There’s a pretty simple rule to follow when you’re looking at buying a quality home theatre system – don’t spend a cent until you’ve heard what the system sounds like in person. Fortunately, there are still a number of high-end audio showrooms around Australia to “try before you buy”, where you can go to check out different systems performances in a proper environment.
Naturally, the acoustics in every room are different, so the audio you get at the showroom probably won’t sound exactly the same as when it’s installed at home. But there are still a few things you can do when you go to a showroom to work out which system is best for you…
Shopping Tips
1. For a start, make sure you take a CD or (high quality) MP3 of your favourite album with you when you’re buying a speaker system. Being able to discover the deep low notes and a powerful mid-range is a lot easier when you know the music inside out.
2. Similarly, if you’re looking at picking up a TV or projector for your home theatre at the same time, take your favourite movie on Blu-ray so you can watch key scenes on the test unit — it won’t be exactly the same when you get the product home, but it will help make the decision easier for you.
3. As with buying any gadget, it’s well worth doing your research online before you hit the shops. But if you’re completely out of your depth, at a bare minimum have a basic idea of what you want to install. For example, if you’re renting and can’t punch holes in the walls, you’ll want a home theatre solution that will let you install with a minimum of fuss – either a soundbar, or something with a wireless connectivity option for the rear speakers. Alternatively, perhaps you’re after a solution that will let you play back music all through the house. Knowing what you want will help you avoid being sold items you don’t need.
4. Also take with you a list of what components you’ll want to plug in to the setup. Do you need connections for games consoles? Foxtel? The Blu-ray player? Are you planning on including both a TV and a projector? Having a full list of what components you want to include in your setup will help make the setup process much easier.
5. Finally, there’s the retailers themselves. Finding the best showroom to see a demo can depend largely on the brand you choose. Some AV companies have branded showrooms around the country, as well as a network of authorised resellers. We’ve got shortcuts to a range of showrooms from leading brands below:
• Arcam
• AudioPro
• Bang & Olufsen (stores)
• Bose (resellers and stores)
• Bowers & Wilkins
• Classé
• Denon
• Harman/Kardon
• Jamo
• JBL
• Loewe
• Marantz
• Mordaunt-Short
• NAD
• Onkyo
• Pioneer
• Tannoy
• Yamaha
Tom
Friday, November 25, 2011 at 1:02 PMOh the irony. To have Bose sponsoring this story when they in no means allow you to compare their home theatre systems with offerings from other brands in store. All of Bose’s offerings can be found well away from the other speaker systems so you can’t make a direct comparison. price=/= quality.
red-t-rex
Tuesday, November 29, 2011 at 2:34 AMNot true. I bought my Bose speakers from a reputable hi-fi specialist (not a chain) and their home theatre demo room had at least 20 sets of speakers setup for comparison. I took in a selection of my favourite music and dvd’s and tried out a bunch of combinations. In the end I selected Bose as to my ear they gave the best spatial sound. I buy according to the sound and if there is one thing I have learned over the years it is that sound is a very personal thing. Bose isn’t for everyone but I am more than happy with my choice.
Stricks
Friday, November 25, 2011 at 1:03 PMThere is a review of Bose here that should be noted. Intreresting Perspective:
http://www.intellexual.net/bose.html
Danny Allen
Friday, November 25, 2011 at 1:19 PMI love useful links in the comments, but the content in the post you linked to says last updated in 2004?
Stricks
Friday, November 25, 2011 at 1:53 PMI was referred to that site by an admin of AV Science last year who qualified that while it is old, the principles of Speaker design and the Bose “Cube” remain the same.
Cal
Saturday, November 26, 2011 at 10:24 AMALL HIGHS, ALL LOWS, MUST BE BOSE :)
Stricks
Friday, November 25, 2011 at 1:07 PMTom, thats why i posted the link, people who are looking need the truth. AV Science forums and Audioholics are good places to start if you are looking.
Captain
Friday, November 25, 2011 at 6:44 PMIt does not matter how much Bose pay Gizmodo, their products will still be terrible. They should not be investing their money into sponsoring things like this and concentrating on making good speakers.
Cal
Saturday, November 26, 2011 at 10:34 AMDo yourselves a favor and ditch the retailer who’s only objective is to sell as much product at as much margin as possible.
If you want quality products and good service get a custom installation team into your house. Most companies will make you pay up front for the gear and then you pay for the installation once it’s completed. This will ensure you get exactly what you signed up for.
Ms. A.
Sunday, November 27, 2011 at 2:48 AMPersonally, I think that Bose offers a great system for the money. Its more than we are looking to spend on a system but their sound at that price level has been unmatched by anything else that we’ve listened to. Just sayin.
Tim Hill
Sunday, November 27, 2011 at 11:33 AMHave a look at the Ferguson Hill FH009 home theatre system.
The first 10 systems are out for review now.
Cheers
Tim.
Mick
Sunday, November 27, 2011 at 11:44 AMAvoid Bose at all cost. Overpriced speakers for what you get. All of Bose’s money goes in marketing and branding instead of research and development.