Hi Eric,
Last week I had a chance to listen to both units (L1 and elements sub box plus 2 mid/high speakers) side by side. They both sounded amazing but IMO different style of sounds.. The Bose is very smooth and well blended/balanced similar to their bose lifestyle home theatre systems except amplified. The HK had more grunt where the base and highs were more separated and cleaner sounding.. Both units are excellent in their own unique sounds and its each to their ears.. I opted for for a set of HKs , personally, better built German manufactured, (Bose is made in China) and very slick looking as well as being able to upgrade.
I test run the unit at home.. Loved every minute of it.. I traded a pair of JBL eons 515XT and 518sSub , and I believe is is a far better sounding set up and much more portable.
Regards, Ky