Bose® - CineMate® Digital Home Theater Speaker System

To date this system has been blasted by quite a few but my opinion...reasonable expectations required. For a "home theater in a box" (HTIB) type solution the CineMate certainly sounds better as a 2.1 system than many under $1000 5.1 systems out there. Setup is easy and the sound quality is quite pleasant. I challenge any critic of this system to compare the build quality and performance of the CineMate bass module to the cheap, poorly built, so-called subwoofers shipping with most HTIBs under $1000...or for most under $500 sub-woofers for that matter (the list price of the CineMate which includes bass module, 2 satellites, amplifier, remote control and cables!). Rap on most under $1000 HTIB speakers and you'll hear obvious vibrations and resonances from the speaker cabinets. Not so with either the Bose bass module or the satellite speakers. They're well made, heavy and well damped, something that can't be said for most HTIB speakers. Another unique feature of the CineMate is the virtual surround. While granted, certainly no match for a well made 5.1 system (a system well exceeding the $500 list price for the CineMate) for smaller rooms, bedrooms and apartments, the surround effect can be quite pleasant and even surprising at times, extending the sound-field well out to the sides of the speakers. I also dare most critics to compare the amplifier output of the CineMate versus other HTIBs as well. Sound pressure levels far exceed reasonable levels for my applications and distortion seems very low, again something that cannot be said for most HTIBs. Complaints? A few. The so-called universal remote, while well made, and very intuitive (again a plus versus the cheap, confusing, less than intuitive remotes included with most HTIBs) is certainly less than universal.With no remote learning capabilities (and no means to add new codes based on my research) this was my first letdown. Also, unlike other Bose lifestyle systems of which I'm familiar, there are no tone controls, balance controls, bass/satellite level controls or cinema bass/music bass adjustments available with the CineMate. While I suspect the reason is to keep things simple, I bet many of the sound quality complaints by others could be overcome by simple treble and bass adjustments. Related, being able to shift volume balance left our right when sitting off-center, or when speakers cannot be positioned exactly equidistant (as is the case in my space) would be a welcome feature as well. Finally, a little expandability beyond a single pair of input jacks would be a nice option (and since we're talking about wishes, a digital input wouldn't hurt). Having connections for a TV and iPod (or other MP3 player or device) for example would be nice. Based on the design of the system...using an external input/IR remote breakout box connected by cable to the main bass unit, it seems providing as an extra-cost option a multiple input/IR (and for that matter an IR/RF remote receiver as well) would be helpful. Right now to accomplish something similar you either must route your iPod through a TV input (as I have) and use your TV inputs to switch to the iPod, use an inexpensive switch box (available at Radio Shack for example) or use a pre-amplifier to do switching duties (thus creating additional complexity with multiple remotes, potential impedance matching issues and obvious expense). In closing, I have absolutely no regrets...as I approached the CineMate with reasonable expectations. I purposely chose the CineMate as I did not want the complexity of running 5.1 wires throughout my space and the poor bass response from cheaply built 5.1 speakers. I suspect if you approach the CineMate with reasonable expectations as well, you'll agree that it is a well built, pleasant sounding system that does indeed sound better than your TV speakers or comparably priced HTIB.

After becomming obsessed with Pandora and deciding that I needed some sort of home theatre setup anyway, I decided to purchase Samsung's BD-2550P Blue Ray player, which includes Pandora and Netflix. But, apart from the speakers on my Samsung TV, I didn't have any sort of sound system. This set me looking for audio stuff. Wow. A plethora of options, many quite expensive. And, complicated setup and wiring, speakers all over the place. Yikes! So, I was thrilled when I ran across this CineMate option. No need for a receiver or figuring out which thing connects through and to whatever else, a clean and uncomplicated look. And, I'm already used to Bose sound from using a Sound dock for my iPod, so I'd already stepped away from the very bass-heavy sound that I used to prefer! I wasn't thrilled to have to spend $ 500 for a speaker system, but didn't really want to give up the clarity and quality that I was used to either. Plus, I live in a smallish apartment and wouldn't be able to really utilize all of the features of a high powered sound system anyway. My neighbors might just take exception with a plaster blaster! Connecting the CineMate was beyond easy. Pretty much, I was able to use the visual references provided by the quick start guide and had everything connected in short order. A bonus was not having to route the speaker cables through the tight confines of the entertainment armoire that houses the TV and Blue Ray. The only think that I needed to route through was the cord for the little interface unit for the remote control. Connecting sound cables from the interface unit to the back of the TV was easy. Sweet. One glitch was when I first fired up the system and there was no sound. I checked all of the connections. Twice. Consulted the manual. Puzzled over what I might have done wrong. Then, it dawned on me. Turn... up... the... volume. Duh! How embarassing! Placement of the components is something that I'm still playing around with a bit, as I'm definitely trying to avoid the cost of the $ 100 speaker stands. At one point, I'd located the Acoustimass Module around the other side of a large armchair, which sort of isolated the sound of the bass from that of the speakers. Not good. There was a distant bass rumble that didn't really go with the sound coming from the speakers, sort of as if a neighbor had cranked up their plaster blaster. Moving it closer to the speakers provided a much more integrated sound. Please note that moving the AM around can be rather daunting; that bad boy weighs a ton! I've watched a couple of movies, including "The Dark Knight", and am really blown away with the sound. Amazing how Bose manages to simulate surround sound via two neat little unobtrusive speakers! Very realistic. The sound of barking dogs in the movie sent my dog into insantity zone looking for the other dogs. Pandora sounds absolutely fabulous and definitely justifies this addition. I'm in heaven. Lack of the ability to hook up other components, such as a CD player isn't an issue for me. Since getting the iPod, I haven't listened to a CD (except in the car) for years. I'm thinking that there is probably a way to connect the iPod via the Blue Ray player. Or, just access my iTunes via an HDMI connection between the laptop PC and iTunes. I need to explore this a bit more when (and if) I can tear myself away from Pandora. I've yet to discover the upper ends of volume on this thing, as it is still Sunday morning and I'm trying not to bug my neighbors! This brings me to my one complaint about Cinemate. No volume display. This isn't a deal breaker, but it sure would be nice to have (I have the same complaint about the Sound dock also.) Overall, I'm very pleased with this purchase and would enthusiastically reommend it to others.

I just bought this as an "improved" speaker system for my Sony Bravia DLP. Frankly, I cannot tell the difference between these speakers and the TV's speakers when I crank the TV speakers up to high volume. But. . . I am keeping the speakers and love the sound, because I can get a richer sound at lower volumes with these speakers. One other thing--the Bose manuel suggests setting your TV on Audio speakers--Fixed. I actually run mine in conjunction with the TV speakers and on Variable. I get a center speaker so to speak (from the TV speakers) to match the Bose, and I really like the sound make up. Also, with this setting, I can Mute my bose speakers with any remote that Mutes the TV itself. If you set the TV to Audio out and Fixed--you will have to use the Bose remote to mute the speakers. And I will join the overall minor griping on two levels. The only way to turn the speakers on is with the remote. I wish you could do it with a switch on some part of the system. Also, you can never see how high the volume is on your speakers. I wish you could see the volume setting. This is another reason why I like to use the variable setting. I can set the Bose to an acceptible level and then use my TV sound level to gauge where I am on the speakers. Enjoy

This is a great sound system for limited budgets. Additionally, my TV speakers are in the back causing us to constantly change the volume during any show or movie. We now don't have that problem. I easily coded my cable remote to adjust the volume for the Cinemate instead of the TV. Fortunately, I was able to talk to an actual Bose employee prior to purchase and knew this was the best system for just trying to add quality sound. I've heard complaints about having bose specific wiring (as opposed to general speaker wiring), however, the Bose wiring is part of the Bose experience. Some complain about advanced options like equalizers, but that is what Bose Acoustimass Speaker Systems and Lifestyle series are for. Besides, I wouldn't change anything about the sound, and thus I don't require an equalizer or decoder. The specific placement instructions are that the speakers are supposed to be pointed forward (not angled), at least 3 feet apart, but not farther than 3 feet from the TV, and the Acoustimass module is supposed to be at least 3 feet from either speaker.

Our great room is wide open and there is no good place for rear surround speakers. My wife hated the speaker stands and wires I had before, so I decided to give these a try. The sound is fabulous for movies or music, and it's a crystal clear, well balanced sound that booms or whispers with ease. I would like to emphasize the well balanced part. I really notice that the system isn't booming bass all the time, just when it needs too. The highs are just what you'd expect without overkill. I wasn't aware how unbalanced my old 5.1 system was until I got the CineMate and heard the difference. On the down side it's somewhat immersive, but not a true surround sound experience. Even so, I wouldn't trade my new CineMate for the Sony 5.1 system I had before. Connected to the fixed audio output on my TV the CineMate serves as the speakers for the entire entertainment system, so it's easier for my wife or daughter to operate compared to other systems where you needed to select an input etc. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a simple all purpose speaker system to pair with a TV set. I will never buy speakers or headphones again unless they are Bose. I'm sold.

I bought this system to go with my new 1080P Samsung TV. I have been very satisfied with the purchase. I live in a one bedroom condo and didn't want a system with all the wires for all the surrond speakers. Now if you want true surround sound you need a 5.1 system. However, this system sounds much better than 5.1 systems I have heard around the same price range. I have read others saying there is not enough bass and I have to disagree. I can not turn this sytem up more than probably 25% of its capacity because I do not want to disturb my neighbors. There is plenty of bass and you get clean, clear, crisp music the way it should be heard. I do not think you will be dissappointed in this system. Excellent choice, Bose speakers are the best! I am enjoying all my DVDs and CDs !!!!!!!!!!

If you are looking for a easy audio solution for your t.v. than look no further. This system is a snap to set up, looks good and delivers a decent 5.1 sound stage. Bass reproduction is good and if you want more place the bass module in a corner. Bose has done all the thinking for you from equalization to surround effect set to average room accustics. The down side is it is not adjustable. No bass or treble adjustments. No adjustments for atmosphere or room size like 'hall or theater' to phase in the surround effect. Other reviewers might have given it a lower score for these short comings but they should have known these limitations when they bought it. For its purpose it sounds good is a solid choice.

We bought this system to enhance the sound of our Samsung LN52A750. We did a lot of research and decided on this system. We didn't want to spend a huge amount of money but also didn't want a cheap system that would be almost pointless. We wanted something to add a GREAT sound to our great picture on our HDTV. We are soooo happy with this system after about 3 months! It sounds great and is exactly what we need. We were a little worried about having to use the RCA jacks on our tv (vs hdmi or digital audio). But the BB salesman promised that this system was so much better then the other around 400-500 that were 5-1 systems. He said we wouldn't be sorry. He was right! The setup took only about 15 mins (and another 15 for the stands). That's alot better then the ones i read from the other guys that say it took hours and a ton of wires. If you are kinda like us, do yourself a favor and don't get caught on the watts, 5-1 and digital sound. This is the best in the category (even though its 2-1 and RCA) believe me! The only other thing i would have to say is that it became a pain to use the Bose remote (or TV and Bose remote) to control things. We eventually broke down and bought a Logitech Harmony One universal remote. Check out that remote!! Now we have it all and are soooo happy with our system.