Until recently, I had a pair of Bose L1 Compacts, never had a problem with the primary unit and the second unit was only used a handful of times for very large venues. Bose has a super service department, and yes, you will have to pay shipping one way, but in most instances, they will foot the bill for shipping back to you. Give them a call, and be sure to tell them that you are a full-time entertainer and they will provide you with very quick return time on your amp.

As for the Bose Compact failure rate, according to everything I've read, that rate is very, very low, much lower than any other PA system. The CM30s should be left at home - they just don't cut it, and that is based upon a one-time use at an outdoor party. The guy at the local music store told me they were nothing more than a practice amp for guitar players, and not to use them for the work that I did. He was right. After two songs on the CM30s, I plugged into the Bose Compact and continued for the remainder of the night and rocked the pool party. Additionally, I know a dozen DJs and KJs here that use the Bose L1 and L1 Compact and they've never had a problem. So, I believe the folks on the Bose forum that said the failure rate is very, very low, much lower than any other PA system.

Good Luck,

Gary