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"You won't be disappointed!"
on by EricksonLePros + Very clean sound
+ Easy to set up
+ Deep bass
+ Optical and RCA Cables included in the box
+ Good lookingCons - Interface Modules has only 2 types of Output (a) RCA Audio Out & (b) Optical Out
- Interface Module does NOT give the number for VolumeSummary Buy these with your eyes open, and you won't be disappointed!
We had gotten along well with our 10-year old 27" Sanyo, but I convinced the wife that with the impending football season, we "needed" to upgrade to a flat screen. We got a Vizio XVT3D474SV and were absolutely blown away by the picture. We cannot believe we didn't make the transition to a LCD TV earlier. There was just one problem. Although the television speakers were good, as television speakers go, they just didn't seem to compliment the great picture. We needed something with some more "depth" to it.
I had purchased a Panasonic 5:1 Home Theater several years ago, but I had never been happy with it. I should have taken it back, because, I was never able to get the sound to work properly. In fact, the volume was so low that you couldn't even listen to it comfortably. So, I knew what I wanted (something with good sound), but I also knew what I didn't want something complicated with wires everywhere.
I didn't exactly know what system would meet my needs though... that is until we walked through Best Buy and heard the Bose Cinemate system. We were sold immediately. We did take the time to listen to some soundbars, but they paled in comparison. The only other option was to go with a 5:1 or 7:1 home theater system, which we knew we didn't want (even if the price was better), so we made the plunge on the Bose system. We also listened to the GS series. The sound appeared to be a little fuller with the GS system, but not enough to pay an extra $200, so we stayed with the Series II, not realizing that we could adjust the bass on the woofeer. Even if there is a difference, it is so minimal, that you won't really miss it unless you had the two systems side by side, like they were in the store.
Set up, as everyone else said, was a breeze. It literally takes about 15 minutes from the time I opened the box until I was ready to push play. The sound is "out of this world." It is so clear, even at high levels and very full.
Even an untrained ear like mine realizes this is not surround sound. Do not be fooled by anyone who says that it is. However, what it is, is one of the best 2:1 systems you can. You clearly hear a separation of the sounds between the speakers. It was just what that beautiful TV needed to show off its capabilities.
In case that wasn't enough, we also bought a 3D Blueray player to take advantage of the 3D capability. We weren't expecting what we got the first time we popped a DVD in. The sound was like sitting in a movie theater. We watched "Salt" with Angelina Jolie. I tell you, these speakers were made for action movies!
The only downfall is that there aren't many options for adjusting sound levels (i.e. adjusting the treble). Your only controls are the bass on the woofer and the sound on the remote. Also, the Cinemate Series II comes with its own remote that can only be used to adjust the sound. None of my other remotes work with it. I will spring for a Harmony 650 Universal Remote that will allow me to control all my devices with one remote (including the sound on the Bose system). I also plan to get a set of tabletop speaker stands to raise them off the shelf they are sitting on. I understand the sound is even better then.
I totally get the people who say they are a bit pricy. This is a 2:1 system, and it seems like the going rate for systems like this is about $300 - $400. These are $600. Pricy, but in my opinion, they are in a class by themselves. I don't regret spending the extra money.
*Note: you can check for best price of the Cinemate Series II before you will buy it at: htsystems.wordpress.com/bose-cinemate-series-ii/
The bottome line is that as long as you realize that you are not getting a surround sound system, and you're okay with that, you won't be disappointed. -
"Great sound quality for small room."
on by taylojohPros Size, sound quality, ease of installation
Cons Price, dialogue sounds a bit flat.
Summary Overall, great system. I was a bit concerned about some of the reviews I had read but after listening in the store I decided to give it a try. Once installed, I was impressed by the excellent sound quality. Definitely simulates a 5.1 surround sound. I have added the Bose VCS 10 system which made TV dialogue much clearer and crisp. Installation is incredibly simple. It only took me 10 minutes to have the system up and running. The only complaints I have so far is the price is steep and dialogue without the center channel sounds slightly flat.
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"Better Value than GS II model"
on by montague300Pros One of a kind in the 2.1 virtual surround category. Same sound quality as compared to GS II on a better value. Not a 5.1 set up but works like one in relatively small rooms. Simple but elegant design. Easy set up.
Cons Not for audiopiles
Expensive compared to alternate options. But you get a bose product because of its simple ornamental factor, rather than sound quallity itself. Thus, these two things need to be in a compromise.Summary CineMate II gives a very intlligible sound quality on both movies and music. Bass and mid range fequency does not give a perfect punch though, and I do not expect a 2.1 set up to act like a 5.1 low frequency puncher.
This is definitely a choice I would recommend than the GS II. If my hearing is correct, there is really no difference between the sound quality of the GSII and the series II. The GS ofcourse has a more sleek speakers and a universal remote control.
Set this up in a relatively small room. Expect disappointment if this system is set up in a somehow bigger or open area. Small regular shaped room is the perfect space for the cineMate II
I would argue that the price of Cinemate II is relatively reasonable for what you get. (forget about the GSII this is totally off the hook) It gives you a relatively 5.1. quality sound (in small rooms) while not spending on a fully blown 5.1 set-up.
I would say that the greatest competitor of cineMate II are not on its 2.1 cartegory but on the HTIB. CineMate II's advantage though is in its capacity to make awesome surround sound without the rear speakers.
This is the combo that I have in my small living room
TV: Samsung 32" LCD (this size is so perfect for small rooms)
DVD: Samsung Blue-ray BD-P3600 ( do not get this if you are not tech savvy)
Speakers: CineMate series II
Control: Logitech Harmony 900 -
"Not too shabby"
on by The_J-WillPros Great Sound
EASY Setup
BoseCons The only difference I could make out between the Bose CineMate Series II and the Bose CineMate GS Series II was the universal remote and a slight upgrade in appearance. The Gemstone speakers sound no better than the articulate array speakers.
Summary This sound system consists of two satellite speakers and an accoustamass subwoofer with very attentive sound quility. The Bose CineMate Series II carries every noise throughout the room, from the light tapping of symbols in the background of a symphony, to the roaring base of thunder, putting you in the eye of the storm. When looking for speakers to add to my home theatre system, Bose seemed to be of my last options. The price listed was rather steep and how could a system with three components even start to quinch my thirst for sorround sound? WRONG. The articulate array speakers deliver sound from both sides of each speaker. The sound then bounces off the walls of the rooom while the accoustimass delivers powerful base, creating a sorround sound experience to not be forgotten any time soon.
This investment not only brings to life your home theatre system, but you will find exceptional sound quility and the ability to cut out the bulky AV reciever, hefty price, and more in-depth installation that is acquired when purchasing traditional full souround sound.
Don't Get the GS Version! -
"Perfect for home office/desktop use"
on by halvemPros Great sound; easy installation
Cons no built in equalizer (subwoofer does have one), but you can have this through PC.
Summary I tried both the Series II and the GS series. My objective was find the best sound set up for my home office and PC; willing to spend extra money. The Series II is perfect for this. However, don't spend the extra money for GS for this purpose. Even though Bose HQ told me GS would sound better; they did not; sounded flat (no depth). I am very happy with other Bose products; definitely would recommend the Series II for those interested for similar use. I tried to find any opinions from others comparing the two (Series II vs. GS) and couldn't find any reviews....so, here's one. Series II gets a big 'thumbs up'.
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