5.1-channel speaker system vs 6.1-channel speaker system

[mstehouwer]

Statement:
I am moving into a new house next week and need to purchase new speakers. I was thinking of getting the Bose Acoustimass® 15 home entertainment speaker system (5.1) for $1,200. I was also thinking of spending $300 more and get Acoustimass® 16 home entertainment speaker system (6.1).

I have a Sony 57” HDTV and Sony receiver. I own Bose now and I am very happy with them.

Questions to the group:
Is 6.1 worth the extra money?

A salesman told me that I am only paying for the Bose name. Is this true?

I don’t have a lot of time to research other brands. What other brand have great sound?

Thanks Matt

GO STATE!
[URL=http://msutoday.msu.edu]

[57U]

In this case the salesperson is totally correct. As with Monster, Bose, Terk, you are definitely paying a lot for the name. Although all these products work and are typically "good quality" (although I'd have to say that's not the case with the acoustimas speakers) there are lots of other brands that provide comparable or better equipment for less money.

Do some research on various receivers and 5.1/6.1 speaker systems.

Some people like the Bose sound, so go ahead if you want, but there's lots better value out there if you're willing to listen to different systems.

[nuke61]

Measure response curves show how horrible Bose AM-15 is, and when you add the price to get that "performance" it really is all about marketing.

http://www.geocities.com/p_iturra/Misc_HT_Speakers.html

If size is an issue, I say get the JBL NSP-1 that's also listed on the above website. The center might be on the bright side, especially since currently have Bose speakers, but all you'd need to do is turn down the treble a bit.

There's an old saying about Bose, and it's for good reason...
No highs, no lows, it must be Bose.

[soze]

uuughhh!!! BOSE??? I would look at other speakers...uh, JBL?

[spike_8585]

All I can tell you is B&W 600 series 3...