Bose CineMate Series II

October 30th, 2012

We’ve been looking at Bose gear a lot recently, so rather than halt the trend we’re going to continue with a quick peek at the CineMate Series II 2.1 sound system today. This compact 2.1 home theatre system sports Articulated Array speakers and is specifically aimed at users looking to hook up a sound system to their TV. There’s a simple setup, with a four button easy to use remote control.

Bose® CineMate® Series II Digital Home Theater Speaker System

Price: $570.99

4.2 out of 5 stars (180 customer reviews)

20 used & new available from $414.98

Bose CineMate Series II specifications

* 2.1 channel configuration
* 2 speakers and sub-woofer, all wired
* Integrated Amplifier
* 1 x Optical audio input (SPDIF)
* 1 x audio line-in

The key with the Bose CineMate Series II is it’s ability to fool the user into believing that they have full surround sound produced by just two speakers. Bose reckon they do this, and describe the process with a couple of boffins in the video below.

Bose CineMate Series II video

Bose CineMate Series II reviews

Amazon – 4 out of 5
CNet – 3.5 out of 5
Epinions – 3 out of 5
BestBuy – 4.4 out of 5

Pros – Ease of use and setup, sound quality
Cons – Lack of treble/bass controls

An average score of 3.7 out of 5 based on these 3 reviews.

Whilst the 3.7 score for the Bose CineMate Series II doesn’t exactly light up the home theatre sound system world, the reviews are not massively negative. So if you’re looking for a sound system for a spare room or may be just have a small lounge the CineMate Series II may be what you’re after.


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Bose CineMate 1 Speaker Bar

August 27th, 2012

We confess, we like soundbars, nice shiny soundbars. Of course they may not pump out the greatest quality sound in the world but if you’re looking for a compact alternative to multiple speakers and trailing cables then a soundbar is what you are after. And today we are looking at the CineMate 1 soundbar from quality speaker manufacturer Bose. Unfortunately with that ‘quality’ tag comes a high price and US$1,499 is not cheap by anyone’s standard. But let’s first look at the numbers and then the reviews before closing our wallet on the CineMate.

Bose® CineMate® 1 SR Digital Home Theater Speaker System

Price: $1,499.00

3.9 out of 5 stars (57 customer reviews)

29 used & new available from $1,199.99

Bose CineMate 1 features and specifications

* Wall-mounted option for soundbar
* ADAPTiQ audio calibration system – funky system that sets up the CineMate to suit your room
* PhaseGuide sound radiators work with TrueSpace technology to ensure the sound gets to where it’s supposed to be!
* SmartSource input selection system to ensure the best quality sound source is selected
* Wireless Acoustimass module – no nasty cables!
* The remote control is programmable to enable use with other gear
* Soundbar – 4.9 x 36.8 x 2.4 inches ; 7.8 pounds
* Acoustimass module – 11.1 x 14.7 x 7.6 inches ; 13.8 pounds

Bose Cinematic Video Review from B&H

Bose Cinematic 1 SR reviews

Amazon – 4 out of 5
BestBuy – 4.4. out of 5
Crutchfield – 5 out of 5

Pros – Design, wireless subwoofer, easy calibration
Cons – Cost, no HDMI inputs

An average score of 4.47 out of 5 based on these 3 reviews.

Despite the glowing customer reviews, we’re going to give the Bose CineMate 1 SR speaker system a thumbs down. There are too many negatives that just grate for our liking, no HDMI, no iPod dock and there are a number of ‘satisfied’ customers who readily admit that for movies and games they’d rather have a 5.1 system. Whilst we realise that a soundbar is never meant to fully replace a surround sound system in terms of audio experience, asking someone to pay $1500 for an inferior product is a touch cheeky if you ask us.

If you disagree and/or have the Bose Cinemate 1 SR then please comment on your experience below


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Samsung UN55D7000 55 inch 1080p 3D LED HDTV

May 2nd, 2012

Samsung’s range of 3D HDTVs, the UND7000 series, have an incredible 0.2 inch bezel to give the models an almost “all-picture” look. Even the still shots of the range look striking. The UND7000 series consists of three models, sporting different screen sizes, 46, 55 and 60 inch. We’re going to concentrate on the mid-range 55 inch model, the Samsung UN55D7000. The reviews are glowing for the 55 inch model and it is currently a top seller at Amazon. So let’s take a deeper look at the Samsung UN55D7000 3D LED HDTV.

Samsung UN55D7000 55-Inch 1080p 240 Hz 3D LED HDTV (Silver) [2011 MODEL]

Price: $1,749.00

4.1 out of 5 stars (283 customer reviews)

10 used & new available from $1,500.00

Samsung UN55D7000 features and specifications

* 55 inch display
* 1920 x 1080 resolution
* 240Hz Refresh Rate
* Dolby Digital Plus / Dolby Pulse, SRS TheatreSound HD
* 15W x 2 speakers
* 3 x USB ports, 4 x HDMI, 2 x Composite and 1 x Component inputs, PC input, Digitial Audio Output
* Ethernet LAN connectivity
* With Stand 1240.0 x 790.9 x 309.8 mm
* No 3D glasses
* QWERTY remote control
* Built-in Wi-Fi, Skype app, digital recorder

Here’s a video review from 3D TV Buying Guide of the 46 inch model but as mentioned the review applies across the UND7000 range.

Samsung UN55D7000 reviews

Amazon – 4 out of 5
3D TV Buying Guide – 8.5 out of 10

Pros – Great design and picture quality, low power consumption
Cons – No 3D glasses

The Samsung UN55D7000 1080p 3D LED HDTV seems to tick all the boxes with reviewers and gets a thumbs up from Our Picks too, assuming you can overlook the omission of 3D glasses with a 3D TV.

An average score of 4.08 out of 5 based on these 2 reviews.

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KEF T305 Home Theatre System Package

March 5th, 2012

The slim line T Series speakers from KEF make their T305 Home Theatre System worth checking out. As well as being space-saving the 35mm thin speakers look stylish too and despite their small size they deliver on power. And in general the reviews say that the sound quality, which of course is what it’s all about, of the KEF T305 matches the stylish slimline looks. Interested? Then read on ….

KEF T305 Home Theater System

Price: $2,014.98

5.0 out of 5 stars (7 customer reviews)

6 used & new available from $1,549.99

KEF T305 Home Theatre Specifications
T301 speaker
• (2) 4[1/2]-inch woofers
• 1-inch tweeter
• Included wall mount plate and desktop stand
• Horizontal T301c center speaker also available
• 23.6 x 5.5 x 1.4 in; 3.3 lb.

T2 subwoofer
• 10-inch driver powered by 250-watt Class D amp
• Line-level input only
• 15 x 14.6 x 7 in; 28.6 lb.

KEF T305 Home Theatre Reviews

Amazon – 5 out of 5
Home Theater – 5 out of 5

Pros – styling match for panel displays, excellent sound, strong subwoofer
Cons – Price

Whilst we struggled to find a lot of reviews for the KEF T305 Home Theatre System, the ones we did all gave it 5 out of 5. The only fly in the ointment was the cost but we feel in the speaker system market you do pay what you get for. Want better sound quality? You pay more money, as simple as that. So needless to say the KEF T305 Home Theatre Sound System package gets a big thumbs up from Our Picks.

An average score of 5 out of 5 based on these 2 reviews.

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Bose SoundDock Series II

February 12th, 2012

Today we’re taking a quick look at the stylish Bose SoundDock Series II iPhone/iPod speaker system. This music system certainly looks the part with the usual high standard Bose design and apparently it packs a punch too. The only downside that we can find is that a may be a bit too pricey for some people’s taste. However the SoundDock Series II certainly gets top marks on sound quality which of course is what it’s all about with a speaker system.

Bose SoundDock Series II 30-Pin iPod/iPhone Speaker Dock (Black)

Price: $199.00

4.3 out of 5 stars (485 customer reviews)

44 used & new available from $144.99

Bose SoundDock Series II Features

* Award-winning performance plus versatile features
* Ideal for use in kitchen, bedroom, living room—practically anywhere in your home
* Remote controls basic iPod® functions including playlist navigation
* Auxiliary input for use with other sound sources, like MP3 or DVD/CD player
* Compatible with most iPhone® and most iPod models
* Remote control (extra) handles power, volume, track seek and iPod playlist navigation from almost anywhere in the room
* Auxiliary input lets you play other audio sources, such as a portable DVD player, CD or other MP3 player

Bose SoundDock Series II Reviews

Amazon – 4 out of 5
CNet – 4 out of 5
iLounge – B recommendation
iPhone Speaker Reviews – 9 out of 10

Pros – Sound quality, Ease of use, Design
Cons – Cost

Despite it’s price tag, the quality and style of the Bose SoundDock Series II forces us to give it a big Our Picks thumbs up.

An average score of 4.2 out of 5 based on these 3 reviews.

Here’s a quick video from a Target store taking by a customer of the Bose SoundDock Series II demo.


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Onkyo TX-NR709 7.2 Channel Receiver

December 26th, 2011

Today we’re taking a look at Onkyo’s networked 7.2 channel receiver the TX-NR709. This little puppy has eight HMDI inputs, is THX-certified and will playback media from your PCs using it’s “Play To” feature. An optional USB adapter will enable wireless connectivity for the TX-NR609 too. Along with iPod/iPhone connectivity and 1080p upscaling, the Onkyo TX-NR709 is a great receiver for any home theatre system.

Onkyo TX-NR709 7.2-Channel Network A/V Receiver (Black)

Price: $499.77

3.8 out of 5 stars (99 customer reviews)

5 used & new available from $478.13

Onkyo TX-NR709 features

* 110 Watts per Channel at 8 Ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 0.08%, 2 Channels Driven, FTC;
* HDMI Support for 3D, Audio Return Channel, Deep Color, x.v.Color, Lip Sync
* HDMI Video Upscaling to 4K with Qdeo Technology by Marvell
* Playback of Audio Files Through Local Network (MP3, WMA, WMA Lossless, FLAC, WAV, Ogg Vorbis, AAC, LPCM)
* THX Select2 Plus Certified
* 14.9 x 17.1 x 6.9 inches
* 26.9 pounds
* Network Capability Delivers Internet Radio and Network Streaming
* Direct Digital Connection of iPod/iPhone via Front-Panel USB Port
* Audyssey MultEQ XT Advanced Room-correction and Speaker Calibration
* Audyssey DSX and Dolby Pro Logic IIz Add New Dimensions to Surround Sound

Onkyo TX-NR709 Reviews

Amazon – 4 out of 5
Trusted Reviews – 9 out of 10
What HiFi – 5 out of 5
NewEgg – 4 out of 5

Pros – Great sound, easy to use, multiple HDMI inputs, network functionality
Cons – No Apple Airplay

We’ve never seen a piece of gear ever get top marks before, and the Onkyo TX-NR709 gets a massive five out of five from What Hi-Fi. Every review was glowing in its apparaisal of the 7.2 channel receiver and the unit is certainly a step-up from the TX-NR609 which it replaces, yet not in price! Needless to say the Onkyo TX-NR709 receiver gets a big Our Picks thumbs up.

An average score of 4.4 out of 5 based on these 4 reviews.

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Panasonic Viera TC L32C3 LCD 32 inch LCD HDTV

December 12th, 2011

Here’s a great little LCD 720p HDTV for you from Panasonic, namely the Viera TC-L32C3, priced under $300. Whilst it doesn’t boast all the major features of the larger models, the TC-L32C3 does feature the Viera Image Viewer, an in-built viewer utilising the SD slot on the HDTV, a Game Mode and an Intelligent Scene Controller to improve contrast.

Panasonic VIERA TC-L32C3 32-Inch 720p LCD HDTV

Price: $315.19

4.5 out of 5 stars (216 customer reviews)

2 used & new available from $300.00

Panasonic Viera TC L32C3 Specifications

* Display 31.5 inches
* Native resolution 1366 x 768 pixels
* Displays 1080i, 720p, 480p
* 2 full range, 20W total power, Surround Sound Capable Speakers
* Image viewer – JPEG playback
* 2 x HDMI ports
* Component input
* Composite Video input
* PC input
* Digital audio output
* 20.9″ x 30.7″ x 8.2″
* 22.1 pounds

Panasonic Viera TC L32C3 Reviews

Amazon Customer Reviews – 4.5 out of 5
TelevisionInfo Review – 7 out of 10
PriceGrabber PowerScore – 9.2
B&H Reviews – 5 out of 5

Despite a lack of major features the Panasonic Viera TC-L32C3 gets some good reviews and is a great purchase for under $400. We like the 32 inch HDTV and it gets an Our Picks thumbs up.

An average score of 4.4 out of 5 based on these 4 reviews.

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