Bose Accoustimass Review

Overall Rating

Beautifully made, tiny, unbelievably powerful, adjustable sound spread, non-booming sub, long cables included, accurate and rich sounds

Expensive at £400, but currently discounted to £350 if you hand in an old DVD film (which Bose give to charity)

Contrary to all my past habits and advice to others, I bought a set of speakers (on the net) without hearing them, AND after reading the various mixed reviews from around the world, I simply relied on the reputation of BOSE - and the fact that I heard the original Acoustimass-3 equivalent some 20 years ago. I have been something of a hifi enthusiast since the late sixties - not an expert mind you, but someone who knows a nice sound when he hears it.

Some hate Acoustimass 5's and some love them. I love them.

I wired them into a TEAC CR 255 DAB (UK Digital radio with USB) which puts out a mere 25 watts RMS. (Also bought on the net without hearing it!)

The Bose Accoustimass stereo speakers are accurate, full of breadth, a totally non-booming sub-woofer, and so much sound it almost knocks you over. The sound image is simply breathtaking, and I couldn't stop wondering just how such a rich and vibrant room full of sound could come from speakers so small and discrete that you hardly notice they're there (white against very light walls). I was just as amazed as when I heard their predecessors all those years ago.

I suspect most of the bad reviews are from people who haven't really heard them properly or simply use bad equipment to feed them. Maybe some mischief makers out there too. Real hifi experts who spend tens of thousands on a simple deck would probably consider them to be toys and dismiss them out of hand - AM5's are not for people like that - it's a different market altogether - they need wood and weight!

To Bose, I say this. Well done. They're brilliant! They've revealed content in my well-listened-to tracks that I haven't heard before, and they're virtually hidden from sight - which has pleased my family no end!

Members' Comments onDataman's Review

• musicmike on 3rd Jul 2008

  This is a great review and spot on. Yes, in a well set out room with the right cables and you sitting in the right position, other speakers may sound better but for the price and ease of use and room friendly performance Bose are spot on. You never hear a Bose user ranting on about the size and complexity of normal hifi so why do normal hifi people feel they have to rant on about Bose? Both solutions are right or different people, don't read reviews, listen to your favourite music and make your own mind up. Life is for fun, have some!