I guess I will post this here beings I don’t have the option of posting it under reviews.
Bose has received many accolades over the years for L1 system, and rightfully so. The concept of having your music behind you, and being able to hear what your audience hears is invaluable. The sound of the Bose is second to none in my opinion also.
But all of those awards could not be evaluated over the test of time. How reliable is this system over the long haul? Can you take the Bose L1 Model II out night after night, Year after year, and feel secure that it will perform for you every time? And to be fair, can you do that with any system? No you can’t! But with many other systems there is a work around to most failures. With the Bose, the “ONLY” thing you have any control over is the AC cord and any other cord that you need with your particular set-up. With the exception of the T1 Module,( which you can carry a spare Mixer and plug into the analog jack of the power stand) and still be good to go. When your power stand fails you are done. There is nothing you can do, except try a different AC cord, a different outlet, or turn the unit off for a few minutes then turn it back on to see if it works then. Yes, I am speaking here from the voice of experience.
So if you are a working musician that depends on your equipment, then you have no choice but to carry 2 systems with you for your bookings if you have a Bose.
And when your Power stand fails, out of warranty, and you call tech support, they are more than happy to help you. For a small fee ( $250.00 plus shipping and tax), and a 2 to 3 week turn around they will happily fix your unit and send it back. Unless you want to buy a refurbished unit for $150.00 more, then they will send you a refurbished unit right away.
Now the L1 Model II came out in 2007, and somehow when I purchased my system in 2010, I received a 2007 unit that I had purchased from an Independent music store in Missouri. That is according to Bose when I called mine in for repair a couple of weeks ago. Bose says they do not ship out 3 year old units but they didn’t tell me at the time when I called in to register the unit it was 3 years old. What customer service!! And the music store had no comment when I e-mailed them about this. Thinking back on this, I think the music store sold me a demo model. Why do I think this? Probably because as I remember, the T1 they sold me at the time had to be sent back the first week. So buyer beware, check your serial numbers on your systems to make sure you are getting what you pay for. If I had known I was purchasing a first model year of this system that was 3 years old I would not have purchased it.
The hardware quality of the Bose L1 Model II in my opinion ranks about 2 out of 5 stars. It is not a matter of “IF” your Bose is going to fail; it is “WHEN” it is going to fail.
Oh, I almost forgot. Bose will be more than happy to sell you a second system so you have a back-up for when yours fails.
quote:The hardware quality of the Bose L1 Model II in my opinion ranks about 2 out of 5 stars. It is not a matter of “IF” your Bose is going to fail; it is “WHEN” it is going to fail
Hi all
At the risk of starting a "fire storm",I can't help but agree with "Mr D". I own 3 Bose L1's and a tonematch. ( model2/2bins and 2 compacts ). The good part is that they are easy to haul and set up and the sound is second to none. the bad part is that the Model2 has been sent back twice and one compact sent back once for repairs. The tonematch also failed and was replaced. Now. please don't say it was something "I" did. I been gigging for 50 years and have never had problems like I have had with my Bose PA Systems. I now use my 2 compacts on gigs because they not only sound great but I have "backup" if one fails. My Model2 is used for rehearsals mainly and if I have to take it on a gig I say a prayer when I hit the powerstand on button and have a compact sitting nearby as backup. My tonematch is also my backup mixer as I now use Allen & Heath ( needed more inputs). The short and the long is that while Bose has great sound and portability I don't feel the "gear" is road worthy tested and believe me I "baby my gear" Not Bose bashing here. I love my Bose sound and portability but thru "experience" really question the time and road worthy reliability of the components that make this wonderful sound.
Aj
classEntertainment
"music is neither new or old.....it just "is'
I hear you Mister D. Ive had 2 of my 3 L1s go down catastrophically. Fortunately Bose repaired them under warranty and replaced the board in my 3rd unit ‘just in case’. I too wanted a good explanation from Bose to satisfy my engineering brain - but they are secretive.
Now I always get nervous at gigs over possible gear failure.
I wish Bose would tell us what they’ve done to investigate and rectify the problem and to give us comfort that the units are totally reliable.
valvenerd’s post above moved here from Model II Power Stand Died
An L1 Compact for under $1,000, might be a good choice as a backup system, in case of a Model II failure.
I have two Model IIs and two Compacts, I have rarely taken a second system out “just in case”, and have not had a failure at a gig either.
Although, I did have my very first Model II power stand show up DOA.
I’ve owned three Classics, and three Model IIs and have had to send something in to have work done three times in 11 years.
To me, it was all worth it for the listening pleasure I got from my Bose systems.
My playing days are now behind me, I regret nothing.
All systems work, but I can’t part with them.
quote:Originally posted by Drumr:
An L1 Compact for under $1,000, might be a good choice as a backup system, in case of a Model II failure.
I have two Model IIs and two Compacts, I have rarely taken a second system out "just in case", and have not had a failure at a gig either.
Although, I did have my very first Model II power stand show up DOA.
I've owned three Classics, and three Model IIs and have had to send something in to have work done three times in 11 years.
To me, it was all worth it for the listening pleasure I got from my Bose systems.
My playing days are now behind me, I regret nothing.
All systems work, but I can't part with them.
I don't think anybody is questioning the sound of the Bose.
On the other hand I think Bose counts on the Apathy of the consumer willing to shell out money to fix them, but not tell the consumer what was wrong with there unit.
That, and they love the ones that will shell out all that cash for multiple units but say there products are so great. The fact that a person has to have multiple units says it all.
I really don't expect a Bose Rep to say anything bad about them.
Why not be open to the consumer, and tell them why there units had failed?? Is that to much to expect???
Hi Mister D,
True, Bose is tight lipped to a fault, nor do they release any schematics to do repairs, third party.
They should have done that for Classic/Model I at any rate.
The original concept for the L1 was to be used as one-per-player, in a band.
In that scenario, if one failed, you could piggie back off someone to get thru a gig.
But as the L1 fell more often to solo artists, there is no backup scenario.
Yeah, I wish Bose would fix this stuff, but it’s doubtful.
I’m not arguing with you, just offering my case history.
Hello All,
I was out of this office for most of this week and am just catching up on this thread now.
Please allow me to apologize for any frustration these failures are causing or may have caused. As a performer, the last thing I want is for my gear to fail. As a Bose rep, it is always disheartening to read about negative customer experiences. Especially, when they come from folks that have been supportive and still believe that we make great sounding gear. We never want our customers to be unhappy and while we always strive to achieve the highest possible standards, issues do surface that need to be resolved.
Please know that I have begun to investigate this internally. I will report back as soon as I can.
Paul, you might want to introduce yourself so we know your position at Bose and a little but about your experience.
Hi Tom,
Thanks for the suggestion. I dropped a note about me in ‘Who are the moderators?’.
quote:Originally posted by Tom Munch:
Paul, you might want to introduce yourself so we know your position at Bose and a little but about your experience.