I know Bose doesn't give info on upcoming models, but maybe I missed something. I am waiting on a model 3 with increased power, Bluetooth ability, etc. I have recently sold my systems (classic and a II) to use some higher powered speakers for larger gigs I do these days... but I long for a kickass model 3 that's up to modern power standards... anybody?
Hi Tom,
You are correct that we wouldn't provide information on any yet-to-be-released products.
The F1 products were created from a need for a portable system with more horsepower than what the L1 line provides, and shares some similar characteristics. It's not at all the same type of array, (you wouldn't also use them as monitors) though some L1 customers with heavier power requirements for live sound naturally progress to the F1 systems as a portable PA of choice.
Bluetooth can be a component of a mixer, and can be achieved with a Bluetooth adapter.
Thanks,
Chris J
Thanks Chris.. I'll pass on the F1... I like the PAS systems and setup- and even just got a new T-1 because I missed having it. With the modern day amps being so lightweight and powerful... I was hoping for an upgraded model 2 (even w just a new amplifiers perhaps with 500 watts to sub(s) and 500 to the array instead of the 250.) If something ever develops along that route, I'll be first in line to purchase ..
Hi Tom,
There's only so much drivers if that size can do regardless of amp power. Unless there's a breakthrough in electrostatic technology, the F1 is as small as you can get given the power it dishes out. I've been torn on the same issue with the F1, but at the end of the day, I'd rather stick with the sticks (L1). The only solution to more volume is add another L1 set. If you need Bluetooth, Bose and other audio manufacturers do make Bluetooth receivers. Easily connected directly to the L1 or T1.
Hey John.. I imagine 24 drivers carrying 250 watts that they could handle another few watts... The M2 has been in production now for 10 years w the same features and power - and now at a higher price point than it was in 2007. .... I just can't bring myself to buy the M2 package again for that price without some significant upgrades, especially power, even if the drivers have to be changed..
Hi Tom,
This is an interesting line of thought.
If we were to go way back in time (2003), the original L1® had three amplifiers. Two were dedicated to the Cylindrical Radiator® (250 watts to the top section, 250 watts to the bottom). The third amp was for B1s.
When the Model I was introduced, it looked almost identical but Bose made improvements to the efficiency of the Cylindrical Radiator® and powered it with a single 250 watt amplifier. There was a lot of controversy over this change but at least for me, the difference in output was indistinguishable.
Applying more power to the Cylindrical Radiator® may not make much difference to the volume. Bose has done an amazing job of getting more volume out of the bass system with the B2.
Other than changing the power amps, what changes would you like to see in a next generation L1®?
Thanks,
ST
@ST Actually just some more power is really my most wished improvement. I gig full time, and often profusely. When I was using the Classic then the M2, (and then later bought a used M1), there were a number of times where they were just short of being enough for the gig, and I would either bring both or supplement with a powered speaker. To give full disclosure, a few yrs ago I heard somebody using a single QSC K10. I was very impressed, especially w the 32 pounds. So I bought a couple because I love to buy new stuff. After a few uses I was so impressed that I sold the Bose systems. I did an outdoor gig and a single k10 covered more area (though not quite like the near 180degrees of the M2). However, when self monitoring in a single act, a loud single speaker in your ear can be uncomfortable, which was never a prob w the bose, where only a few of the small drivers were hitting me. All in all, I crave an M2 again... I like the current 15% thing going on, but its just a bit short of what I want to spend for the same product I had from 2007-2014. I also bought a Mackie Reach which has some incredible features but is underpowered (the 620 watts to the forward facing speakers/drivers isvery misleading). The Bluetooth mixing / EQ / effects control via iPad or on the speaker itself is a feature I'd love to see on the Bose... but the T1, of which I bought a new one a few days ago, is unbeatable, even though its a 10 yrs running.... whew my typing fingers are tired LOL
Hi Tom,
I know what you mean. But there really is only so much you can do in the volume of space that the cylinder takes up using traditional speakers. Again, short of a breakthrough in electrostatic speaker technology, I don't see higher wattage making any significant difference in volume (since we want more volume, not just watts consumed)
There's only one speaker that I've heard that I actually liked more than the L1. It's the HK Elements (which is a copy of the L1) and even then, it costs almost 2x the price of the M2 and is significantly larger and heavier.
I remember when ALL the other speaker companies were ragging on Bose for making a micro array (same as when they first made the satellite/sub combo mainstream) and they were all saying it should never be done blah blah blah... and now, JBL, HK, and others have an almost exact copy of the L1 family.
Now, the HK Elements might be what you're looking for. I checked it out, but at 80lbs for the sub section... no, sorry. But that defeated the purpose of me getting the L1 to begin with.
The HK is 600 watts for the sub, and 600 watts for the array drivers. You might want to check that out. It's approx $1100 for the sub section and $2200 for the array section (it breaks into 5, 4 array sections and 1 amp section) so that comes up to $3300 for one set of the HK Elements line array w/ sub. (Ok, maybe not 2x the price)
Hi John,
What's the tie-in to electrostatic speaker technology? Our L1s (Classic/Model I and Model II) use 24 individual drivers.
ST
Tom, John
Other than changing the power amps, what changes would you like to see in a next generation L1®?
ST