Another reason & I have a few, I didn't like using the Both Bose systems I had is that I perform at many big venues with 300-400 people many times "without a stage" so I'm setup at ground level,.... the shortness of Both Bose poles isn't "high enough" versus my powered speakers being on high Poles to cover the back of the room as the sound gets LOST within the absorption of the crowds. I use to get many complaints that people in the back couldn't hear as well. lets face it the Bose is a very expensive sound system in mono & double the expense in stereo or even more with extra subs, ......some people like it, ....and some don't, no big deal, it's not a "cure all" for every musicians needs, versus so many other great PA Systems on the market.
Don't use the hype....use your ears!

Funny, I never got that complaint with the Bose L1, even with huge audiences of nearly 1,000 drunken tuna and marlin anglers in a big top tent. The only time I ever got that complaint was when I was using a conventional sound system because of the falloff. When I was using a conventional system, the folks close to the speakers were subjected to ear bleed volumes in order for the people in the back of the room to hear at a reasonable level. That was I had a pair of Barbetta Sona 32SC's on poles. Had the same problem, plus distortion, using the Peavey 600XF powered stereo mixer with a pair of SP5G's on poles. I still have a Barbetta sitting in the music storeroom just in case someone wants to borrow a PA system because their broke down.

Cheers,

Gary

Gary we can argue till the cows come home you will never convince me to ever use a bose system on stage again ever.

I'm glad of that, Donny - I don't want you to sound as good as me.

See ya soon,

Gary

I've been using the Bose L1 system since it became available. Like Gary, I used a plethora of sound systems over the years and like the Bose sound best. I traded the now “Classic” system for the Model 1. I have not considered the Model 2 because I like using the remote not available with the new Model. As was mentioned above, the Compact is adequate for 95% of my gigs. For large or outdoor venues I use the Model 1 with up to 2 B1 speakers. With that set up, I have filled football field size venues with clear sound. I’ll be using the big L1 system this Sunday for the St. Anthony Italian Festival in Wilmington, De. If I were sure that 2 Compacts would cover the larger and outdoor venues, I would certainly go that route … (be nice if you could daisy a B1 to a Compact)
Ciao,
Jerry

Lots of good thoughts here. We do have two compacts and that has worked so far.

I'm pretty sure I'll send the L1 Model II shipment back to Sweetwater..

Seems though now I'm hearing I'll end up paying shipping both ways...pushing $180. Expensive lesson learned.

I just did a concert at Hiss United Methodist Church on March 22nd and for this one I only used 1 Bose Compact. There were about 125 people there and if filled the church beautifully. This is an old church with a very high ceiling and the coverage was excellent. On 2 previous concerts there I use both Bose units but I was amazed at what I got using just one. Again, if I could point to just one thing, that would be clarity. The sound is so crisp and precise and it never sounds like too much amplification.

Joe

Earlier this spring I was pleased to see that I could rent a new Bose system for $69 a month. I thought for that amount I could afford to give the Compact system a long look and find out what everyone was talking about. Towards the end of the month I had to perform for a big seniors birthday celebration with about 150 people. The venue was a church sanctuary with high ceilings. I was concerned about the Bose's ability to cover the large space. When I was packing up a woman who had been sitting right in the back came up and told me that she had really enjoyed my original song. That told me that my new Bose system was carrying the room. That was enough to convince me to make the purchase. I've never regretted it as I get the best sound I've ever heard with the system just over my shoulder or to the side.
Expensive but great quality!

God Bless,
Don

Thanks for all the insights and comments. I sent the L1 Model II back to Sweetwater. It's going to cost me shipping both ways; close to $180 but better that than buy a $2,500 system I may not need.

Live and learn.

Bose PAS = Personal Audio System....I believe it was never intended to be used as a full force PA system but rather a "personal close up monitoring system" to be used by EACH player in a band situation etc,...but somehow it was misconstrued and made to think by some as a Full Blown PA system & here lies the problem for me when I hear it used.........
Those are my thoughts and I am sticking to it.