Bose LII with T1 and 2 bass modules

If you're reading this review I'm assuming you've visited Bose' website and know about this system.

Bose doesn't provide these type of tech specs, except size and weight. This is a big selling point for this system, the portability. Also a plus is that Bose includes carry bags for all pieces.

I planned to use this system using two vocal mics, acoustic guitar, Taylor 612ce, electric guitar processed through GNX4, and playing backing bass and drum tracks, mostly classic rock. I would be switching from acoustic to electric, not two guitars at the same time.

When I first plugged it in, I thought, I'm keeping this, even though it's $3500. But after the first day, I started to listen critically and tried the different presets for each input signal. Individually, the vocal mics sounded very smooth and the reverb and delays are excellent. I was also able to get great acoustic guitar sound. It's with the electric guitar and backing tracks that it starts to get troublesome. Under the DJ settings, there are three choices, flat, low volume, and high volume music. Flat, the system is weak and lacks drive. Selecting either low or high volume music, and bass boost is amazing, but all of a sudden, the bass guitar sound is about three steps in front of the drums and the midrange punch and body, especially for the snare, are lost. I may have been able to overcome this by re-eqing things but didn't get the chance, I'll explain shortly. Also, although the vocals sounded great individually, the vocals can easily get lost in the mix. It's as if the system is too high-fi, lacks the midrange as I mentioned, and can be difficult to hear in noisy environment.

Part of Bose claim is high output before feedback, but a curious thing happened. While performing the recommended firmware upgrade to the power stand, the system froze and I was unable to get any output. I called Bose and they were going to send me a replacement, no problem. I didn't freak out, I'd read about this problem in their forum. OK, so I got a few days til new base arrives. So I thought, what the hey, I'll set up my practice PA and see how it compares. This system is comprised of Behringer PMH518 powered mixer and pair of Wharfedale SVP-10 speakers. I set it up behind me, about 7 ft., just like Bose system recommends for the L1. It took a minor amount of tweaking, but what do you know, perceptably, I was easily able to acheive the same sound pressure levels as the Bose system. Not only that, but that midrange punch I was missing, magically reappeared. Granted this small system doesn't have the same bass output, and mic preamps aren't as clean, but I've ordered a powered sub to add, so we'll see how that affects the final outcome.

The portability of this system was a huge attraction for me. The system I ordered included the two L1 radiators, two bass modules, the power stand, and the T1 (six pieces). To set it up, insert two radiators into power stand, install T1 bracket, plug T1 into power stand, connect the two bass modules, plug in power, plus whatever inputs you have. On the plus, the max weight of any individual piece is about 25 lbs.

By comparison, the system I'll be using includes powered subwoofer, two SVP-10's, powered mixer, pole mount for SVP-10's and collapsible stand for the mixer (six pieces). To setup, expand mixer stand, mount pole and speakers on sub, plug in two speakers, and run line out from mixer to the sub, two power cords, plus all inputs. The SVP-10's weigh 22 lbs each, mixer 17 lbs., and the subwoofer is 43 lbs., easily handled by one person. In case you're wondering, the sub is a DB Technologies Sub 12 so you can look up the specs if you're interested. The pole mount for the SVP-10's is standard 35mm pole inserted into sub and I have Passport dual speaker mount on top so both satellite speakers are on one pole.

In summary, the carry in and setup time are about the same for each, and both systems fit in my Corolla.

I think the Bose system is great, there are plenty of wonderful features and I'm sure with more time I could've coaxed the sound I wanted out of it. On the downside, IMHO, I think Bose may be overstating the gain-before-feedback issue. As for the claim regarding more even sound distribution, I didn't test the theory, but for me, I don't see it as an issue. I'm a part-timer that plays small rooms of about 100 people, so I don't believe these rooms are large enough to really hear the difference.

The price is the real set back for this system. I was full time professional musician for many years, and if I were still in that game playing more varied rooms and crowd sizes, I would probably opt for the Bose system. But for semi-retired guy playing a few gigs here and there, I can't justify the cost difference for the Bose. I guess I didn't mention, the total cost for the comparison PA was $958.92. If the Bose were under $2000 for the system I've described, I think it would be a no-brainer, but $3500 is a lot of coin. I plan to get a new road bike (bicycle) and new set of irons with the money I've saved.