In article , Sally
wrote:


Dear Jims, Thanks for your replies. My requirements are as follows:
smallish unit similar in size to the Bose radio clock alarm decent sound
quality for listening to classical music cd player preferably in one box
unit I had a look at the Pure Legato which is small and does everything
except the speakers are separate units. I suppose that would be OK if
they are small.

In general, having seperate speakers can make a big difference to the
level of sound quality you can get for your money. Hence I would recommend
you accept separate speakers unless you cannot bear to accept them.

I don't know what is currently available, but you might like to look for
systems made by Denon, or Tivoli. With the Denon system(s) I would
personally feel you would be better to choose speakers from someone like
B&W, KEF, etc, rather than Denon's own.


I have an excellent sound system in my living room but
would like a compact one for use elsewhere and in particular the
bedroom. I am willing to pay more than the Legato in order to get a
really good sound and the reason I mentioned the Bose was because it
had an excellent review a few years ago in Gramophone magazine.
However I realise that since then things have probably changed. Thanks
again.

My experience with Bose systems is that they rapidly sound both like they
are 'shouting' and booming. The effect can be impressive at first, but
tiring in the long run. Indeed, I find it ends up giving me a headache
after a while as I can't hear properly, so my ears/brain are straining to
hear through the 'glare'. However this is based on hearing various Bose
systems over the years but *not* the 'Wave' radio. So it may be an
exception for some reason. I doubt this as Bose seem to have a preferred
'sound' which I find nasty.

I would personally be very wary of recommendations in magazine reviews.
They are useful for telling you what is available, but the opinions
expressed may be a poor guide to your own reactions after extended use...

Alas, the hifi industry and magazines largely tend to ignore the need for
units of the self-contained type you want. Instead it is left to the makers
of 'portable radios', etc, which are often quite dire, and never really get
examined by magazines, etc. I think this is a shame as regular attention
might help us establish which units work best and put some 'evolutionary
pressure' on the worst or most over-priced. :-/

All of the above said, if you were to spend some time listeing to the Bose,
and did like it, then that is fair enough. People vary in what they prefer,
or find unpleasing. I would hope you could find something better for less
money, though.

Slainte,

Jim

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