[topround]

My mother wants the big Bose radio that sells for about $1300 for Xmas.
Not the clock radio but the acoustimass big box with cd.
Any reccommendations for something better for less$$ ?

[Brad]

The Tivolis are pretty nice- I've had one in my office and have listened to it daily for 5 years, but I've had my eye lately on the tube-based Sound Quest table radios - there is a nice review on SixMoons.

[JLM]

Here's a Denon "executive" micro-system:

http://usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/1912.asp


Here's a Yamaha system (don't know the price):

http://www.yamaha.co.jp/english/product/av/products/hf/mcre810.html


Here's a NAD receiver/player, just add speakers (I thought they used to package speakers with them):

http://nadelectronics.com/products/dvd-players/L53-DVD/CD-Receiver


Here's a nice (but pricer) Linn options, again add speakers:

http://www.knekt.com/spec_sound/product_display.cfm?ProductID=153&activeNavBar=products&activeSubNavBar=independents&CFID=4176708&CFTOKEN=18407398

I'm sure a stroll through the big box stores will reveal cheaper options.  Unfortunately none of the above handle more than one at a time.  Of course you could put together a better system of components with multi-disc feature for much less, like a Sony 2 channel receiver and 5 disc universal player for $150 each (retail) and add the respected Best Buy Insignia 6.5 inch bass reflex speakers for $100/pair.

A sweet little system could go something like this:  Cambridge Audio Azur 340 amp ($330 on the street); Squeeze Box 3 ($300 for the wireless version); and the AV123 x-ls speakers for $219/pair.  But this isn't as mom friendly.

[avahifi]

Can you provide a link to the review of the "Sound Quest" tube radio?  I cannot find a reference to it.

Thank you.

Frank Van Alstine

[Soundbitten]

  ... Buy your mom what she wants .

[Midnite Mick]

Can you provide a link to the review of the "Sound Quest" tube radio?  I cannot find a reference to it.

Thank you.

Frank Van Alstine

I didn't read it myself but this is what I found.

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/tubetuner/r601p.html

Mike

[dB Cooper]

http://www.questforsound.com/tuners.htm

Bose is overpriced as hell, esp. the overrated Acoustimass crap.

[bcretty]

I highly recommend one of the Quest for Sound Radios. Stephen, the designer, is absolutely wonderfull to deal with an an honest dealer. I have both the Sq-88 and 84 tube amps which he designed and couldn't be happier. Do your self and your mother a favor and get one of Stephen's tube radios.

Later.
Bri

[china]

First things first!!!  New Mother!!  Just kidding!! 
How about some tubed gear from China!!  Shipping is expensive!!  But after all!! It is for dear old mom!!!
If interested email me at [email protected], since it is for "mom" we will work something out electronic wise. Speakers are up to you!!!

As always, all the best. From China.

[mca]

There are some good deals on the Quest for Sound radios over at the 6moons/Terry Cain fund page. Save a couple of bucks and help a good guy out, too 

[lonewolfny42]

... Buy your mom what she wants .

I agree.....I bet she wants one Mike because of the way it looks....no clutter, sleek, compact....does not take up much room.
Could your mother handle separate piece's of equipment ? Is she an audiophile ?

And......she does know the "Bose" name....bet she thinks its the best......

[Russell Dawkins]

there is a rumour that there will shortly exist on the market a unit like the Sound Quest table radio (with tubes) but also with CD player built in. I'd wait for that - ETA 2 months - but since you are looking for Xmas, the Tivoli is probably your best bet at $599.

http://www.tivoliaudio.com/product.php?productid=243&cat=267&page=1

I continue to be astounded at how effective Bose advertising appears to be in convincing otherwise-well-informed people that they represent some sort of pinnacle of quality. Must have something to do with the range of magazines they advertise in, including all the higher end but not audio-oriented ones like New Yorker, National Geographic and Scientific American plus the relentless consistency of their advertising. I think they must work on a different business model as regards percentage of budget assigned to advertising, compared to any other brand I can think of in this business, including Sony.

[JLM]

IMO the secret behind the success of Bose is:  Paul Harvey.  Every senior in America knows him and hangs on his every word. 

Typical seniors need simple (can't comprehend an owner's manual) and small (as they look to downsize their aboods).  Most in this market segment have lost much of their hearing, but still has lots of cash.

That tube radio is super cool!!  I'd try talking her into waiting for the CD version.  Even as an audionut I can't imagine parking a black CDP box next to one of those beauties.  BTW my very first "system" consisted of my mom's old tube AM radio and a portable cassette player.   

[pearsall001]

The Polk Audio I-Sonic has been getting great reviews. Same price as the Bose but with more features & better sound.

[gilbodavid]

if she was my mum (and I know you love her) i'd get her krell monoblocks, krell pre, wadia cd player, any tuner you can get your hands on, and avantgarde trios (any colour she likes) plug it all in for her and stand back...

[Carlman]

I have learned that Mothers like things for a lot of different, and sometimes obscure reasons...

If the only reason she wanted the Bose was based on reputation, fishing for other options would be easy.  However, she probably liked the display, remote, or something she didn't even realize... It may fit perfectly for somewhere she had in mind... Whatever it is, it's usually something we wouldn't have considered.

I would suggest a JVC UX-G70 or some kind of micro-system for her... However, the Bose is much easier to operate.  The Tivoli mentioned above looks good but I haven't used one.  The buttons looks small and the print is very small around them.

My sister and I bought my parents a $59 Magnavox cd/fm/am/tape boombox and they have been pleased with it for almost 10 years.  It has big buttons and is very easy to use.  My Mom is now attached to it, my Dad can't hear well enough to care.  Audio is so far down on most parent's (and people in general's) list that you shouldn't get too excited about the 'audio appliance' you buy them.  They'll appreciate it a little more than a new vacuum, but not much.    If you're looking for a youngster, that changes things but for 50 and up, audio schmaudio. 

-C

[Carlman]

if she was my mum (and I know you love her) i'd get her krell monoblocks, krell pre, wadia cd player, any tuner you can get your hands on, and avantgarde trios (any colour she likes) plug it all in for her and stand back...

And while you're at it, buy her a new Ferrari for Bingo...

[WEEZ]

"....but for 50 and up, audio schmaudio".

Hey careful, Carlman, some us old farts know a thing or two about audio!

 

[ohenry]

....but for 50 and up, audio schmaudio".

Damn, ouch... that's cold Carlman.

[Carlman]

I meant the 'general public' over 50.... but the more I think about it, could be the general public over 30... seems to be the real cutoff for audio enthusiasm for most folks... and not the fine folks around AC... we're considered nuts, old and new!