As Cassp said, the input device must be properly EQ'd, which is something the kids working at GC don't have a clue about.

First and foremost, there are no EQ settings on the Bose L1 Compact other than the two-band EQ used for the auxiliary mic input. Therefore, the system is essentially flat. However, it comes alive with all the highs, lows and MIDS that anyone could ask for when the system is fed from a device that has the ability to set and amplify those individual frequency ranges.

And, you DO NOT need to purchase an expensive Tonematch from Bose to obtain outstanding results. If your keyboard or other playback device does not have the ability to further amplify and tune those EQs, you can use something as inexpensive as the Alesis 6FX, which sells for just under $100. Granted, it is not as clean as the Bose Tonematch, but it still provides outstanding results, and it's $400 less expensive.

Testing any sound system in a store such as GC, and assuming that's what you'll hear at every venue, just doesn't make good sense. If I could think of the worst possible location to test a sound system it would be inside a music store--nothing could be worse. Fortunately, with Bose, you get the same 45-day return policy regardless of where you purchase it. Therefore, I urge anyone that is considering an upgrade to the Bose L1 Compact to take the plunge, take the system home, set it up, then tear it down and TAKE IT TO A LARGE HALL, VFW, AMERICAN LEGION, K-of-C, someplace where you can put it to the acid test.

Try it out in front of an audience, get their opinion, the opinions of other musicians and entertainers. Create a high-quality midi file on YOUR keyboard, play it through the system while walking around the various venues, set the EQs accordingly, and walk the venue again. I done this with nearly every sound system I've ever purchased and it was among the best tests if musical equipment that can be done--IT WORKS!

Finally, if YOU DO NOT like what you hear, take the system back for a full refund--no questions asked. Now, that's one hell of a deal.

Gary