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Just wondering if anyone has tried the BOSE line of speakers as external speakers for a digital piano.

I am about ready to take a leap in this direction so I could benefit by other experiences.

Anyone ?

I don't think Bose is well regarded for their home theater speakers, in terms of performance for their cost. ie. for the same price as a Bose, you can buy some other brand and get something better.

It seems like you already have pricey monitors, so what are you looking to spend?

*resisting Bosendorfer pun*

The head of my local music store has used the Bose PA system -- very slim towers, plus floor-mounted woofers -- for gigs, and likes it. I think it's pricey, compared to the competition.

If you're thinking of using Bose "home audio" speakers, I have my doubts. The specs (for whatever specs are worth) aren't published, and the drivers aren't very big, as I remember.

. Charles

PS -- as the previous post asks -- what are you trying to accomplish that you can't do with the Focal monitors?

You know, I am really just flailing around in the dark.

I feel that the sound I get now could be "warmer".

I find it gets a bit too sharp/tinny as I increase the volume.

If I try to tone it down some with my mixer, then it begins to sound muffled.

I tried out the Focal CMS65 monitors and they were pretty much the same as what I already have, just a bit more bass ... so they went back. I guess that means that powered monitors are not going to do it, for me.

I have read (on this forum) about some feeling that stereo speakers may be able to give a warmer sound because they are designed to do that, as opposed to monitors being designed to "tell it like it is".

Anyway ...like I said ... Flailing around in the dark.

P.S. Why BOSE ? Simple ... I can run out to my local BESTBUY, bring them home, try them, If not good ... bring them back ... no cost. And, I have heard them being used in a local bar and they sounded very good.

Speakers are a matter of what works. Need to listen to them. That's what it all comes down to.

I have my Event's because the reputation was that they are easy to listen to. Very accurate and not harsh. I know the basis of harsh monitors is from those Yamaha monitors everyone claims have done so much mixing. People had the attitude that you had to have that hard output to judge well. When you really don't. Just accurate.
I really like my Event's. When something sounds harsh. It is harsh. They don't revert to a square wave falsely.
I also know what real harsh sounds like. A snare drum should sound that way. Ever stood in front of a guy banging on a snare drum? Just plain irritating.

When Bose first came out, we were all astounded that tiny speakers could sound so . . . perfect. The bass was just delicious, the treble very pleasing. Much better than the old Celestion speakers we had then, in a variety of manufacturer`s cabinets. I always wanted some . . .

In those days, an 18 inch speaker handles 50W . . .mind you, it sounded bloody good!

I won't recommend bose as well..

Have the AE1 triport headphones.. It was a gift. My Sony V6 for literally half the cost would completely blow out the Bose any day..


Of course sound is subjective.. this is just my opinion.

I will admit though Bose are very comfortable headphones. Soft plush cushions..

But soundwise you could do better for a lot less cash.

Bose nowadays is more marketing than anything else.

My understanding is they stopped innovating for a while now.

They are completely frowned on in the audiophile community.

But again, Everything Audiowise is Subjective.

It's really up to u at the end of the day.
If u like it go for it.

Heck I'd probably get a OE2 If I had some spare change.. They are so bloody comfortable. The soft padded plush leather feels like a divine Angel's hands cupping your ears.

Probably not the best analogy but u get the idea

You seem to be focusing on headphones.

Headphones are not the issue. Everything sounds good through my phones. It is when it passes through the speakers and out into the air that things begin to deteriorate.

I thought about buying those new speaker columns by Bose but found them just a tad too expensive.

I've been using the Bose 802s on jobs for about 20 years and they sound great. The disadvantage, I carry a rack case with an amp and mixer (and more).

I've played recorded music through my 802s and they really sound excellent. Singers love them.

A lot of guys seem to like powered speakers and that certainly makes set up a lot easier.

Let's just put it like this. When taken apart, while all the other manufacturers have upgraded to better and more expensive synthetic materials. Base still use paper cups.

Their home theatre systems as well are not created with the best audio quality in mind, but the best convenience. They are made to look neat and tidy and as a result they suffer sonically in comparison to the competition at the same price ranges.

Same goes for their headphones. The competition always has something better at the same price range.

Their speakers from the 80s from what I understand was the best thing at the time. But now they have a reputation of living on their name.

Bose still use*

If u want a pair of decent speakers, klipsch has a very good reputation.

I would recommend to consider their products. At least everything except the image one on ear. That was their worst product ever. Completely out of the norm for them

802s from Bose were awesome from what I understand. Everything afterwards not so much.

Something else to consider for a DP is the Bose Live Sound series of products. People seem very happy with these. And they do publish technical specs for them. They are expensive ($1K and up). The L1 Compact should work well in the home as well as for small gigs.

For information about these:
http://www.bose.com/controller?url=/shop_online/speakers/portable_amplification_systems/index.jsp

For tech specs:
http://toonz.ca/bose/wiki/index.php?title=Downloads#Compact

I just got offline with a BOSE rep and after describing my interest, he suggested the L1. I looked into it and it looks good. Of course, everything looks good but what matters is how it sounds and that can only be determined by trying it.

So, I think I just might do it.

Thanks for the suggestion.

As I said, if you really like the sound ignore me.

Just make sure to try before u buy.

I have had the Bose L1 Compact for about a year. Got it at Guitar Center for $1K minus 15% holiday discount and old PA speaker trade-in.

For my current casual gigging -- solo keyboard, accompanyng vocals or as sideman with jazz quartet or quintet, the L1 sounds good loud and is never overtaxed. Peerlessly fast and lightweight to schlep and set-up-tear-down, and with piston array column I never have had any feedback or audibility or coverage problems, even outdoors.

The two main cons are: (1) way overpriced even with my discounts. (2) in line level mode there is only a volume control, no e.q., reverb or effects; you must use those on your keyboard, or I recommend, depending on the quality of the sum-to-mono capability of your keyboard's "audio out", a stereo direct box or a mixer (I use a 4-channel Chinese-made Mackie, not the best but perfectly adequate).