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Overall Rating:  (out of 30 reviews)
More Info
2 New Ultra-Compact Satellite Speakers for Left and Right Stereo Channels / Acoustimass Bass Module / Black The Acoustimass 3 speaker system from Bose delivers surprisingly rich performance while practically disappearing into your décor. The system, the company’s smallest and most affordable to date, produces lifelike sound from your stereo components (DVD player, CD player, VCR, DVR, MP3 player, etc.) and, when connected to your surround sound receiver, it’s also an appropriate choice for use as a left/right rear-channel home theater array. The speakers’ compact size makes them a great choice for smaller rooms. Two single-cube speakers standing just 3 inches high are elegantly designed to blend with virtually any furnishings. Patented Acoustimass speaker technology delivers the ear-pleasing low tones of a bassoon or the deep, dramatic effects of movies. Best of all, you can easily stash the Acoustimass module behind furniture or in a corner, and the system’s lifelike sound will appear to flow from the tiny cubes. Hookup couldn’t be simpler: route left/right speaker wires (supplied) from your integrated amplifier or surround receiver to the back of the Acoustimass module (essentially a passive subwoofer), then run two more lengths between the Acoustimass module’s left/right speaker outputs to the 2 cube speakers. All three units use convenient clip-type speaker terminals. When you hear the Acoustimass 3 Series IV system, you’ll be surprised that such a huge sound can come from such small speakers. These Virtually Invisible speakers are the definitive answer to the question of how to combine spacious sound with space-saving design. It’s all the result of Bose’s years of intense research and testing. The tiny cube speakers can be wall-mounted or displayed on speaker stands using the optional Bose UFS-20 universal floor stands, UTS-20 universal table stand, or UB-20 wall/ceiling bracket. Now or in the future, you can turn your Acoustimass stereo speakers into a home theater set by simply adding the compatible Bose VCS-10 center-channel speaker. For full 5-speaker surround sound, add the VCS-30 center/surround speaker package. The system’s four 20-foot lengths of speaker wire should accommodate most living rooms. For longer cable runs, however, Bose recommends using 2-conductor, 18-gauge wire (30 feet), 16-gauge wire (45 feet), or 14-gauge wire (70 feet), for a hookup that maintains a maximum frequency-response deviation of +/- 0.5 dB. (Cable thickness increases as gauge decreases.) What’s in the Box
Two cube speakers, 1 powered Acoustimass module, 4 lengths of speaker wire (20 feet each), 4 adhesive rubber feet, and a user’s manual with warranty/registration information
- In the 4th series of this outstandingly popular speaker system, the left and right channel drivers are less than 4 high and direct the middle and upper ranges of the audio spectrum with exceptional clarity, definition and realism
- The Acoustimass Module uses one 5.25 ported bass driver that accurately delivers lower frequencies with dimensional depth (without the annoying rumble associated with lesser speakers)
- The result, when connected to your stereo system or amplifier (not included), is unbounded realism and distinctive stereo reproduction that is totally faithful to the original recording
- The Acoustimass Module is compact and fits virtually anywhere in your room while the Satellite speakers are so compact they’re barely noticeable
- Sound is heard and not seen — the overall experience is pure ecstacy!
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(out of 34 reviews)
(out of 4 reviews)
Review by Kevin L. Devereaux
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I was having issues myself with sound quality with these speakers until I went to Bose.com and read the user guide. These speakers are meant to produce sound both directly and reflectively. If you have all of the elements pointing forward with no surfaces to bounce off of the experience is not satisfying. You need to tuck the sub away in a corner (to reflect off the walls) and the smaller speakers I find work great with one element pointing directly and the other pointing at a wall (each speaker has 2 elements). The sound with the reflection is much richer and satisfying than when everything’s pointed directly at you.
Review by D_Strasse
Author’s Rating:
Bose seem to elicit a passsionate response whenever their name is mentioned, and I will try to elaborate on my experiences and let the reader decide if these speakers are right for them.
I currently own a set of Bose Acoustimass speakers that I purchased from a friend. The speakers were in excellent shape and I felt lucky to be able to afford Bose a few years ago on my meager salary at the time.
The speakers are definitely room *friendly*, they blend in easily as their size is unobtrusive. That said, after investigating speakers recently for a planned theater upgrade, I now feel that they are lacking.
When I first got my speakers I compared them to a pair I had purchased back when I was in high-school. I didn’t know anything about those speakers at the time but was happy with their sound as well(AR Holographic M1’s). The results of the comparison left me thinking my ears were deceiving me “my old speakers sound better?” Anyway, I put those thoughts away thinking that I must not understand because “obviously Bose were the best.”
Fast forward a couple years, all the while the Bose were up front in my surround system with the old speakers in the rear. That whole time I had no issue with the Bose, they performed well enough. After buying a new TV, I thought it might be nice to upgrade the speakers so I would have the same brand in the front and back. And so began the research.
I spent time listening to number of speakers, including high end and mid level brands at custom shops as well as entry level speakers at Best Buy and Circuit City. I have now come to desparately desire replacing my Bose speakers.
They just sound *thin*, which oddly enough was my initial impression, the one I thought I must not understand. That is the best I can describe it, music on the other speakers just sounded *fuller*, like it had more body.
I will freely admit I did not know what I was missing until I sought it out, but now that I do I feel that my Bose are no longer good enough. I will also say that this is not based on cost, I listened to a number of speakers that sounded much better at the same price, although they are NOT the same size.
In conclusion, I was looking for that fuller sound, willing to devote the floor space to much bigger speakers in order to get it. Some people might not be willing to make the trade of size for sound but for me it was worth it.
Review by Joao Sa
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I am not an audiophyle, just a music lover. My main system consists of Proac 140 speakers, MF x 150 amp and XRay cd coupled with PSU and MF DAC. I have a Michell Giro turntable. Whats this to do with Bose? may you ask. Well just intended to say that I am used to a middle range audio equipment with pedigree. It hapens that I spend many hours in a private office home, crowded with shelves, books and papers, so that I have no space to position box speakers. Recently I decided to purchase a Bose kit. My amp is a old Pioneer A 400, and a Marantz CD 76 MkII is my source.
My previous speakers were a Solid Ovale set built by B&W. It produced a boxy sound without live or body. Then the Bose kitt was seted up. WOW…WOW. Now my office is full of a rich and involving sound, realistic and detailed. I can�t undestand why are people saying there is no bass…. Well I have ears, and years of music listening experience. The results are amaizing. The most impressive is that I have the sensation of presence of musicians performing in the room. Probably stereo image is a bit confusing as is the sound stage in the classical sense of stereo speakers. However is what we got when listening music live. Can someone in a concert hall define the exact posittion of musicians while closing the eyes????. This one is a great speaker set. I can�t talk about buid qualities or engineering. Honestly I do not care if this set is based on cheap componets as some argue, since I am much more concerned about its sound, and it sounds lovely
Review by P Sybe
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Pros: High and mid-range sounds from the cubes are very crisp, especially during gaming. System has a good all-round sound for the xbox 360, dvds and for music but fall short of excellent. The cubes deliver an amazing sound volume for their size and look great on the top of the piano.
Cons: Bose should make it clear that the bass module is not a powered sub-woofer. It does not deliver any where near the lows of a powered sub. This did not matter to me because I planned to add a sub anyway. Bass module is not all that easy to hide.
Other Thoughts: I’ve read many negative reviews about these (positive as well). I would rate them an 8.5 to 9 on a scale of 10. I played with these quite a while during set-up. Wiring, placement and amp quality are huge variables with this system. If the buyer expects subwoofer lows from the bass module, it won’t happen. The bass module is not easily driven, a weak, low current amp won’t adequately drive it. I replaced inferior speaker wire with high quality Monster Cable and it made a significant improvement. Lastly, the bass module provides PLENTY of (non-sub) bass when wired and placed correctly.
Review by D. White
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Several years ago when these first came on the market they were totally novelty priced, ie. more expensive than warranted. But now at 399. they are a great value and I say this not only because I own them and I’m thrilled but also I know several people who have them in various sized rooms and varying placements, and these speakers simply kick it!! With all due respect to the naysayers, unless you’re an ardent audiophile, these speakers will make you very happy. UPDATE: I have now had these speakers for 4 years in a system designed for low level and social listening, and they are still delivering what I wanted – solid, smooth, accurate sound.So again, just don’t ask this system to do more than it can, despite Bose’ claims. Other than very loud, this trio delivers.
Review by B. P. Price
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I am always amazing at the amount of flaming that Bose products seem to instigate on message boards. Clearly, people buy the stuff and so perhaps it is just that web noise.
I have had a set of AM-3s for 11 years. I originally bought them for a rehearsal area where space was tight and I wanted something I could put on the wall, but I got more than I bargained for. As you might guess, I am a musician.
I have been using these in my main parlor/music room area now for 6 years and I am always pleased. They produce a remarkably full sound that is clear and emotional, and they occupy virtually no space. Instruments and voices are rendered with admirable neutrality, and music of all types and time periods sounds just plain good. They can play at surprisingly high volumes without complaint connected to my 150 watt Pioneer receiver.
My only beefs: The single cubes are a bit directional at high frequencies, but not overly so (the bigger double-cube AM-5s solve that). Bass is full down to about 60hz and falls off sharply below that. However, I cannot think of another $200 set of speakers that is so musically satisfying overall. I recommended them to my friends who almost always turn their heads and say, “That sounds great. Where are the speakers?”
11 years and no problems. That speaks for itself. For $200 the AM-3 just can’t be beat.
Review by Sean O. Sperry
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Let me start this review by saying that I’m not an “audiophile” and won’t be including any gibberish about audible ranges or anything like that. I just can tell when I hear good sound that I like. And these speakers produce that. Plenty of bass (almost too much, I had to turn down the base on my receiver) and beautifully clear mid-range and high notes.Connected these Bose speakers to my 25 year old Yamaha 500 RX receiver and an old Toshiba DVD player. The system sounds great. In addition to CD and Tuner, I bought a cable that allows me to connect the receiver to my laptop computer, and now I get the best sound I’ve ever heard from all my Internet radio stations, CD’s, ITunes, and games.And best of all, these speakers are small enough that they don’t take up hardly any room in my home office. Little cubes are on the side of the room and are not obtrusive. Acoustimass module shoved in the corner.Only really down side I can see is the cost of Bose products. These are pretty expensive and you can probably find speakers that sound just as good for less money. But, I guarantee you they will not be as small and fit as well in your room.
Review by A. C. Ege/Acedoh
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I origianlly thought this was an excellent offer. Two rear Bose speakers with a sub woofer. The setup was simple and the sound from the cubes was unmistakable. What was lacking was coming from the subwoofer. This is not a true subwoofer since it’s power is derived from the the two rear speakers. When you are trying to get enough bass you can hardly hear a rumble. This caused me to go out and spend a bit more on a good subwoofer. The cube speakers are well worth it and give more than average sound. I just wasn’t happy with the complete package.
Review by B. K. Sheffield
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Great sound for the money. I know you can get better speakers but not for $200.00. I got these at Circuit City and am very pleased with the sound. If you think Bose does not sound good it is usually your speaker placement or the acoustics of your room. They sound very good in my living room and I would recommend to anyone.
Review by S. Sachs
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For decently recorded solo instruments, chamber music and choral music this rig is fine once you get over Bose’s pricing. As for more modern “pop” stuff on which more recording care is initially lavished, Bose setup is damn near perfect. Generally nice separation of frequencies affords hours of listening without the unconscious strain that results from trying to compensate for system’s inadequacies. Considering space-saving size and audio quality: a worthwhile investment for the not-overly-finicky audiophile.
Review by K. Wyatt
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For several years now I’ve enjoyed the use of these speakers, especially the VCS-10 center channel speaker which works wonderfully in conjunction with the receiver’s settings to bring voices out and I’ve used the Model 100’s as the front B speakers just to bring in some additional sound. The advertising here suggests using the Model 100’s as rear/surround speakers, either way, these speakers are very good speakers and will work very well in whatever capacity you place them.I’ve recently replaced all of the speakers on my primary system with the Bose Acoustimass 10 Series III Home Theater Speaker System and have moved these speakers to the secondary system in conjunction with a pair of Model 301 Series III speakers and another pair of Model 100’s as the rear/surround speakers and have found this to be an enjoyable combination for this system. All three of these speakers are magnetically shielded so you can go right ahead and put that VCS-10 right on top of your television set and it won’t affect it any way. The Model 100’s can be placed anywhere you desire to put them and Bose also manufactures wall/ceiling mounts for them which are very affordable and simple to install.The VCS-10 Center Channel Speaker can also be purchased independently and is a highly recommended item for those, like myself, whose hearing just isn’t what it used to be. This model definitely brings those voices out during those “low” moments in movies.Overall, I’d highly recommend the VCS-30 II Home Theater Surround Set as it is an affordable solution to a desire for a quality set of surround sound speakers and serves as just another testament to the long history Bose and the quality that goes with that name! {ssintrepid}
Review by Thomas Carney
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Great Bose product as usual. The sound/clarity from the center speaker is fantastic. I haven’t mounted the rear surround sound speakers to a permanenet spot as of yet, but from what I can tell they definitely improve my home theater sound.
Review by B. Martin
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The center channel speaker produces clear sound while the rear speakers really bring home the theater experience. We are very happy with the purchase.
Review by C. Govindugari
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An excellent Combo of Center Channel and Surround Sound speaker system. A perfect add an to a 2.1 channel to make it 5.1.