Hi,
The Life style systems of Bose use the same AM-12, AM-10, AM-8, AM-5 as the output channels and they are meant for different budgets. The only addition in the Life style sets is the Bose DVD player.
I was in love with Bose the first time I saw them. I was more interested in purchasing the AM-10 speaker system and was all set to do so. But lot of visits to the showroom in Delhi and Bangalore brought me to the conclusion that the AM-10 is not so great as marketed by their sales people in the show room. You have to have a ear to listen to the minute details of the audio tracks on the AM-10 and compare them with the other floor standing and book shelf speakers of Bose and you will know what I am saying.
Coming to the speakers. If you compare the quality of the AM modules and satellites to other variants, you will notice that the crispness is not present in the satellites. There is no difference in the quality of output in the front speakers, back speakers and the center channel. All are built using the same technology. If you have done your research, you will notice that the technology used in the center, front, back and surround speakers is completely different. Bose tends to forget this. The only thing you will be amazed is that the sound is distributed in 6.1 channels or 5.1 channels. This feat can be achieved with any decent AV receiver, 6 speakers and a sub woofer. I think most of the people fall for this at Bose. I dont say its wrong. The only problem is people only know that Bose is having a high brand image and automatically be in awe when they see and hear Bose products. I tell you, even I was amazed at first. But on checking out other Home theatre equipments, I have come to the conclusion that Bose is not the master in all fronts of sound. They have only certain products which are top notch. This inclues the 901’s and 301’s only. And they use these top notch products to market and sell their low quality stuff. Great Bose marketing technique!!!!!!!
Coming to the Bose DVD player. Though it looks neat, it does not support all CD formats. You will be able to play original audio CD’s/DVD’s, but when it comes to MP3’s, it just does not support it. Also, it does not read all types of CD’s/DVD’s, only originals are fully supported. So if you plan on using it for pirated copies, you can as well search for a new DVD player. Scratched DVD’s/CD’s also do not work.
I am not saying that Bose is all bad. The 301’s are the best rear speakers and the 901’s the best front speakers. But to afford 901’s is not possible for a normal buyer. You can also read my review on Bose 301’s which I have purchased and you will be surprised the level of promises made by the salesmen before you actually pay the money. Get ready to be shocked!!!!