CNET Editor's rating: 6.4 out of 10
Reviewed by
Nathaniel Wilkins
Review date: 11/09/05
Release date: 06/15/05
The good: Compact system has integrated progressive-scan DVD player, AM/FM tuner, two satellite speakers, and subwoofer; delivers simulated surround-sound effects without rear speakers; easy to set up and use.
The bad: Expensive; no HDMI output; only one A/V input; proprietary cables limit speaker-placement options; lackluster sound with music.
The bottom line: The Bose 3-2-1 Series II DVD system does a surprisingly good surround-sound imitation with just two satellites, but it's overpriced.
The Bose 3-2-1 Series II DVD home-entertainment system is an updated version of the company's older 3-2-1 system. Like its predecessor, the 3-2-1 Series II uses signal processing to give the impression of surround sound from just two small satellites and a subwoofer. Second-generation refinements include updated signal-processing technology, a smaller DVD player/tuner unit--Bose calls it a media center--and a redesigned remote control. Although the 3-2-1 Series II ($999 list price) does a surprisingly decent job creating an expansive sound field, its sparse video connectivity makes it less versatile than a decent A/V receiver or even many competing home-theater-in-a box systems (HTIBs).
The Bose 3-2-1 Series II's compact design makes it a suitable candidate for bedrooms and small home theaters where center and rear speakers and their associated wires would be too intrusive. The two small, graphite-gray satellite speakers (3.5 by 7.9 by 5.25 inches each) are magnetically shielded to prevent video interference. You can perch them on stands, place them in home-entertainment furniture, or wall-mount them with optional Bose brackets. However, the 15-foot proprietary Y cable that connects the 3-2-1 Series II's speakers to the main unit limits where you can place the speakers in your room; you can have them no farther than 30 feet apart from each other and 15 feet from the main unit.
Bose's DVD player/tuner unit measures 3.25 by 13.75 by 10 inches--approximately the size of an Xbox. It has a green text display on its face and basic controls (on/off, source, volume, enter, and eject) near the front of its top panel. A 10-foot proprietary cable connects the DVD/tuner box to the Acoustimass subwoofer (14.5 by 8.75 by 19.1 inches), which is quite bulky compared with the other components. Notably, Bose does not list the wattage output of the subwoofer or the main unit, so you can't compare their specs to those of the competition.
We had no trouble programming the included universal remote to operate our cable box and TV, and we found the remote's layout easy to master. We noticed that we had to point the clicker almost directly at the Bose 3-2-1 Series II for its commands to register.
The illustrated quick-start poster, the setup DVD (which includes chapters on setting up the speakers, the main system, and the remote control), and the thorough printed user guide make installation a breeze, but the 3-2-1 Series II's limited video-device connectivity is a letdown, especially at this price point. The DVD player/tuner unit has just one A/V input with S-Video, whereas competing units such as the Sony DAV-X1 and the Denon S-301 have two. More importantly, both of those systems feature an HDMI output, whereas the Bose has only the standard analog video outs: one each of composite video, S-Video, and progressive-scan component video. Like those other two systems, the Bose 3-2-1 doesn't have video-conversion capabilities, so most users with multiple video sources will need to connect them directly to the TV instead of routing them through the 3-2-1 Series II.
Audio-input connectivity is a bit more robust. You can connect three audio sources through analog or digital jacks. The system is compatible with MP3 CDs and can decode Dolby Digital and DTS surround soundtracks from DVDs and external sources.
Although many two-speaker surround-sound simulations fail to provide any semblance of rear-channel audio, we were surprised by the Bose 3-2-1 Series II's broad, expansive sound field. Surround-channel sonic elements certainly weren't as localized as they would have been with an actual 5.1-channel speaker setup, but we experienced a few moments when sounds, such as effects in the Requiem for a Dream DVD, almost could have fooled us into thinking rear speakers were in play. When we ran the speaker-setup chapter from the Video Essentials DVD, where sound moves through the room in a 360-degree pattern, the sound convincingly traveled from the front of the soundstage to the sides of our listening position, though we noticed a hole in the sound directly behind us.
To their credit, the well-balanced satellites didn't overemphasize any part of the frequency spectrum. On the other hand, music didn't have as much texture and detail as we've heard from better speakers. The satellites and the subwoofer blended well, but the subwoofer sounded looser and less punchy than we'd like. With the system connected to our HDTV's component-video input, DVD video looked good. Discs consistently played without any snags.
The Bose's main weakness is its comparatively high price. Sony's DAV-X1 offers more features, including the aforementioned connectivity extras, for less money. Denon's more expensive S-301 offers a similar compact form factor, iPod connectivity and control, and hands-down the best sound of the three. Although the Bose 3-2-1 Series II DVD home-entertainment system is a decent option for bedroom and small home-theater installations, its middling sound quality just doesn't match its high price.
Bose also offers a pair of more expensive 3-2-1 systems. The Bose 3-2-1 GS Series II ($1,299 list, available in graphite or silver) features smaller satellite speakers that supposedly sound better than the ones on the standard 3-2-1 Series II. The Bose 3-2-1 GSX Series II ($1,699 list, available in graphite or silver) has the smaller speakers and adds a built-in hard disk that can rip and store up to 200 hours of CD music.
6 out of 10 - Good GET ME OUT OF THIS UNIT!!!!!
When I first purchased this system I was amazed and thrilled. I knew it wasn't a 5.1, but ...
When I first purchased this system I was amazed and thrilled. I knew it wasn't a 5.1, but due to my location of the unit I had very little alternatives. The sound quality was good for what I expected for the cost. Base seemed a little low in comparison to the mid and high output. However, soon after purchase I had to exchange the unit for a new one. The first unit would not play sound with my DVR without unplugging the system and rebooting several times. The next unit developed the same problem. Bose quickly sent me a software upgrade that fixed this problem. Several months later the DVD drive began acting up. NO DISC messages and eternal READING DISC messages became my fight to play any DVD. Bose once again reparied/replaced the unit quickly. I have no problems with Bose or the past Bose equipment I have owned. I like the concept, I like the sound received for the money, I am not happy with multiple problems in under 1 year. Additionally, for a manufacturer to be able to sell this unit as refurb's in a wholeseller such as Sam's Club, buyers must beware of potential problems.
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by Timmmber (see profile) -
July 6, 2006
9 out of 10 - Spectacular Clarity of sound is spectacular even at low volume
Maybe I'm getting old but for over a year I've had a problem listening to my DVD player ...
Maybe I'm getting old but for over a year I've had a problem listening to my DVD player thru my TV speakers. In order to hear the dialogue I'ld have to turn it way up and than jump for the remote any time music or action occured. Everyone told me I needed a home theater pkg. After looking at a bunch and not wanting to wire my family room I purchased the Bose. All I can say is exceptional. Easy to install (less than 5 minutes)and great clarity I'm really enjoying my 57 " HDTV, DVD,and the tuner and CD player. The Bose 321 is a little expensive but you get what you pay for and if clarity is your thing it's well worth the price !!!!!
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by gpearce53 (see profile) -
January 2, 2006
8 out of 8 users found this user opinion helpful.
5 out of 10 - Average not an owner but just returned from a hi-fi store
A Bose 3-2-1 TV commercial grabbed my attention last week. The 2.1 appealed to me since I wasn't ...
A Bose 3-2-1 TV commercial grabbed my attention last week. The 2.1 appealed to me since I wasn't interested in setting up 5-7 speakers in my living room along with the associated wires. I also need a new home stereo. The salesperson showed me this model & put it to work. It looked ok but looked "plasticy" like their WAVE Music System. I liked the sound & the video looked good on a 42" HD screen. They also had the more expensive Lifestyle 48 but $4,000 is a bit out of my budget. The salesperson then switched over to a Denon S-301. The Denon video blew the Bose away. I was surprised at the difference in clarity. Unfortunately, the enclosure these were setup in had a rear wall that was too far away to consider the surround effects. After doing a bit of research I've decided to go back for the Denon even though it's more expensive.
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by GimletJohnny (see profile) -
February 2, 2006
7 out of 9 users found this user opinion helpful.
9 out of 10 - Spectacular Awesome for what it is
I evaluated both the Bose 321 and the Sony DAV-X1. The Sony was just awful. Volume was about half that ...
I evaluated both the Bose 321 and the Sony DAV-X1. The Sony was just awful. Volume was about half that of the Bose. I even asked the shop assistant if it was broken!
So anyway, I bought the Bose, but my opinion is the opposite of the CNET reviewer. Surround sound was acceptable (about what I'd expect from two speakers), stereo music was fantastic.
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by paulyboy (see profile) -
November 13, 2005
3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
8 out of 10 - Excellent Spectacular sound from 2.1
I would highly recommend this for apt/condo. Crystal clear sound. I am big on looks and Bose stands out ...
I would highly recommend this for apt/condo. Crystal clear sound. I am big on looks and Bose stands out of the four rated by CNET. Sony surround sound (effect) and volume sucks as compared to Bose.
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by suaveFactor (see profile) -
November 18, 2005
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
9 out of 10 - Spectacular It's got my rating of 9 out of 10 stars.
If your looking for great pure sound from a compact home theater, this is the one to lay down your ...
If your looking for great pure sound from a compact home theater, this is the one to lay down your hard earned money and purchase ($1000.00). This system is dynamite to watch DVD's on. With only two small speakers and a sub, It's GREAT to own this unit. The only two flaws that I have found are that the remote is plain looking and does not offer glow-in-the-dark buttons. It would also be nice that if the LCD screen had the time. Other than that, I have been extremely happy with the Bose 3-2-1- Series ll system.
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by jdgarcia62 (see profile) -
July 16, 2005
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
8 out of 10 - Excellent Set up is idiot proof
With a top of the line sound system in my X3 leaving the car and listening to sound from the ...
With a top of the line sound system in my X3 leaving the car and listening to sound from the TV in the past was a bit of a downgrade. Not any more - the sound quality from this system is great. With young kids who need to be in bed early I rarely get to us the higher volume settings. If you are looking for great sound go no further if you are looking for surround sound keep looking
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by Moyglass (see profile) -
January 3, 2008
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
5 out of 10 - Average Nice system, if it cost about $500 less
Several years ago I owned a Kenwood receiver and some shelf speakers, a center speaker and a sub wolfer. The ...
Several years ago I owned a Kenwood receiver and some shelf speakers, a center speaker and a sub wolfer. The receiver was HUGE and all the speakers took up too much room in our already cramped living room. So, I sold the whole set and have gone without any decent stereo for about 5 years.
I have been waiting for an "affordable" compact solution to my problem that had the sound of a larger system. I had thought I found it when I saw the 3-2-1 system. It sounded great in the store, at least I thought it did.
After a couple of weeks and trying different speaker positions and even trying to boost the bass and treble (something I believe should never have to be done to make a system sound good) I gave up and took it back to the store.
The bottom line is that the system sounded flat. A definitive test for any system, in my eyes, is Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon. Well, I felt this system failed miserably in it's attempts to reproduce the bells on the album.
The system is not all bad. If you are looking for a compact stereo to make your movies come more to life, it might work for you, but if you are looking for true to life sound reproduction I wouldn't even begin to recommend it.
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by ferrets13 (see profile) -
December 30, 2006
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
8 out of 10 - Excellent Great sound. Really impressed
overall this product is great. I had a breeze setting it up. The sound quality is amazy for only two ...
overall this product is great. I had a breeze setting it up. The sound quality is amazy for only two speakers? man! great sound. I have a fairly small room,so its great for it. Even for a living room im sure it would be a great addition. too bad it doesnt play hd or blue ray format. bose should have that and that would be the ultimate package! great product!
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by gchef703 (see profile) -
December 23, 2006
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
2 out of 10 - Terrible Great if you don't know better
This system is only good for... Those who have never heard a good quality surround sound system. Those who like ...
This system is only good for... Those who have never heard a good quality surround sound system. Those who like to throw money at brand names. Those who don't mind sending a product back for repair several times. For this kind of money you can put together a good 5.1 surround system and quality upscanning DVD player.
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by AVPro (see profile) -
May 6, 2007
DVD player / AV receiver : 13.7 in x 10 in x 3.3 in / 6.6 lbs,
Speaker system : Right/left channel speaker : 5.5 in x 4.1 in x 2.5 in / 1.1 lbs,
Speaker system : Subwoofer : 8.7 in x 19.1 in x 14.4 in / 23.4 lbs
Enclosure Color
Graphite gray
Audio System
Components
Speaker system,
DVD player / AV receiver
Sound Output Mode
Stereo
Built-in Decoders
Videostage 5 decoder
Built-in Clock
Timer
Timer
Sleep
Bass Control
Yes
Treble Control
Yes
Additional Features
Midnight Mode,
Magnetic shield,
On-screen display
Digital Storage Media
None
Connectors
Coaxial Digital Input
Yes
Optical Digital Input
Yes
Speaker System
Speaker(s)
1 x Subwoofer - External - Wired,
2 x Right/left channel speaker - External - Wired
Radio
Type
Radio tuner - AM/FM - Digital
Preset Station Qty
40
AM Preset Station Qty
20
FM Preset Station Qty
20
Antenna Form Factor
Loop AM / wire FM
Additional Features
FM stereo/mono switch
Turntable
Type
None
CD System
CD system type
None
DVD
Type
DVD player
Media Format
DVD+R,
CD,
Video CD,
CD-RW,
CD-R,
DVD,
DVD-R
DVD Repeat Modes
Chapter,
A-B repeat,
Random,
Title
CD Playback Modes
All tracks repeat,
One track repeat,
Random play / shuffle,
Repeat shuffle
MP3 Playback
Yes
Supported Digital Audio Standards
MP3
Additional Features
Parental lock,
Progressive scanning
Cassette System
Cassette system type
None
Digital Player (Recorder)
Type
None
MD System
MD system type
None
Headphones
Headphones Type
None
Microphone
Type
None
Remote Control
Remote Control
Universal remote control - Infrared
Supported Devices
VCR,
Satellite TV system,
TV,
DVD player,
Cable box
Features
Multi-brand compatibility,
Programmable
Remote Control (2nd)
Type
None
Connections
Connector Type
1 x SPDIF input - Rear,
1 x Composite video output ( RCA phono ) - Rear,
1 x S-Video output ( 4 pin mini-DIN ) - Rear,
2 x Audio line-in ( RCA phono x 2 ) - Rear,
3 x SPDIF input ( RCA phono ) - Rear,
1 x Component video output ( RCA phono x 3 ) - Rear,
1 x S-Video input ( 4 pin mini-DIN ) - Rear,
1 x Composite video/audio input ( RCA phono x 3 ) - Rear
Manufacturer: Bose Corp. Specs: DVD surround system, Speaker system, DVD player / AV receiver, DVD player, CD, DVD, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD+R, DVD-R, Video CD, Graphite gray, Stereo, Universal remote control (Infrared)
Manufacturer: Bose Corp. Specs: DVD surround system, Speaker system, DVD player / AV receiver, DVD player, CD, DVD, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD+R, DVD-R, Video CD, Silver, Stereo, Universal remote control (Infrared)
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