Bose Lifestyle 18 Series II DVD Home Entertainment System
AMAZING EASY TO SETUP QUALITY SOUND
MY BACKGROUND, A BIG DESICION TO MAKE <br /> <br />First off let me say that this is the purchase I've researched the most.  I'm the kind of custommer who likes to really investigate as much as possible when purchasing something within this price range and believe me.... it was worth it. <br /> <br />It's no secret that there are a lot of Bose haters out there claiming the products are poorly designed and stating that Bose uses poor quality materials to manufacture.  And here's where my review actually begins since I was really reluctant to go for Bose. <br /> <br />You see, I sold my previous HT system consisting of a 25\\" Sony Wega, Marantz SRV4200 Receiver, Marantz 4200 DVD player, JBL Northridge series speakers and a 12\\" JBL subwoofer and I've heard pretty nice system layouts as well so I really became afraid after reading all the user reviews that gave Bose bad rep.  My vehicle setup is also nice (Pioneer DEH-P1YH, MBQuart speakers (8 with crossover) and an Infinity Woofer in the trunk) and I'm trying to enphasize that I do like quality audio. <br /> <br />Now I will try to make this review short, but I want to make my background for this purchase clear since I also happen to own Bose Companion 3 speakers for my laptop in the office and this was actually what tipped the desicion over to Bose's side.   <br /> <br />I'm no sound expert or audophile, but my ears seem to be in the right place since I do notice some things other people don't when it comes to audio.   <br /> <br />I changed my previously mentioned HT setup because I didn't want something louder, I wanted something that would deliver better quality audio and this is actually where many people may go off on the subject and give poor reviews, I'll look into this further. <br /> <br />I will also like to state for the record that I haven't been subject to Bose Advertising (which is also what people claim Bose is.... a marketing company instead of an audio research and quality focused company). <br /> <br/>PRODUCT REVIEW:   <br /> <br />Now you've got to hand it to Bose for sleek stylish design.  This system is small and looks really good, futuristic, and will blend in to any decor. <br /> <br />The lifestyle 18 II system is the smallest of the Premium HT setups available from Bose and here came my first dilema:  Will this configuration be enough to please me more than my previous setup?   <br /> <br />To answer this first dilema I went over to the Bose dealership and tried it out.  It clearly blew me away. <br /> <br />However, the Bose Lifestyle 28 was somewhat within range because of store discount that was available at the time and I tried the 28 as well.  The difference was clear, there was far much more sound coming from the 28, but was the price difference worth it? <br /> <br />This was a tough one to answer and it has to do with my available space for the setup (13ft x 10ft).  More on this later. <br /> <br />I also looked into the first version of the Lifestyle 35 where the Jewelcube speakers really got my attention, but the Media Center lacked some of the features the 18 & 28 did have so I stuck with the most recent versions of the product. <br /> <br />Finally I had already designed and ordered my HT's new furniture so I had to stick with small speaker based setup. <br /> <br />I'm actually glad I went with my gut feeling since the product is simply amazing.  You can't appreciate the depth of the sound given until you've setup the system with the AdaptIQ wich is by far the most advanced equalization process I've seen in a Home Theater.   <br /> <br />Many people will have you believe that Bose = Home Theater for Dummies and this is not entirely untrue.  You see, Bose has made it incredibly easy to setup this system by correctly labeling every cable and giving the custommer a step by step easy installation and operation guide. <br /> <br />So far Bose has delivered upon two things, great audio and easy setup.   <br /> <br />To further comment on the audioquality, the system comes with it's own demo CD where one can listen to prerecorded tracks of differnt music styles and some movie video clips.  Now you'll definitelly love the system after you hear this DVD, however one may think that it's something manufactured specifically to sound good on the system, but after hearing my own collection of music (Pop, Classic, Ambient, Rock, 80's) and having watched 10 movies already, I can clearly say that the technology that went into design of this system is clearly impressive. <br /> <br />The highs are clearly noted, the midds surround you from everywhere and the bass, although not as impressive as my previous config, will blow you away when needed.  And here's where I would like to finish the comment I started when this review began.  Bose is focused on giving the best possible audio quality (given the correct source, of course).  This means that it will not be a bass intense or bass based system.  You have little options to adjust bass to give you the \\"rapper bass\\" that some people love and this is something that can be a let down for some custommers. <br /> <br />I'm not saying this system doesn't have a loud bass, which it certainly does and will be felt throughout the house if need be and if you crank up the volume to high levels.  I'm saying Bose has it's way of giving Bass as it thinks music or movies  need it and it can be right on the money. <br /> <br />Once again, Bose is designed with the kind of custommer in mind that maybe doesn't want to fiddle around with controls too much or that don't understand much of audio setting up.  This also doesn't mean that it lacks on audio setting up.  You see, the AdaptIQ technology purchased with this system will customm fit your room to the best audio experience possible acoording to your room dimentions.  Here's where I further explain that my space is relatively small and I really didn't need the Bose Lifestyle 28 system rather than the 18 is more than just fine for me. <br/> <br />How big a room can a Lifestyle 18 fill up?  Now that's an interesting question and I really can't post an answer since I really don't know.  However, I can say that this system will be more than suitable for a room twice as big as mine.  If you have a larger room, then the 28 will fill it up with no problem. <br /> <br />Technologically wise, this system is more than what most of us will use.  It can control up to 14 different zones in your house and will play two simultaneously.  The AdaptIQ as I mentioned is the best since it really learns from your furniture and room layout to equilize the system to really deliver an unbeleivable performance.  Besides that, you have the VideoStage 5 which will make any sound source 5.1 able, and sepparate the channels acoordingly.  And then you can setup the system to control many if not all of your other HT peripherals (TV, VCR, Cable Box). <br /> <br />The remote is another thing that will change the way you enjoy a HT setup since it works on radio frequency and will give you the \\"freedom\\" we all cherished would one day exist from appliances.  One can really be very far away from the system and it will still respond. Even through concrete walls and ceilings. <br /> <br />I really can't further explain how good the system sounds, you have to hear it for yourself.  One note though, please follow the precise instructions given for speaker placement and AdaptIQ calibration.  I first tried out the system without my new furniture, so I didn't set it up completely with the AdaptIQ and the difference was impressive, really something impressive once I had finally received my furniture and installed the speakers with wall mount brackets. <br /> <br />The system is currently hooked up to a Viewsonic 32\\" N3260W HDTV LCD and will have an Xbox 360 with optical sound directly connected to the Bose.  I will try to update the review once I've received my 360, but so far, the image given to my LCD is 480p wich is clearly better than what I had and will be able to be upgraded, not via the Media Center from Bose, but other than via a HD DVD from Toshiba or the sords that I may have to purchase latter on. <br /> <br />Are there cheaper solutions one could purchase?  Definitely.  Are they better?  Not necessarily and in my opinion definitely NOT.  You see, Powerfull sound doesn't mean quality sound, as well as quality sound doesn't mean power.  Bose lies right down the middle giving what I consider to be the best audio I've heard, with reasonable power.  This is where my opinion and others will differ, a lot.  But that's why you have to judge for yourself.  My experience so far is incredible with this product and so far I don't mind having paid what I did for this quality equipment. <br /> <br />The thing with Bose is that not only it delivers the best sound possible, but it integrates it with interesting technology that makes the experience be user friendly (and I hate using that phrase), and enjoyable and this is something you won't find in other brands. <br /> <br />ENDING ARGUMENTS <br /> <br />PROs: <br />- Excelent video and audio <br />- Very easy to setup <br />- Very small speakers <br />- AdaptIQ really does make a difference <br />- Expandable system (not upgradeable) <br />- Progressive Scan DVD <br />- Videostage 5 technology <br /> <br />CONs: <br />- Pricey given other solutions in the market <br />- Not upgradeable (all in one solution) <br />- Limited connection slots on the back of the system (should be more than enough to most) <br />- Bass could be more powerfull if you're that kind of user <br />- Additional mounting hardware required