the middle - zilch. Nada. I would not recommend buying these speakers. There are many better systems out there for the same money.

Rating :

Great Speaker System with 110+Watts/channel Receivers!

This is a great system -- easy to set-up from the box -- but make sure you've enough power to feed to the speakers. If you've newer receivers with automatic accoustic calibration (i've this feature on my receiver), set-up is so easy to re-create theater sound in your living-room!

Highly recommended.

Rating :

More reviews...

1. Versatile bookshelf speakers for music and movies in smaller rooms
2. Direct/Reflecting® speaker technology
3. Stereo Everywhere® speaker performance

Customer Review :

A beautiful Wall of Sound !

I purchased my first Bose Acoustimas 5 System in Europe way back in the 80s around the time when they were first introduced. After 25+ years of reliable service, I decided to retire them and go with another manufacturer's surround sound system(5.1) to compliment my LCD TV. To my ears, the feeling of music on a real sound stage was lost. So, I decided to purchase (2010-July) another Bose Acoustimas 5 system (Version III) to replace the original. Essentially this system is a 2.0 configuration with the woofer box containing the crossover controls and circuit protection. Music has now come alive again ! I have the system in a 20' x 14' room and placed the woofer box in an optimal position. What I have now is mellow base with no booming and minimal resonance. Crisp highs form a wall of sound that envelops me as I listen. Wish they had just a tiny bit more mid range, but thats OK. For movies, I simply set my receiver for virtual surround sound. I've read various reports from people indicating that the speaker components, etc are cheap. My answer to that is I don't care if the sound being produced behind the cloth is from stretched bubble gum ; the only thing that really matters is the sound and product reliability. I highly recommend the system ; just find the sweet spot in your room for the woofer box, tilt the upper reflecting speaker cubes in one of the ways recommended by Bose in the users guide and your set. I have my satellite speakers mounted on the Bose UFS-20 floor stands.

Rating :

RonL

The speakers came with plenty of info for install. Adequate speaker wire. Installation was a snap. And you cannot beat Bose for sound quality.

Rating :

Ideal for Sailboats too

Vesta and I lived for ten years on a sixty-foot sailboat in the Caribbean. For the first couple we had a Sony ghetto blaster for a sound system, but with over three hundred CDs aboard we decided we needed something better, so we bought an Acoustimass 5 Speaker System, which we ran from a twelve-volt Alpine car stereo with a 12 volt Alpine amp. We put the subwoofer behind a curtain in the back of the main salon in front of the extra sails and the two speakers on the left and right bulkheads and for eight years we had the best sound system in the Caribbean from St. Martin all the way down to the Spanish Main. You can't go wrong with Bose, you really can't.

Rating :

Try before you buy!!!

Buy these if you must, but before you spend $400 on them, please visit a local stereo shop and hear how much better $400, or $300, or even $200 spent there will sound. Really. I bet you'll find that any decent independent stereo shop will have a multitude of options superior to Bose for equal or less money, and you'll be supporting a locally owned business that will almost certainly offer you vastly better service and advice than that you'll find in a big box store.

Rating :

no impressed with the acoustmass system

I figured that anything from bose would be excellent but I have to say that this product is an exception. I have it hooked up to my samsung 55" flat screen lcd tv. One of the most annoying things about this product is that the remote has to be pointed directly at the receiver for it to pick up the command. The bose wave system picks up remote signals from a far wider angle range and you dont have to be right on it but the accustamas isnt made the same way; unfortunately. The sound quality of the speakers seems average but the sub woofer is excellent.

Rating :

More reviews...

1. Proprietary TrueSpace stereo signal processing circuitry adds spaciousness
2. All speaker functions controlled from a control pad about the size of a computer mouse
3. Converts portable audio devices into high performance mini-systems, with one simple connection
4. Dual inputs
5. Tethered control pad and headphone jack module

Editorial Review :

Experience a new level of audio performance from your computer. These premium multimedia speakers provide exceptionally clean, high-quality audio while freeing up valuable desktop space. Satellite speakers can attach to your flat panel monitor or right on your desk. A compact Acoustimass module fits neatly under your desk and delivers impressive lower tones that make movies and games come to life. And an all-in-one control pod houses a headphone jack, adjusts the volume and includes an auxiliary input. companion 3 speakers represent a premium choice for all your computer audio sources. From MP3s, CDs and Internet radio to DVDs, streaming video and games. Hear full, rich sound from tiny satellite speakers designed to complement - and conveniently attach to - flat panel monitors. It's a unique combination of elegance and convenience, whether you place them on your desk or opt for a speaker-free desktop.A compact Acoustimass module adds impressive, resonant lows for intense movie and gaming effects. Bose proprietary TrueSpace stereo signal processing circuitry adds enhanced spaciousness for lifelike sound that most conventional computer speakers simply cannot match. companion 3 speakers also feature an easy-to-use, multi-function control pod, no bigger than a computer mouse. Speaker volume control, headphone jack and an auxiliary input for an additional audio source are all within reach.Available in Graphite with Silver trim, Companion 3 speakers let you hear music, movies and sound effects on your computer the way they meant to be heard.

Customer Review :

Increases the addiction to my music!

My sole intention to get a new computer was for listening to music, which means that I had to accompany that with a large flatscreen and then, good sounding speakers. I picked the Bose because I was familiar with their products in the past. When I suggested a relative use computer music for her hair salon, I advised that she get Bose. That was my first time hearing the power of good speakers. That's all I need, to hear good sound for the Itunes, IPOD, and YOUTube.

I love the sound of the speakers. There is a large unit that I store underneath, and then you have the two small speakers that fit comfortably on the computer stand. Also, the small round unit called the multifunction control pod provides the capability for Mute and Sound, earphones.

My issue with the control pod is that there is no indicator that lets you know where the level of sound is. This can be disturbing, when all of a sudden, a boom is heard because of varying sound decibels.

These speakers can be mounted, but I find it easier just to place them on the stand. Adjustments are available, but I haven't the need yet to make any sound adjustments yet.

The speakers and unit are attractive silver. Setup was simple. These are great, great sound for my music!! .....Rizzo


Rating :

$250 Bose Companion vs $100 Altec Lansing 251

These are great little speakers, but they are way overpriced.

My roommate has these and I've listened to music with him many times.

I myself have an Altec Lansing 251 surround system. It was $100 when I bought it (Seven years ago!), and you can get it for $50 now. My old Altec Lansings produce a much better overall sound (especially midrange) than these overpriced Bose.

I will admit, the puck does make me a little jealous because it's very fucntional and very cool looking. The Bose are also better constructed than Logitechs or Klipsh. But if you're looking for sound quality, go with Altec Lansing, or Klipsch Pro-Media 2.1

If my Altec Lansing 251's ever had a problem, I might consider buying the Bose. Since they haven't, I haven't.

Rating :

If you like colored music buy them

Bose uses basic drivers and adds electronics (equilizers) to customize the sound. Some like it,some don't. I personally don't. I grew up with the stereo system as being critical to producing accurate sound reproduction. However, the digital media has not helped because it has produced compressed music and lower sampling rates which actually loses some of the music.Bose, does almost as bad by coloring the sound to make listeners believe it sounds good.When in fact it does not even come close to being a good reproducer of the content.Now, I am not saying all these user's who say the Companion 3's are great are wrong. I am certain they believe they sound great. My problem with them is they have too much bass too little midrange and highs that drop off too early.This is from measuring the sound through a tone generator and using a sound meter.I certainly think they are good for movies,gaming and watching web content. But I certainly do not like them for music.

Rating :

Long term performance degrades..

I have been using this system for more than an year. I bought the system thinking that being a premium product should give me good performance over a period of time but I think that I was mistaken. To start with the system gave a very good sound output with good highs, deep lows and decent mid range. But over the period of time maybe due to the curing of the bass module it delivers an excessive bass taking over lot of mid range and highs.. I now have to keep the bass at the minimum level and adjust my equalizer settings to get the right mix.. I think there should have been something to adjust for the excess bass internally instead of keeping on readjusting the equalizer settings.. Overall decent,overpriced product but I doubt its longevity in terms of quality of output...

Rating :

Midrange is not the issue ...

......if you use your equalizer to adjust for your particular environment.

One reason that speakers sound so much different at the store from what they sound like in your home may be simply due to the differences in the acoustic environments.

Either change your acoustic environment (difficult) or simply change the equalization curve. Its a simple thing to do with iTunes; I suppose there are also equalizer applications for the PC. As long as you don't over-drive your speakers into distortion, you can easily adjust each frequency band over a 24db range with respect to all the other bands. Itunes provides for 10 band adjustments.

I have no experience with the other brands of speakers, but I would guess that the manufacture guess-tunes their system for some generic computer office environment - that's why they sound great in certain homes and not in others and as a result that's why there are many differing opinions about speaker systems. Whether or not those systems could be tuned over a similar dynamic range without distortion could be determined by thorough technical comparisons, but I suspect all speaker systems could be tuned within a similar range with similar results.

In addition, consider that each listener has a slightly different response to each audio band. WWII bomber pilots lost all of their hearing just in the 400hz range because of the continuous engine noise predominant in this frequency band.

I was able to completely remove the mid-band, make it the most prominent, etc, with simple slider controls today, so I'm not convinced that there are any significant deficiency/advantages with the Bose over the other speakers mentioned in these reviews as long as the appropriate adjustments are made.

Rating :

More reviews...

1. 6-piece surround sound speaker system with 4 satellites, center speaker, and subwoofer
2. 2.5-inch midrange driver and 0.5-inch piezoelectric tweeter per satellite
3. Subwoofer includes 6-inch long-throw, down-firing woofer and front-firing, port-tuned enclosure
4. 50 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response; durable low-resonance ABS plastic housing
5. Satellites measure 6.8 by 3.2 by 3.7 inches (W x H x D); 5-year warranty

Customer Review :

Good system for the money

Easy setup, good sound. Well worth the price. The subwoofer is not the most powerful but does the job.

Rating :

Pleasantly Surprised

Not wanting to be without surround where ever I went, I wanted to get a system for my mother's house. Small size was very important so my options were limmited. I saw this system for $40 and thought it would be worth a try.

I was rather surprised by the bulk and solid construction of the satelites. I was expecting a plasticy glued together feel, but was quite pleased just upon opening the box. The satelites are about the size of the small version Bose satelite speakers, so the size was right. The sub was shockingly small being a little bigger than a shoebox (it looked bigger to me in the picture).

Testing them out in my established spots for my current setup, I tried music (I Ching Symphony) followed by a movie (Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers). With the music, the sound was surprisingly spacious; however perhaps a bit airy and bright. The high ranged music flowed nicely considering the price of the setup.

The DVD was another stoy. In the DTS cut of LoTR, the sub all but begged for mercy. In the opening scene with Gandolf and the Balrog, the sub reminded me somewhat of the sounds you hear from an overzealous 16 year old kid's car. In short, farty and shaky.

After some consideration, I decided to check the receiver settings. I noticed that the crossover was set to 100 hz. With the satelites bottoming at 120 hz, this is a problem. After bumping it up to 150 hz, I decided to try Star Wars Episode 1. The difference was huge. The roaring of the engines in the pod racer scene was rather exceptional. Noticing that this was a Dolby Digital edit, I decided to go back and try some DTS. Going back and forth between sound edits on several discs, I came to the conclusion that this system doesn't get along with DTS. The encoding of the LFE (subwoofer channel) in DTS is just too low for the sub in this system. Dolby Digital had little or no trouble.

Overall, this is a hefty bang for the buck. The satelites/center are worth the price of admission. The sub is perhaps the weak link but it does the job. Considering the satelites connect directly to the receiver and all the money left over, a burlier sub could easily be substituted to create very respectable setup. The system as is would be worth at least 3 times as much as what Amazon offers it for. Considering the price, 5 stars is definitely not a stretch.

Tested with:
Pioneer VSX-D411 Receiver
Pioneer DV-578A DVD player
Room Size: Approximately 10'X 14'

Rating :