I think most marketing groups can be accused of at least stretching the truth at one time or another.Going by what Ricky said, if the bose is claiming 500w rms (250+250) that is also a marketing lie.
It's still only 250w rms.
I have not had anyone yet ask me what kind of system I use and I don't offer unless they would ask. But... I guess if you are using BOSE, a lot of people out there do know the name and I guess it could help sell the job.
So I have owned the Model 2 for about 3 years, and have used both B1s and B2s, heavily considered EVOX8, so much to the point, I met somebody in the LA area who also owned the BOSE system and did a pretty good comparison.
I absolutely love the Bose system, but the T1 is what makes it shine IMO. Without it, it's fine, and good EQ can fix what the T1 does with its built in DJ Presets, but why bother when the T1 does an absolutely amazing job. I also route all my mics through there. It basically tames some of the upper mids to play smoother, and adds a lot of low end. The low end is probably the most dramatic difference when using a T1.
The Model II will get noticeably louder than the EVOX, and a B2 is pretty comparable to the EVOX in normal mode, but once you switch to the + mode, add the T1, it's not even fair. However, I think 2 EVOX systems would outperform the Model II.
I personally think the Bose sounds a lot better too. With all that said, it is PITA to setup b/c of how many pieces/trips you have to make. The EVOX8 is much more portable and super easy to setup.
I chose to keep my Model II even though it is a lot more pieces, harder to pack, and store, takes longer to setup b/c of how much better it performed the the RCF. I can deal with all the pieces b.c of how it sounds.
Also, the B1s are extremely underrated and when use use the T1, 4 of them does really well for small events. The B2 is definitely louder and has a lot more punch, but it doesn't go as low according to my ear, and has a lot of upper mid bass that I had to EQ out. So for live music or a lot of rock, the B2s are better. For Hip Hop, I like the B1.
I now use B1s combined with F1 subs. Killer system.
I also don't get any noise on my units either. Pretty quiet actually especially compared to almost every other powered speaker I have owned.
I could not agree more about the T1. Love that thing. I was talking with someone who said they didn't want the model 2 because the T1 was an extra piece. I feel the exact opposite. I love that it's separate. So 1 T1 can do multiple towers. I can also use it with other equipment like my compacts for karaoke. The sound card on the T1 is fantastic.
With the wide coverage the Bose systems provide and using a L1, ModelII, can one system handle a 200 person wedding? Or do you have to have two systems? Just curious. I would definitely consider buying one unit with a T1 and use where it may permit. Most of the weddings that I do today fall between 125 and 200 guests, it is rare that I get jobs bigger than that. I usually pass those larger jobs on to one of my friends who has a huge sounding system.
About the best you're going to do is the 10% off they run at times .. Contact @Cap Capello (PM him) and he can tell you the best price.What is the best price you have all seen on one system: L1 - Model II with B2 bass module and T1 tone match? I know this is BOSE and there is no such thing probably as 'discounting'
Exactly the two systems I've been considering to replace my current sound system. After reading through the thread, still not sure! Keep those opinions and comparisons coming! It might boil down to availability for me.
You can order either through Long and McQuade but if you plan on Bose call or message @Cap Capello first he's the most knowledgeable around on Bose
Stop the music. Halt the presses. Hold the phone. Wait a minute.
First (and perhaps not wise to put it in writing), just how many DJ's do the writers/developers of these numbers have on staff and secondly, are they talking about bands or DJs? Lastly, they are talking about ONE system.
The F1-812 is an L1 Compact on massive steroids. It has 8 line array drivers (not 6). It has a 12" bass speaker (not 8"). It has 1,000 watts of available power [500w top/500w bass] (not 130 watts) [65w top 65w bass]. The F1-812 has dual channel adjustable inputs as does the Compact.
The Compact has 180 degree dispersion; the F1-812 has 100 degree power alley but clearer than a bell with less volume to 180 degrees.
The Compact is $999.00. The F1-812 is $1,199.00. For $200 more, the F1-812 made total sense to me in every business way. I use a single F1-812
for ceremonies, cocktail hours, and speaking engagements. I use a pair of F1-812 for parties up to 150 - 200 if being forced to set up in the middle wall of the shortest wall in long narrow faculties (because of the extended power alley throw) or if I'm forced to set up a long way from the dance floor.
Add the F1 Subwoofer to the F1-812 and you're talking about awesome power. Two F1-812 with two F1-Sub? 1,200+ easy! (Don't say it cannot. I've already done it twice, each time with 4,000 plus for grandstand parade coverage.)