I had the opportunity to hear Bill Corfield play a NH set with his T2 and Bose L1 w/sub and was totally impressed with everything I heard. The Bose was tight and the bass was surprisingly strong. Bill also uses a ToneMatch module for his setup, which he says really makes a big difference. It's a great sound for $2000+.
OTOH, it comes in four pieces - the two columns, the base and the sub, not including the ToneMatch. Each piece is substantial in weight, at least 25 lbs each. The base is the heaviest and bulkiest. I have a Mackie 808s powred mixer that is no heavier than the base and two 300i speakers that are only somewhat heavier than the columns. I also have a padded nylon bag for the speaker stands. Total cost under $2000.
So what's the fuss. No fuss, just wanted to show that a good, regular system does not have to be big, heavy or unmanageable AND that the Bose L1 system is not really that light - it is more compact on stage.
Is the Bose system better than a regular style PA? That's a very subjective question. I will say that the Bose is a premier system, sounds great and I certainly would not refuse one.
[This message has been edited by cassp (edited 08-01-2009).]