Hammer, I have no comment about using a mixer with a Bose unit I do not own one.
I find that a mixer makes things sound better, gives you the control at your fingertips --
My mic always goes into my mixer so that I have the control of my voice separate from the keyboard.
I can put my Laptop through it – this allows for compensating out puts and balance of sound.
My I-pod or whatever can balanced easily with a mixer.

I feel an EQ is a must, bass and treble controls run short of the mark.

Having given an A/B test with a cheaper or smaller mixer, namely a $125 Yamaha, I found there was a noticeable difference. With today’s discounts being offered I just saw a Mackie DFX6 mixer for $199, mine cost me $295 a year ago. The extra money is worth it.

John C.