Infinity Classia Series C336 Loudspeaker Reviewed

Infinity is a company known for loudspeakers that combine attractive styling with high-tech driver design. The Classia C336 floor-standing loudspeaker is no exception. Its subtle yet distinctive visual elements give it a unique look that sets it apart from your basic rectangular box and it incorporates Infinity's top-of-the-line Ceramic Metal Matrix Diaphragm (CMMD) drivers for refined sonic performance.
The three-way Infinity Classia C336 is the top-of-the-line speaker in the Classia Series (the C205 bookshelf, CC225 center channel and C255ES surround speaker are also available). At $899 each suggested retail, the C336 is in the middle of the Infinity lineup, between the budget-priced Primus Series and the flagship Cascade Series. Measuring 48.5 inches high by eight-and-a-half inches wide by ten-and-a-half inches deep and weighing 56 pounds, the magnetically shielded C336 is substantial in size yet narrow enough to fit easily along a large-screen TV or into a dedicated stereo music system.
The C336 features three six-and-a-half-inch woofers, a four-inch midrange driver and a one-inch tweeter, recessed in a Constant Acoustic Impedance (CAI) waveguide that, according to Infinity, is designed to provide smooth high-frequency coverage both on and off axis. All of the drivers are constructed using Infinity Ceramic Metal Matrix Diaphragm (CMMD) technology, which utilizes driver cones that are made by anodizing a ceramic material to both sides of an aluminum core. This driver cone (and tweeter dome) construction combines light weight with high rigidity for reduced driver "overhang" and excellent resolution and transient response.
The C336 has a frequency response of 40Hz - 30kHz - no need to be concerned with rolled-off high frequencies with this speaker! - eight ohms nominal impedance, an easy-to-drive 91dB sensitivity and a recommended amplifier power range of ten watts to 250 watts. The speaker has two sets of screw-type binding posts, allowing for bi-wiring or bi-amping.
The Infinity Classia C336 has an elegant design, with a front baffle that curves, tapers and slopes into the top surface, and a choice of gloss black or cherry-wood finishes. The black grille has horizontal silver trim pieces across its top and bottom for an understated yet distinctive look; with the grilles off, the silver speaker cones and frames are contrasted against a black front baffle.
At $899 each, you'd expect excellent sound, and the C336 delivers. The CMMD drivers deliver superb low-level detail resolution and transient response. Agile response and relative freedom from sonic "blurring" contributes to the C336's outstanding imaging capability and ability to deliver a wide, deep, large-scale soundstage. Tonally, the C336 is one of the more neutral loudspeakers on the market, not artificially warmed up in the midbass, yet not forward or bright in the treble. Dynamic range is outstanding, although the three six-and-a-half-inch drivers aren't going to deliver the sheer grunt you'll get from larger drivers. Still, the speaker delivers plenty of dynamic punch, and the woofers, midrange and tweeter are exceptionally well integrated.
High Points
• The Classia C336 delivers superlative sound, with exceptional resolution and clarity, a smooth tonal balance and outstanding imaging and soundstaging.
• Because this is a full-range floor-stander and employs a trio of woofers, it can play at louder volumes with excellent dynamic impact.
• The speaker's elegant design and choice of gloss black or cherry-wood finishes lets it fit into, instead of stand out from, a room's furnishings.
• Although not inexpensive at almost $1,800 per pair, the C336 delivers true high-end sound quality and is deserving of top-shelf associated equipment.
Low Points
• This is a big floor-stander - not room-dominating, but still, more than four feet tall - so it's not going to fit into everyone's rooms or home entertainment systems.
• Although the C336 has low-frequency response to 40Hz, you may wish to consider your preferences if you want the home theater or musical impact that lower bass to 20Hz can provide.
• The speaker is superb-sounding, but it doesn't deliver the ultimate level of sonic performance that higher-end (and more expensive) speakers can provide.
Conclusion
The Infinity Classia C336 is a handsome-looking, exceptional-sounding floor-standing loudspeaker that gets you into high-end sonic territory. It offers superb resolution, a natural tonal balance and great dynamic range and presence. If you've got the room and the wherewithal, the Infinity Classia C336 should unquestionably be on your short list of under-$2,000 per pair loudspeakers to audition.

Klipsch Synergy F-1 Floorstanding Loudspeakers

Yet another interesting group of loudspeakers offered by Klipsch, the Synergy series offers 23 combined individual models and system packages, all at very affordable prices. The group stays mostly in the 'home' category, but it does offer one outdoor and one architectural model, as well.

The smallest of its three floorstanding loudspeakers, the F-1 ($550.00/pair MSRP) utilizes a 5-inch 90x60 Tractrix horn coupled to a 1-inch aluminum dome tweeter. The latest generation of its famous horn loudspeaker technology, Tractrix, according to the company, refines the shape of the horn to improve smoothness and detail. Horn manufacturers have had to refine their basic design in order to reduce the honkiness typically associated with horns, along with directionality and lack of dispersion. As the foundation of its horn philosophy, Klipsch believes in using as little amplifier power as possible when driving a loudspeaker, which keeps amplifier effort and distortion down. Like a cheerleader's bullhorn, Klipsch attaches a horn to the front of a driver to mechanically amplify its output, which offers some advantages in dynamics, distortion level, and overall volume capability. The tweeter crosses over at 2.1kHz to a 6.5-inch IMG (Injection Molded Graphite) woofer with rubber surrounds. A bass reflex design, the F-1 incorporates a front-firing port located at the bottom of the baffle to increase interaction with the floor to enhance bass response. The F-1 provides two sets of five-way binding posts for bi-wiring, nicely mounted on a plastic fitting that fits tightly into the cabinet. Measuring 36 inches high by 8 inches wide by 13.5 inches deep and weighing in at 40 pounds, the F-1 offers a surprising amount of heft for its relative small size and slim profile. The F-1 is finished in a black-ash vinyl finish with titanium accents, and offers an elegant look with its grills on and an aggressive one with them off. For the price, the fit and finish of the F-1 is very good.
Sound
The F-1 presents a nominal 8 ohm load with a 93dB efficiency. The speakers needed only average quality power sources to perform well, but upgrades in power quality did net some very small gains.
The F-1s threw a moderately wide soundstage with good imaging. It needed some more clarity in these areas, which gave the presentation a lack of air and speed overall. The sound seemed more 2D than 3D, although every now and then some space opened up well. The sweet spot also was on the small side. The F-1 had a pretty edgy top end with good detail but also a little too much forwardness. This was most evident on classical recordings, where the top end just carried things too much and revealed a shallow, thin midrange that lacked coherence and overall liquidity. On vocal tracks, the sound turned a little honky and slow, and piano material had good body but lacked musicality. The bass provided good impact and intensity, and was the best aspect of the F-1. While not particularly fast or tight, especially with large scale classical recordings, it complemented the intense top end well and somewhat rounded out the presentation with its thumping, bloomy qualities. The F-1s overall sonic profile best matched with rock and electronic material (and will likely with movies and games, as well), and handled high volumes very well. It tended to sound better with a little space away from walls, which kept the balance leaner.
High Points
• The F-1 offers a dynamic, driving sound that delivers best with rock and electronic material.
• The F-1 sounds good at high volumes, and could fill some medium sized rooms.
• The F-1 doesn't require high power to perform optimally.
Low Points
• The F-1's top end was too hot overall, its midrange lacked body, speed and coherence, and its bass needed more tightness and impact.
• The F-1 didn't sound particularly musical, with the negatives of its individual parts detracting too much from the presentation and robbing it of overall coherence.
• The F-1 only comes in Black, and looks a little aggressive when grill-less.
Conclusion
The Klipsch F-1 offers some interesting features like bi-wiring capability and a slim profile with a contemporary look, but its overall sound lets it down. The F-1 just didn't sound very coherent - you hear a certain collection of sounds, not a synergistic piece of music. This is due to the individual flaws of various frequency sections, and the design's inability to satisfactorily bring together the hot tweeter, shallow midrange, and thumping bass to deliver enough musicality for a recommendation. On the positive side, it plays loud, sounds good enough with rock and electronic material, looks nice, and is put together well. But if you need something a little bit more, other products in the category might offer a better fit.

from:  HomeTheaterReview.com

Definitive Technology BP7004 Floorstanding Loudspeakers Reviewed

One of the more impressive success stories of high-end audio, Definitive Technology, headed by Sandy Gross and founded 1990, steadily rose through the ranks of the loudspeaker category with its unique blend of high performance design, targeted marketing, and superb consistency. Definitive rightly latched onto the then-budding concept of home theater and not only tailored its designs toward that market, but invented a number of innovative, and sometimes patented, technologies that would forever change it, such as the side-firing powered subwoofer. Eventually, in late 2004, Directed Technologies, the world's largest vehicle-security and remote-start company and owner of the Viper, Clifford, Orion, a/d/s, Precision Power, and Python brands (among others), bought Definitive as its entry into home audio and home theater and has kept the brand's standards high.
Part of its BiPolar series featuring five "Supertower" floorstanding designs with built-in powered subwoofers, three passive floorstanding bipolar designs, and four surround designs, the BP7004 ($849.00 each, MSRP) is the second smallest of the five Supertower models. As a bipolar design, it features one front and rear driver array, each utilizing one high-definition cast-basket 5.25-inch bass/midrange driver coupled to a 1-inch annealed Pure Aluminum dome tweeter. For the low end, the BP7004 employs one patented 10-inch side-firing subwoofer driven by a 300-Watt class D amplifier, and two pressure-coupled 10-inch Low Bass passive radiators. The tweeters and midranges are mounted on a slim baffle to reduce diffraction, which is lowered further by the BP7004's rounded, grill-less monocoque cabinet covered by a black sock. The rock-solid cabinet, made from medite, features extensive bracing and damping to reduce internal standing waves. The cabinet is topped by a thick top plate finished in gloss black. Measuring 42.25 inches high by 6.625 inches wide by 13 inches deep and weighing 59 pounds, the BP7004 stays stealth due to its slim and not too deep profile but is still a relatively big speaker that weighs even more than its size would suggest. The back panel integrates beautifully into the cabinet and features a pair of five-way, gold-plated binding posts, a single RCA input for LFE signals, and a subwoofer volume control. The BP7004 provides stabilizer bars and a spiking kit to facilitate placement on most floor surfaces. The fit and finish of the BP7004 is amongst the best in its class, and the parts quality is equally superb. Watch out for the sock covering the cabinet, however - it's a little on the thin side, and could wear out fast in high-traffic environments. It also doesn't come off, which may not appeal to those wanting the last shred of fidelity.
Sound
The BP7004 was evaluated with no LFE input and the subwoofers facing inward, using only music sources. Even with the powered subwoofers handling the low bass, the BP7004 still needed good quality power to sound its best. Average quality power sources didn't come close to driving it properly.
The BP7004 immediately impressed with its extremely wide, spacious soundstage offering exceptional depth and solid imaging. The typical big Definitive sound seemed even bigger with this speaker, with lots of air and ambience. The top end provided a nice complement to the big, spacious sound, with terrific attack and presence with rock and electronic material and just enough detail and speed to keep things musical with large scale classical tracks. While acoustic material sounded a bit light and recessed on the top, the BP7004 still got the job done overall here, mainly because of its very good soundstaging and imaging. The BP7004 transitioned very well into the midrange, keeping things detailed and meaty on heavy rock vocal tracks and more aggressive piano material. Vocals overall had great bite and attack, especially with harder material, with opera and classical piano needing just a bit more warmth and substance. As with the BP7006, the BP7004's bass is simply fantastic, with oodles of power, punch, depth, and warmth. Its self-powered nature is very evident as it effortlessly just ticks off bass parts with ease, never seeming to struggle. This part of the design sums up the essence of the whole. Clearly designed for home theater and more electronic material, it easily absorbs the dynamic requirements of that type of material and flourishes. While it also sounds very good with acoustic material within critical listening, it imposes on it its overall character that almost requires force to position everything properly. With only smaller, more intimate material to reproduce, it tends to lack speed, pacing, and the last bit of musicality, especially if the amp is lacking...certainly enjoyable in these situations, but just not entirely natural. The BP7004 sounds much better with space around it, and, while it could play very loudly with little breakup, the amp required to do so needs to be of high quality.
High Points
• The BP7004 sounds positively huge, with terrific soundstaging and imaging.
• The BP7004 sounds good over all types of material, but excels with rock and electronic music, where its blend of light, crisp treble, smooth midrange, and mountains of thudding bass fit perfectly.
• The BP7004's bass easily ranks with the best in its class, with power, speed, and punch to spare.
• The BP7004 offers build quality, parts selection, and cosmetics on par with speakers costing much more.
Low Points
• The BP7004's top end and midrange are a bit laid back and shallow and sometimes get lost amidst the fabulous bass, the end result of which matches well with rock and electronic material but makes classical and jazz material lack the last bit of musicality.
• The BP7004 needs space around it to sound its best.
• The BP7004 needs a good quality power source to perform optimally.
Conclusion
Above all else, the BP7004 offers a tremendous amount of value. At considerably less than $2k, you get sound way bigger than its size would provide with most other designs, superb low end that wonderfully complements the huge sound, and a powered subwoofer that should save some dollars and maybe even raise the bar on the power side. As with its little brother, the BP7006, it isn't the last word in transparency or musicality, but neither is anything else at its price. More importantly, its sonic signature sounds good over all types of music and will likely handle home theater and multimedia with gusto. It's affordable, versatile, and looks great. After that, it comes down to personal taste and budget constraints. Given the variety of source material making its way into home entertainment command centers these days, the BP7004 will not be running out of customers anytime soon, and that's what successful products are all about.

Acoustic Zen Adagio Loudspeakers

The Adagio speakers are made by Acoustic Zen, a company known in audiophile circles as the makers of premium audio cables. The Adagio series of speakers is Acoustic Zen's smallest and least expensive line of speakers. There are two versions of the Acoustic Zen Adagio, the standard Adagio and the Adagio, Jr. The speakers are very similar, with the standard version being a floor standing speaker and the Adagio, Jr. being a large stand mounted design. The Adagio retails for $4,300, this is a competitive price range that has many good speaker choices to choose from. For a speaker to survive in this category it needs to be very good.
The Adagio samples I received were finished in a furniture grade burled walnut finish and measured 48 inches tall, 13 inches deep and nine inches wide. They weigh 78 pounds each. The Adagio's driver array consists of a pair of six and one-half inch cones vertically flanking a one and one-half inch circular ribbon tweeter in a classic D'Appolito array. The mid-woofers are mounted on baffles which increase the effective thickness of the MDF cabinet to approximately two inches while helping to time and phase align the drivers. The bottom of the Adagio's front panel features a large port for the transmission line. Frequency response is 30Hz to 25kHz, with a sensitivity of 89 dB/1Watt/1meter. The MDF cabinets feature curved side panels and a narrower rear panel. This design is said to reduce internal reflections.
The custom made six and one-half inch midrange-woofers feature ceramic impregnated fabric cones and feature an "under hung" design. This same basic design is used by many other high end speaker manufacturers including Wilson and THIEL. This design has a short voice coil that moves in a long magnetic gap. This design is capable of reducing distortion by up to 95%. Robert Lee, the chief engineer of Acoustic Zen designed the one and one-half inch circular ribbon tweeter which is made from an extremely thin layer of kapton. Robert Lee states that kapton remains thermally stable so as to minimize distortion and maximize linearity no matter how much power is being used. The Adagio's feature a single set of binding posts as the internal wiring is Acoustic Zen's own Satori cabling which is of higher quality than the cable most would use for bi-wiring these speakers.
The frequency extension, at both ends of the spectrum, and the performance levels at these extremes was quite good. The ribbon tweeter struck the careful balance of detail and presence without being irritating and the bass was surprisingly solid and deep for the modest size of the drivers and cabinet.
High Points
• The cabinets are solid and their aesthetics are of furniture grade quality. They look simply fantastic.
• The drivers feature advanced designs and are custom made for Acoustic Zen.
• The Adagio's are capable of deep and solid low frequency reproduction despite their relatively small size.
Low Points
• Their sonic presentation has a slightly forward high frequencies for my tastes when matched with the electronics that I own. The Adagios would be well matched with tube electronics from the likes of Conrad Johnson, Audio Research and or Cary
• If found the Acoustic Zen Adagios to take dozens and dozens of hours to break-in thus getting to their full potential. I recommend running a CD for hours while you are gone.
Conclusion
I was surprised by the Adagio's level of performance at their price. When I first saw these modestly sized, fairly traditional looking speakers I was not expecting them to be able to perform to the level that they have achieved. Acoustic Zen has managed to balance the ribbon tweeter to bring out the nuanced highs that provide for detail and a sense of airiness while keeping the ribbon properly damped to prevent any harshness or ringing. No easy feat. The woofers also performed beyond expectations providing deep and solid bass. Overall, this speaker system was at ease with both micro and macro-dynamics. Details did not get lost in busy mixes, instruments and voices sounded natural and unforced. I think you might very well fall in love with these speakers.

Bose 901 series

Purchased Series III in 1977 and was happy with them until surrounds disintegrated in 1999 - Bose swapped them for a Series VI. At that time I spent a year listening to other speakers and components and finally settled on some PMC FB1s (which have since been upgraded with the 1+ tweeter and accompanying crossovers and insulation). I gave the VIs to my sister and helped her set them up in her family room.

I love my FB1s but I did love the old 901s, too. Completely different sound, of course, but completely different philosophy and target market, too. I'm now hooked on the sound of the monitor-base FB1s, which I've integrated into a nice little PMC/Arcam home theatre setup. I do still enjoy listening to the VIs when I'm visiting my sister but only after checking any hi-fi snobbery at the door.

I would actually recommend the speakers for the "listening experience" (stress "when properly placed/set up"). Yeah, maybe they don't compare well to a pair of Revels or Wilsons or Thiels or PMCs from a critical aspect, but my PMC FB1s may not compare well to a lot of competitors, either. If I get too hung up on comparisons it won't be possible to enjoy anything because there's always going to be something bigger, something "better" ("better" in quotes because so much of listening is subjective).

The question you need to answer is, "Do you enjoy listening to them?" Listen and make your own decision. Ignore what so-called audiophiles tell you. "Beauty is in the ear of the beholder(?)"

There is no product hype associated with this product. In fact, there's a huge negative hype perpetuated by hi-fi snob wannabes. With all that bad press, there's a reason these are still big sellers, despite almost total lack of product advertising - People enjoy listening to them.

I love a good red wine but that doesn't mean I can't like beer as well. I love my current wife even though she isn't the best cook, doesn't have the biggest breasts, and isn't in line for a big inheritance.
Strengths:
I think somebody else described their sound as "natural" - Maybe not from a critical aspect, but I would agree with the overall effect/sound as being very natural and "spacious".
Impressive volume and power-handling capabilities, if that's your bag in this price range.

Weaknesses:
Forget about Home Theatre
Needs very specific placement/setup
Linear response? Hah - LInear, shminear...
Similar Products Used:
JBL L100, EPI 200, PSB Stratus Gold, Paradigm Reference Studio 100, Allison 10, Klipschorns (friends' systems)
PMC FB1+

Bose 701 series

Having read the reviews here, I'm not sure that most people have actually heard a Bose 701.1 in there own home. First of all they do sound much different than most speakers, because they are designed more like a musical insturment than like a "speaker" they have an amazing amount of bass so much so that on some songs I can just feel the bass in the air - very cool. As with most speakers placement is very important, with the side mounted midrange they really do need a side wall near by. Since they do not have a "powered" woofer they are never to boomy and the bass is never over done "like it is in most "powered" subs" if the music has a lot of bass you will hear lots of bass if it has a little bass you will hear a little base. As for the highs that is a matter of taste, I can listen to the 701.1's and just about any other bose product with the volume up to full blast without feeling ear strain! The highs are not overly bright "like almost all 'audiophile' speakers" which makes some people think they have weak highs. I have powered these speakers with 25, 80, and 100 watt amplifiers and they have sounded good with all of them (the 25 watt system is a 10 year old pioneer shelf system so it didn't get very loud) These speakers will literally "rattle the windows" when playing "Lowdown" as done by Jimmy Sommers They have a very "real" sound that no other speaker comes close to duplicating - my opinion. I tend to really like the "Bose" sound and I have yet to find an $800 speaker that sound as good as the 701.1 and anything costing less generally sounds like less. These speakers were a great design, and I was glad I got a pair before they ended production. For the record the 701.2 appears to have been discontinued already, but the 701.1 was sold for almost 10 years! others can say what they will, but not even Bose would make a speaker for 10 years if they were "crap" A very happy Bose owner!
Strengths:
Bass and Clarity
Weaknesses:
minimal placement options in very open rooms.
Similar Products Used:
Bose 201, 301, center channel, and AM-10 Love them all!

Bose 501 series

Its interesting that people rant like Bose is the devil or something.

Anyway, I find the 501 Series V speaker to be quite adequate. The mid range is a little muddy and in an unaltered state, the bass is somewhat lacking.

These speakers really like power though. Running around 150watts and equalized to taste, these speakers kick out some very pleasant sound. Bass is deep and rounded, and the highs are sweet without being too overbearing like some other high end audiophile stuff. Even the mid-end comes out nicely.

Soundstage is nice and the image is clear almost anywhere in the room.

One thing about Bose speakers in particular. And this is very important. They emit a unique sound. Soft and surrounding. Realistic sounding but not "accurate" realistic. Yeah.. Direct/Reflecting and stuff. What it comes down to is if you like that effect or not. Some do, some don't.

Another thing about the Bose speakers in the demo room. Its not going to be representative because most listening rooms don't do the reflective part of direct/reflecting so its going to sound really different in your house.

901's are still definitely better though.

I would rate these at three to four stars, but because of all the Bose Bashers, I'm going to rate them at five stars to try and balance out the overall rating.
Strengths:
Size, pleasant sound when set up with a good amp, nice imaging.
Weaknesses:
Quality of parts are not up to the retail asking price.
Similar Products Used:
There are other products that use Direct/Reflecting technology?

New Bose Lifestyle Home Entertainment Systems

Introducing Bose Unify Intelligent Integration System

Bose has introduced new Lifestyle V-Class and T-Class home theater systems, combining proprietary 5.1 surround sound with the new Bose Unify intelligent integration system -- a technology that overcomes much of the growing complexity of setting up and using home theater systems.
"Today, consumers have players for music, movies and video games, but getting them to work with their TV has become so difficult, they may avoid adding a home theater system altogether," said Doug Lankford, director of home theater product marketing for Bose Corporation. "Our new Lifestyle systems simplify the set up of multiple components, and transform everyday use: onscreen displays work seamlessly with just one remote, and selecting and switching between sources is done at the touch of a button. Unify technology finally breaks down the barrier between the equipment and the experience."
The Bose Unify Intelligent Integration System
Unify technology integrates software and hardware to deliver results.
With Unify technology, easy-to-follow steps are shown on the TV screen. They're written in plain language, even showing pictures of the right connector. The Lifestyle system console recommends the right cable to use, has smart inputs that sense when a connection is made, and confirms when the connection is successful.
The new Lifestyle V-Class and T-Class systems were designed to evolve with an owner's needs, accommodating up to six HD sources. The Lifestyle remote can operate virtually any entertainment device, including Blu-ray players, cable boxes, Digital Media Adapters, and new devices as they become available. Unlike conventional programming methods, there is no trial and error, no codes to enter. Simply aim a source remote at the Lifestyle system's console and follow basic onscreen instructions. Press a few buttons on the source remote, and Unify technology automatically programs the Lifestyle remote to operate the source.
Devices are listed onscreen as "Blu-ray player" or "Cable Box," rather than cryptic acronyms like "HDMI 1" or "COMPONENT 1." Choose one, and the source is ready to play. The Lifestyle remote's interface remains remarkably uncomplicated. It controls the most frequently used commands -- like "source" or "volume," while rarely used commands are found onscreen.
Inside the master box are five clearly labeled boxes. Finish setting up the contents of one, and go to the next, until the speakers and Acoustimass module are connected to the Lifestyle system's console, and the console is connected to the TV.
"Many of today's home entertainment systems are feature-rich, but if an owner can't access those features, they don't offer any real value," said Lankford. "The new Lifestyle systems deliver what's been missing in the market -- a truly simplified, high-quality home theater system."
Proprietary Bose 5.1 Surround Sound
The new Lifestyle V35, V25 and T20 systems feature exclusive Bose audio technologies to deliver theater-like surround sound from only five small speaker arrays and a hideaway Acoustimass module. Bose ADAPTiQ audio calibration technology analyzes and adjusts the system's sound to the size, shape and furnishings of any room, providing greater freedom for speaker placement.
The Lifestyle V-Class systems include Jewel Cube or Direct/Reflecting speaker arrays, a built-in AM/FM tuner, a dock for iPod, and a universal remote control with a two-line display to show what radio station or song is playing; there's no need to turn on the TV.
The Lifestyle T-Class systems include Direct/Reflecting or Virtually Invisible speaker arrays, and a universal remote control.
All systems include a control console for connection to sources and use automatic video upscaling for the highest resolution a TV can accept, up to 1080p via HDMI.

Bose 301 series

The build quality of the 301 comes up short of the standards set by many of its competitors. The knuckle rap test revealed a hollowish, much-too-alive sound. The dullish vinyl overwrap and somewhat cheap, push-pin speaker jacks don't suggest value, nor do the paper woofers and lightweight construction. Also, while offering the security of Automatic Speaker Protection circuitry, such an approach adds circuit complexity to the expected need for overall purity in signal reproduction.
Sound
The 301s present a scattered sonic presentation lacking clear focus. The 301s don't excel at any one aspect of the frequency band - the rolled-off highs, hollow midrange and muddy bass get smeared all over the soundstage and the loudspeakers themselves don't remotely disappear. Certainly, the 301s sound big, and even expansive at first, but the lack of real palpability hurts music playback, and even movies and games. Speaking of movies and games, the 301s are not magnetically shielded, meaning you must place them at least 24 inches from a television display (according to the manual). The rear-firing tweeter also mandates at least an 18-inch placement from walls, according to the manual, although the sound didn't seem to vary that much with lesser distances, down to at least half of that.
On the plus side, from a background music and casual listening perspective, the 301s do a credible job. The big sound and seemingly good sensitivity make it a good fit for that crowd - although it should be noted that I could not find the actual sensitivity specs (and frequency response, for that matter) anywhere.
Competition and Comparison
Please be sure to compare the Bose 301 speakers against the competition by reading our reviews for the Boston Acoustics CS 26 speakers and JBL's ES20BK speakers.  There is also information available on a wide variety of products in our Bookshelf Speakers section.
High Points
• The 301s throw very big sound with wide dispersion, which is pleasing to the listener.
• The 301s fit into many different decors, and come in Light Cherry or Black. These aren't the largest amount of finishes, but the ones they have are pretty good.
Low Points
• The Bose 301s offer sound lacking in focus and detail, as compared to more audiophile speakers in their price category.
• The soundstage smears and the overall sonic picture lacks coherence, musicality and palpability when compared directly with the likes of B&W, Paradigm, PSB, Orb Audio and many others in their price category.
• For movies and games, the lack of bass requires a subwoofer, and there is a possible need for inconvenient placement due to the lack of magnetic shielding. The last thing you want is to have your TV looking purple because of gaussing.
Conclusion
The Bose 301 provides big, expansive sound within a relatively small footprint, and fits into many space-conscious home environments. However, its sonic properties lack the raw frequency response, dynamics, imaging and soundstaging necessary for higher-end music listening or home theater applications. At a lifestyle level, you can be very happy with Bose 301s. For the critical listener, you can get a much more accurate, low-reaching, powerful speaker for the same money.