She’s been with me for seven years now, averaging 3-5 gigs a week in all sorts of scenarios - indoor, outdoor, big rooms, smoky rooms, auditoriums. We’ve been rained on together, leaned on, fallen in to, dropped on pavement, repeatedly baked in the sun and frozen in the back of my truck - still kickin’ - BUT,
I think the heavy workload is starting to take its toll on my L1 (2 B1s plus a 1000 watt QSC K-SUB). Channel 2 is intermittently crackling when I plug another singer in, plus I think it’s just starting to lose lustre.
I think it’s time to retire the L1 from regular active duty and replace it with either a NEW L1 Classic, or the Model II. I once bought a ToneMatch for my system but it didn’t turn me on. Sounded too digital, so I returned it. After reading up on the Model II, I’m left feeling it’s not all that big of an improvement over the Classic. I want to be wrong about this. I want to have the improved portability and the wider dispersion (although that’s probably not even a noticeable improvement), and just to simply have something new.
Can anyone convince me that the Model II is the superior choice?
BTW, I’m a solo acoustic/vox act with no backing tracks, heavy percussive fingerstyle and I often hire a percussionist or harmony vocalist for gigs. It’s all I do for a living, and I want the best. I already know it’s Bose, but which one?
PS - definitely not the Compact.
Hi gvlive,
You’re in North America, so you can purchase direct from Bose and return your purchase within 45 days if you are not happy.
You already know what it is to live with the Classic/Model I. Why not try the Model II (but you will need a T1® to go with it to have Presets)? If it turns out not to be a keeper, then you will have at least explored the option.
I have a Classic and Model II and a Compact. If I had to have only one, it would be the Model II.
The wider dispersion is definitely noticeable and I enjoy that every time I use my Model II.
But my opinion about this isn’t important. It is an expression of my experience using all of the L1®s as a soloist, duo, in bands, running Showcase / Jams and Open Mic shows. But what does matter is your opinion, and I’m just encouraging you to check it out in your environment, at your shows.
ST
… from Bose
Returning an order
Satisfaction is guaranteed on all Bose® products purchased by consumers directly from Bose. We want you to be thrilled, so if you’re not satisfied with your purchase for any reason, simply return it within the 30-day* trial period for a full refund.
*45 days for L1® systems.
— Source - Bose Returns
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Hi again GV,
I completely forgot…
If you think that your Classic is not performing up to snuff, call L1® Support and see what they can do for you. They do repairs out of warranty. Last time I checked you can get a Classic it completely completely serviced and returned to you with an one year warranty for a reasonable flat fee.
That will be a lot less money, and may be good option for you. The call is free and you can find out first hand what your options are.
Call Bose® Product & Technical Support at (877) 335-2673 (U.S. and Canada only)
Monday-Friday: 8:30 AM - 9:00 PM ET
Saturday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM ET
Currently no support available on Sunday