question about BOSE reputation

I've never heard that specific system but I'd be willing to bet a week's paycheck that you could come up with many better alternatives for the same money. I'll compare retail to retail even though Bose doesn't discount and almost every other line does, but you could buy the AVR-3801 ($1200), a series of five speakers from the PSB line with some floor-standers up front($800-ish), the matching center ($300-ish) and some small bookshelf speakers for the rear ($250). You have almost enough left to buy the Sony DVP-S9000ES ($1500), a cadillac of a DVD player with SACD capability and superb CD performance. Other speaker lines could be swapped in at the same prices, depending on taste (B&W, NHT, Infinity, Boston Accoustics).

Again, these are list prices - you could buy all of this for less than the retail prices quoted brand new, and you'll be hard-pressed to find the Bose system discounted (much) from the retail price you quote, so this is more than a fair comparison. Do some work, potentially buy used for at least part, and you can do WAY better. In any case, if you bought the system I outlined and a/b'd it with the Bose system, there's no question in my mind that you'd greatly favor the system above. -Kirk

My wife once demanded that we do something about those big speakers in the living room. At the time I was using a 20 year old system with Tandberg separates and B&W DM-14 speakers. Since she loves her music,I went down to the local electronics "boutique" and got their best Bose Lifestyle system and hooked it up. She loved the look. I turned it on and she made me take it back the very same day. No surprise. All looks and no sound. Fortunately I had already spoiled her with good sound, and later when I upgraded to a huge Amp and BIG speakers, I did not hear a word of complaint! Sometimes she says I am manipulative, but that's another story.

Wholeheartly agree with Khomas' above post. I think for $3700.00, you can purchase a FAR better system, especially if you are willing to purchase used equipment. Just by your questions and comments, I would like to offer the following advice and comments: Trying to build a system from scratch requires a little homework on your part ... what do I listen to? what percentage of the time would I expect to listen to music from my HT system? what are my listening/home theatre room dimensions and sonic characteristics, and how much power do I need? what features (component inputs, video switching, etc.) do I need? what upgrade paths in video/dvd or cd reproduction might I expect in next couple of years? A book that might help is Robert Harley's "The Complete Guide to High-End Audio"; $30.00 that is wisely spent. Before you go and start putting equipment together, do your homework, and then get out there to listen (and look) at equipment. Put together a short list. The questions on mixing and matching components can then be answered by the golden ears found here.