Bose L1

All you folks have convinced me to consider the Bose L1. Here is my question L1 model 1 or L1 Model 2?
There is a pair of both on Ebay. They do not have the base (bottom plug in piece) unit, just speaker?? Can you purchase the base units? After checking out the info on the Bose web site it appears I can easily use my powered sub and would not need to get the Bose. So, all I need is the two L1's plug my PA2x output L in 1 and output R into the other, Sub out into my powered sub and away I go!!! Anyone see aproblem with any of this.

Thanks

Post the link to Ebay so we can look at the advertisement. Without the base unit, the speakers and sub are pretty much worthless--you need the base unit--it's the amp.

Gary

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Travlin' Easy

I have had the L1 Classic for a couple of years without a problem. When I first got it, I chose to do the same as you, in that I had a Z5500 sub. It worked, but it didn't sound as good as on my old setup. I ordered a Bose sub right away and the difference was astounding. The reason is that the Bose sub becomes a part of the entire system when connected(crossover). I would say try yours, but it won't be the fault of the Bose if it is not to your liking.

As far as I or II is conscerned, there are pro's and cons. The model I, or Classic, has four inputs on the base unit, and does not need a Tonematch. I have one anyway, for additional functionality. Some say the spread is wider on the model II, but not that much. Some say the sound is better, but the tech boys at the Bose forum dispute that.

I, obviously, think you are going in the right direction with a Bose, the particulars are up to you.

Good luck
Bernie

Good catch Gary. I was thinking B1 sub, not the base unit.

I saw a thread on the Bose forum mentioning $500 for one of theit returned base units.
http://bose.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/778102955/m/1851051113?r=1851051113#1851051113

Used Bose are down to earth pricing..compared to selling at list price..I was just told Guitar Center puts a value of $500 for the Bose PAS..and hopefully , out the door price at $1,000..

This is standard logic..25 cents on the dollar for wholesale [dealer cost]...and double the investment for retail...

Here is the link for ebay http://cgi.ebay.com/BOSE-L1-MODEL-I-SPEA...1QQcmdZViewItem

according to the picture shown there you are bidding on a box that sez Bose on it. I sure hope it isn't an empty box
Bebop

Buyer BEWARE....look at all the NEGATIVES & just a Box?

The ad says it all--Speakers Only. Then it says One Speaker, which is really weird because you need both segments of the tower assembly--not just one. And, the speakers are pretty much worthless without the base unit, which contains the mixer/amp.

Fran,

If you find a complete, used, Bose L1, in working condition, including a single sub, anywhere in this part of the world for $500 I'll buy it. You know my phone number--give me a call with the location and I'll be out the door before you hang up.

Gary

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Travlin' Easy

Gary, that was a quote from a GC manager..and the pricing is in line with other products...$500 is the GC buying offer price...they will earn a return on their investment..hopefully at $1,000..

It I hear of any deals I will give you a heads up..

Maybe , on second thought..I should consider reselling any deals I come across...while the Bose are still hot at list price..

I wouldn't walk away from this Ebay offer. I would RUN!

Anyone thinking of buying a Bose L1 (I or II) is well advised not to buy without having seen or tried one first. The question on the Ebay listing about needing a stand to put the speakers on tells you right off, this guy knows nothing about Bose and could get the hose.

Best bet: Buy on the 45-day trial from Bose. Or, if used, from someone you know and trust.

As for the Ebay listing: Nice box...but a little pricey for cardboard.

Eddie

This guy lives near the Bose repair center and sells all kinds of Bose Units, all returns or remanufactured .
For those interested I had to send in my base unit due to an accident.
For 250 they check it all out, fix whatever is wrong, update the unit, bring it back to factory specs and give you a new 1 year warranty and
ship it back to you return shipping is included it cost me 25 bucks to ship to them.
I had it back a week after it left my door and that included a holiday in there.

[This message has been edited by mikeathome1 (edited 04-06-2008).]

Run, run, run. That eBay deal is NO DEAL.
There is a concern about using external subs with the model ll that is different from the original PAS. When you don't use the Bose B1 cabinet, the crossover point is almost doubled, so you get a very different response from the tower. I'm sure this is to protect the tiny tower speakers from an inexperienced user that thinks he knows more about bass than the Bose team.
Be careful about buying "pieces" of a system. The pedestal unit is integral, as many have said b4. The Model ll towers do NOT fit the Model l pedestal either.

We ended up with the Mod II The speakers are arrayed and right angles to each other in the tower. The system is lighter and the Tone Match is a must.

Dealer cost is $2000 Retail is 2998.00 All dealer have to sell at retail which keeps the used prices up. They go very fast on Ebay and for only $500 less than cost.

$500 from gutar Center for a $2000 system is highway robbery, One can easily get $1300-$1500 for a used L1 Mod I sys with sub.

A lot of us have worked in music stores and that 500 price being talked about is what I call the "pawn shop" price,
a guy walks in and wants to sell his gear right now for cash.
You make him a ridiculous offer to see how desperate he is.
We've all done that bought something we don't need or want just because the deal is too good to pass up, haven't we?

I just sold a 3 year old Bose L1 with bass on Craigslist, $1475.
I wanted a local sale the buyer wanted to buy local was online for 2 days.
That's like selling it on ebay for 1600.

[

[This message has been edited by mikeathome1 (edited 04-07-2008).]

Thanks to all for the terrific input!!!

I am always looking for the "Deal of a Lifetime!! (Aren't we all).

There is another Ebay deal for a L1 system, looks like something worth bidding on.
http://cgi.ebay.com/BOSE-L1-with-SPEAKER...1QQcmdZViewItem

Question .... If you wanted to have 2 towers (Stereo) and 1 B1 unit,would that work or would 2 B1's be needed to "Balance" the sound??

JC,

I would think you would need a pair of identical systems, including subs, to get the proper balance.

Good Luck,

Gary

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Travlin' Easy

Although the B1 has dual Neutrix outputs, and you can buy long B1 cables.

I wonder

That Ebay system is not stereo as there seems to be only one amp. I will bet that system goes for $2000 or very close to it. There is a huge demand for these systems on the second hand market. They truly hold their value better than most in this category. Thanks to BOSE not using inflated retail and low MAP pricing. Everyone pays the same. If the dealer discounts the system they will lose the dealership. Not too many want to do that making a guaranteed and protected 33% margin on every $3000 set up.

I just sold my Logitech Z5500 which to me sounds better then my friends Bose pas system, it has more warmth and depth...the Bose sounds thin at a distance.
Has anyone used the Logitech
Z Cinéma Advanced Surround Sound System 2.1
less wires and hopefully a great sound....you could buy 10 of these systems compared to the Bose.
http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/speakers_audio/home_pc_speakers/devices/3712&cl=us,en

You can't be serious. You play in clubs and events with the computer speakers?

Sweet..

Its a great thing for you financially if you find the Logitech better....

Hi Kingfrog....No I am not a pro gigging musician....but just a home player for now. I was referring to a friend of mine who uses the Bose PAS on stage & is amazed at the sound of the Logitechs at 1/10th the price.
I know they are PC speakers but many here recomend them that why I bought them also.

Hey guys[junior members]...be kind to each other..

We don't need another Ian/Diki duel..

Diki and I do not "duel".....we "discuss" at an elevated level!

John. I can honestly say if your friend's Bose lost warmth and depth or sounded thin at a distance, your friend has not set up the gain staging properly or found the right pre-set, if it is a Model I.

A friend of mine who owns 2 units thought the same thing, until I showed him how to set it up. Also...some rooms benefit from different pre-sets depending on accoustics.

There is a wealth of info on the Bose site.

Eddie

John,

I was among the first to take the Logitech speakers into the restaurant/niteclub circuit, and it all began with the Z-2200 system. From there it progressed to the Z-5500 system, which is far superior. It's an outstanding system for audiences to 125 people and the sound quality is beyond belief.

The system was orriginally designed for gamers, then progressed to the 5.1-surround-sound system for home theaters. Currently, there are hundreds of performers using them with outstanding results and rave reviews from their audiences. The only folks that down the Z-5500 system are those that have never used them, or they are just too lazy to hook up the 5 satellite speakers. In the next few months I'll be permenantly installing at least two Z-5500 systems in niteclub/restaurant settings for local musicians. The club owners, after hearing the Z-5500 for the first time said it was the best sounds they've ever heard.

As with any sound system, I strongly suggest buying from a retailer with a liberal return policy. Then, if you do not like what you hear, take it back for a full refund.

Good Luck,

Gary

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Travlin' Easy

STOP !

Stop your wondering! Those two connections on the B1 are paralell jacks. You CANNOT plug two powered signals into each. That would be like connecting 2 garden hoses and turning on the water. You WILL fry both amps.

ONE amp per cabinet. ( or 2 cabinets if you are so inclined ) NEVER, NEVER, NEVER multiple amps into one cabinet.

Whew......hope no one tried that !

Oh I see. LOL. Yeah I have a Klipsh 2.1 systems at home on the computers and yeah in that environment even they are comparable to the Bose. Thats what i like about the Bose. they sound like Huge HiFi speakers rather then a PA.

Have you every played your KB thru your Klipsh 2.1 system. Is it better then the Logitech?