Go to Windows 7 Insider Guide
Entered CNET Catalog: 05/09/2002
SKU: 0017817308960
Manufacturer: Bose Corp.
Manufacturer description
Experience your favorite films and music with the premium Lifestyle DVD home entertainment system. Bose Jewel Cube speakers deliver award-winning 5.1-channel surround sound from speakers a fraction of the size of most traditional ones. This complete system features a DVD/CD player and an AM/FM tuner, and showcases some of the most innovative technology, including the ADAPTiQ audio calibration system that customizes sound to the shape of your room. The trim and elegant media center enhances - instead of dominates - your decor. It contains much of the proprietary technology behind the performance of this revolutionary system, and also includes an integrated DVD/CD player and an AM/FM tuner with 50 presets. Inputs for up to three additional media sources broaden its capabilities. It also contains Videostage 5 decoding circuitry that brings a 5.1-channel experience to practically everything you watch, even older VHS tapes and mono TV programs. The Lifestyle 35 system's five tiny Jewel Cube speaker arrays rival the performance of larger speakers, yet each is only 4 1/2 inches tall. Engineered with over 40 different innovations, they deliver a lifelike, spacious performance from your favorite music and movies. The Acoustimass module works in concert with these small speakers to deliver the full range of sound. Tucked behind a curtain or chair, the module produces low-frequency sound with no audible distortion, so the sound seems to come directly from the small cube arrays. You experience natural, lifelike sound from any seat in the listening area. Every home's unique features can impact sound performance. The ADAPTiQ audio calibration system, only available from Bose, compensates for room dimensions and other variables that can impact your listening experience. Place the speakers wherever you like, then sit in any of your favorite listening spots. The system adjusts for variations in your room, so you enjoy remarkable surround sound without concern for speaker placement. This system is also designed for expansion to another room. With the Lifestyle 35 system, you can watch a DVD in the main room, while the kids listen to their favorite music downstairs, or you can hear the same sounds in both rooms, all at the touch of a button.CNET editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 06/20/2003
Bose's latest technological refinement, Adaptiq, provides automated system calibration. That's very cool since most kit buyers have neither the time nor the expertise to go through the hassles of setup chores. We found Bose's automated calibration refreshingly easy to implement--you just don a special, Walkman-style headset that houses measuring microphones and start the test. Then, Adaptiq smooths out speaker levels and applies sophisticated equalization to correct room-induced anomalies. A nifty DVD video-setup disc offers a host of speaker-placement and -hookup tips.
The large, comfortable remote is nicely laid out and highly legible, but we'd like it even better if it were backlit. The remote communicates with the Lifestyle 35 via radio frequencies instead of the more common infrared system. The signal travels through walls, and Bose rates the straight-line operating distance at 65 feet, so you don't have to aim the remote at the receiver or even be in the same room with it--very cool. Surround-processing abilities include only basic Dolby Digital and DTS. Bose left out the latest processing modes, such as 6.1-channel Dolby Digital EX and DTS-ES Discrete, and also failed to include Dolby Pro Logic II and Neo:6 music- and cinema-surround circuits. The Lifestyle 35 does have Bose's proprietary Videostage 5 processing.
Video connectivity options are adequate for more modest systems: you get a composite-video in/out, an S-Video in/out, and a component-video output. HDTV owners won't be happy to learn that the Lifestyle 35 doesn't offer progressive-scan video output. This kit's lack of 5.1 Super Audio CD (SACD) and DVD-Audio (DVD-A) inputs limits future upgrade possibilities.
The Jewel Cube sats feature Bose's patented Direct/Reflecting technology by employing two modules, each containing a 2-inch driver. You aim one module directly at the listening position and the other off axis. The Acoustimass sub houses two 5.25-inch woofers, along with its own power amplifier and amps for the five Jewel Cubes. Power ratings aren't specified for the subwoofer or for the amps driving the sats.
While we realize that the Lifestyle 35 isn't geared toward cash-strapped MP3 users, we threw in a couple of test discs anyway. All of our MP3 CDs played without a problem, but the Lifestyle 35 wouldn't display any filenames onscreen, making it all but impossible to locate tunes. This system also handled DVD-Rs, DVD+Rs, DVD+RWs, and CD-Rs--but not DVD-RWs.
Overall, we were disappointed with this Bose's selection of features. In our opinion, a premium-priced home-theater package should offer all of the latest surround formats; 5.1-channel analog inputs for DVD-A or SACD capability; progressive-scan video outputs; and far more complete connectivity options. The first thing that we noticed about Lifestyle 35's sound was its warm and bass-heavy tonal balance. Radiohead's throbbing bass lines shuddered with maximum authority. The bass goes way, way down; we measured responses down to 35Hz in our large listening room.
No, it wasn't as smooth as some of the better subs that we've tested, but the Acoustimass was designed primarily to work as a coherent mate with the itsy-bitsy Jewel Cube sats. As long as we didn't push the system too hard, the audio held together pretty well. At annoy-the-neighbors levels, the sound coarsened, and the sub lost definition. Bose's engineers claim that the Lifestyle 35 was designed for much smaller areas than our 700-square-foot space, but they would not stipulate what room size will achieve the best results.
The Lifestyle 35 next went to battle with the Gladiator DVD. On chapter 19, Maximus the Merciful, the clanging of swords against armor; the pounding of flesh; and the deep, primal growl of tigers weren't as vivid as we would have liked. Dialogue was warm, and surround effects were pleasantly diffuse, but the system's high-frequency air and sparkle were lacking. Compared to most of its far less costly competition, the Lifestyle 35 softened the fine detail on the DVDs and CDs that we tested.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22
User Rating: 
3/10
Over-priced retirement home sound system
Pros: Easy to use, easy to buy. Sleek styling. RF remote.
Cons: Okay, but not at that price. Paying for laziness, tin ears, and the name.
Lots of low boomy bass, but no low-midrange... just not there.
We returned the unit, and then went shopping for a good HT receiver with automated setup, some quality bookshelf speakers, center, and a nice 12" subwoofer.
NOW he's smiling, and can actually brag about how great his system sounds, and even learned a few home theater tech items along the way.
Friends don't let friends buy Bose... well, at least don't let them keep them! :)
Updated on Oct 19, 2009...and by "boomy" I meant right around the 80 hz mark... very unsatisfying, just enough to annoy that you wish it was tighter, more refined, deeper. With the lack of low midrange to flesh out the sub, it is really muddy sounding.
User Rating: 
10/10
"The Jewell for the well refined Audio Expert"
Pros: New HDMI interface. Updated video 5 stage processing for all your great surround sound. Smaller subwoofer for better placementt with updated ports. Great design and superb quality. Prestine crystal clear sound with strong clear punchy base.
Cons: To make it a best seller - Update to a new designed blue ray player with True HD, add a new USB thumb drive port.
Being an avid musician I have used many different brands of speakers and amps. The Bose Lifestyle 35 is a well refined musicians piece of equipment, superior for listening to many different kinds of music and watching exhilarating action movies on HDTV. The videostage 5 processing takes the sound to new heights which you will hear when listening. Bose has come a long way. They continue to put out superior products in the Musicians and Audioholics World as well. Just take a look at the Bose L1 for serious muscians that create music. You will not see to many other speaker companies creating serious audio equipment for the musician. But Bose does. You can also look on the web and see all the fantastic reviews for the Bose Companion 3 for computers.
I too own Kef's (The Rolls Royce of speakers) and Definity speakers, Polks, JBL's Altec Lansings, etc. and can truly say that each speaker company has their unique signature sound style. Just like different kinds of music you will find different kinds of speakers and amps. It really depends on what you like, and what your tastes are. For my exquisite taste I enjoy the Bose Lifestyle 35, V30 and Companion 3. The Lifestyle 35 and V30 contain the small jewell speakers and a sub speaker that produces LFE lows. The sub speaker also produces low bass notes and voice. The small jewell speakers produce the Mid level sounds and high notes. The small speakers also produce some highs which will create a high timbre of sounds. You will hear everything on the soundtrack come out as clean, clear and precise as you can imagine. These sounds will satisfy you in knowing that your money was well spent. You won't be carrying around speakers that weigh a ton or take up so much room in your house. You can create the perfect sound with invisible speakers. What more could I ask for.
If you get a chance and have the money then BUY one of these systems from BOSE. I truly recommend the Bose Lifestyle 35 my favorite and the Bose V30 systems.
User Rating: 
5/10
SERVICING PROCEDURE WOULD STOP ME BUYING AGAIN
Pros: TIDY, SUITS THE WIFE
Cons: NOT EXCEPTIONAL
User Rating: 
9/10
Small boxes, big sound
Pros: I bought this system 4 weeks ago. this system works perfect it's perfect for my high seeling living room. I'm very glad i bought this it was easy too install.
Cons: Easy to install.
User Rating: 9/10
small boxes, big sound
Pros: I bought this system 4 weeks ago. this system works perfect it's perfect for my high seeling livingroom. I'm very glad i bought this it was easy too install.
Cons: easy to install
User Rating: 3/10
BOSE..THIEFS OF INNOCENTS
Pros: LOOKS NICE...
Cons: VERY POOR SOUND,NO BASS,NO PROGRESSIVE SCAN. PEOPLE WHO GIVE BOSE GOOD RATING ARE THE FOOLS THAT PAID 3K FOR THIS SYSTEM...HEY I WOULD DEFEND THIS PRODUCT IF I PAYED 3000 FOR IT. TRY ONKYO'S HT-S770 FOR 700..9 OUT OF TEN ACCORDING TO CNET REVIEWS.
User Rating: 
2/10
H-O-R-R-I-B-L-E
Pros: none
Cons: worst sound for value that i think i have ever heard in my life. You can get someting way better for half the price. Do some research before you buy these thigns morons!
User Rating: 2/10
Anyone who thinks this thing sounds great is on drugs
Pros: ease of use and compact design, also part of design flaw
Cons: Sound and upgradeability. This system sounds very bad for the money, you could very easily build a much better system with more features for less money and have so much better sound. Build quality sucks, cheap materials and cheap drivers. You simply canno
User Rating: 
8/10
good system ,great style
Pros: sounds great at very low volume levels clear as a bell,and the same is at high levels , remote is very easy to use , acoustimass module is very good all round i dont have a problem with the sound and picture quality but!!
Cons: limited adjustments , no display when in 2 3or 5 speaker modes , no dolby light. remote is limited on what it will control , acoustimass module takes time to place in right area of room space can be to light or to over powering (boomy), miner things reall
User Rating: 3/10
Doesn't cut it as a home theater
Pros: CD play and sound blew my socks off. Bose does make a quality speaker.
Cons: As a home theater system it was lacking in features. The automated speaker adjustment only takes into consideration the room, not your ear. There was no individual adjustments you could make to each speaker. On screen (TV) menus made it a pain when you
User Rating: 8/10
Possibly the best Home theatre Iv'e ever heard
Pros: Remote control looks sound quality audio calibrates room
Cons: price
User Rating: 
1/10
All highs, no lows, must be bose
Pros: it is great at increasing bose profit margins and it makes you puff out your chest by having the bose tag in your own home.
Cons: Sounds horrible! bose even knows it sounds bad, last time a magazine did a blind test, bosed did dismal, so they sued the magazine saying it was "unfair". yeah...right. I've heard a Paradigm theater in a box right next to a lifestyle 35, and the $500 Para
User Rating: 3/10
Designed for looks, not sound
Pros: Easy to setup. Blends nicely into room decor. Good customer service from manufacturer.
Cons: Extremely below average sound quality for the price. Female voices sound constrained, mid-bass is too forward and distorted, highs are flat. Easy to put together a much better system at half the price.
User Rating: 2/10
proprietary wires
Pros: its small, mp3 support, sounds good
Cons: I pre-ran standard rca style speaker wires through my ceiling when doing other work. I found that the bose system does not use these same types of connections. this made for a lot of extra work to hide the cables. when I hooked up video to my panasonic
User Rating: 3/10
It's just Ok!
Pros: I love the sound. Separation is outstanding, and great bass.
Cons: Expensive,cheaply built,very flimsy(DVD holder,buttons),not many personal adjustment features.
User Rating: 
7/10
Love the sound and Size/ poor vidio quality
Pros: I just got mine up and running about a week ago. I love the sound and the size but the DVD Vidio part of the media center is poor! Its old tecnoligy and having just come from a DVD player WITH progressive scan I saw the difference right away. I had to go
Cons: see above
User Rating: 8/10
Very Solid System
Pros: I'm so tired of hearing "Audiophiles" bash this system. Can you buy more for less? Sure, isn't that the case with anything. Is it the latest decoding sound for movies? No, but I am sure none of those that give the systems a thumb down would not be abl
Cons: None yet. I have not seen any DVD problems to this point either.
User Rating: 5/10
Are we reviewing the same product??!!
Pros:
Cons:
User Rating: 9/10
best sound makers
Pros:
Cons:
User Rating: 9/10
Technological Marvel
Pros:
Cons:
User Rating: 9/10
Spectacular Sound
Pros:
Cons:
User Rating: 
6/10
Not that good for the money
Pros:
Cons:
%20-%20Home%20Theater%20Systems%20-%20CNET%20Archive&srcUrl=http://reviews.cnet.com/home-theater-systems/bose-lifestyle-35-black/1707-6740_7-9871210.html){kind=small}