Rachael,

Since this thread has gravitated to a discussion of the Bose system, here are a few notes I made to myself after a hands-on test I did in 2005. I tested the original L-1 Personal Amplification System, before the compact model was available, so please keep that context in mind.

I posted this material on this forum once before, but I offer it again in light of the current discussion.

For what it's worth, I'm generally a big fan of Bose products. I have four (rather ancient) Model 800 cabinets that I've used for over 30 years for my PA system (Shure Vocalmaster), guitar, and electric bass (yup), and they've always sounded fantastic. But the original L-1 system has its drawbacks, despite the terrific sound. Read on...


BOSE Personal Amplification System – Hands-on Test, 03/07/05

Tested system at Guitar Center, 86th and Sheridan, Arvada, Colorado. Configuration included L1 Cylindrical Radiator speaker column, PS1 Power Stand, R1 remote control, and one B1 Bass Module. Testing was done with guitar (Buscarino Jazzcaster) and microphone (Shure SM-58) over a 45-minute period. Here are my observations:

1. Guitar sounded very good and clean at low to moderate volumes.

2. Mic sound was excellent.

3. I found that while Bose product literature advertises “nearly 180-degree sound dispersal”, high frequencies began to drop off noticeably at about 70 degrees from center, which translates to a full-frequency dispersal range of about 140 degrees.

4. The L1 speaker column is a two-piece unit that requires the PS1 Power Stand, both to physically support it, and electrically connect to it. Each piece of the speaker column weighs an estimated 25 - 30 lbs. When assembled and mounted on the Power Stand, the column stands approx. seven feet tall, which gives it a very high center of gravity. Consequently, it seems especially prone to being knocked over. The assembled column is approximately 4 ½” in diameter and contains a total of sixteen front-facing 2” speakers, spaced on approx. 4” – 5” centers. The speaker column has no amplifier jacks or connectors other than the proprietary connectors to the matching Power Stand, which precludes using the speaker column with any other amplifier.

5. The PS1 Power Stand is approx. two feet in diameter, 6” – 8” tall, and weighs an estimated 35 lbs. It houses a four-channel amplifier with numerous input and output options, no on-board effects, and no obvious connectors for any other external speakers. Only two of the channels have ¼” input jacks. Its sizable footprint (relative to the thin speaker column) together with its low height makes it a hazard to trip over, especially on a dark, small stage or bandstand.

6. The B1 Bass Module is a floor-mounted self-contained amp and speaker, and was connected to the PS1 Power Stand for the test. However, standing 5 - 15 away, I was unable to hear any sound at all coming from it. The store employee who assisted with the test had to get down on the floor and put his head within a foot of the unit to confirm that there was sound.

7. I’m suspicious of the fact that Bose publishes no specs for this system. Many potential users would want to know basic data such as output R.M.S. and peak wattage and speaker-column impedance. Admittedly, this may be a moot point, since by design, each component of this system can be used only with the others.

8. Price: The Guitar Center is apparently the only authorized dealer in the Denver area for these units, and sells them at the full M.S.R.P. of $1,699.99 for the basic amp / speaker unit and $1,999.98 including one Bass Module. No discount.

9. A very curious phenomenon: as I increased the guitar’s volume, notes seemed to go sharp; e.g., a low G played on the 6th string sounded ¼-tone sharp. Also noticed it when playing G octave notes on the 1st and 4th strings; the 4th-string G sounded ¼-tone sharp. Conclusion: most likely due to overtones from room acoustics.


Evaluation: while the system sounds fantastic and the construction quality is excellent, it is too large, too heavy, and too much an on-stage safety hazard to appeal to me. It is also overpriced in terms of perceived value. That said, I certainly found the LS1 speaker column to be uniquely innovative. When Bose can design and build a system that’s half the size and weight, half the footprint, and half the price of this system while maintaining the same quality of sound, I’ll buy it in a New York heartbeat!

Jon