Bose 3-2-1 GS Series II (graphite)
Manufacturer: Bose Corp. Part number: 34122
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Manufacturer info
- 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.
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Where to buy
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon.com Marketplace |  | In stock | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 12/04/2009 |
| electronics-expo | | In stock | as of 12/04/2009 |
CNET editors' review
Bose 3-2-1 GS Series II (graphite) price range: $724.88 - $879.99
- Reviewed by: Nathaniel Wilkins
- Edited by: David Katzmaier
- Reviewed on: 11/09/2005
- Released on: 06/15/2005
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.
User reviews
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Clarity of sound is spectacular even at low volume
by gpearce53 on January 2, 2006
Pros: Easy to set up makes listening to your TV a real pleasure
Cons: none so far
Summary: 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 ...
Summary: 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 !!!!!
11 out of 12 users found this user opinion helpful.
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GET ME OUT OF THIS UNIT!!!!!
by Timmmber on July 6, 2006
Pros: Size vs sound Quality, Very sleek on my shelf as an All-in-One device
Cons: DEPENDABILITY!
Summary: 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 ...
Summary: 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.
10 out of 10 users found this user opinion helpful.
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not an owner but just returned from a hi-fi store
by GimletJohnny on February 2, 2006
Pros: sound & video is ok
Cons: didn't care for the look of the main unit , video is lacking
Summary: 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 ...
Summary: 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.7 out of 9 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Awesome for what it is
by paulyboy on November 13, 2005
Pros: Awesome stereo sound, good surround
Cons: Lack of video inputs (No HDMI)
Summary: 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 ...
Summary: 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.4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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When configured correctly, this system shines.
by smokin_g14 on October 3, 2008
Pros: Mediocre sound out of the box, but incredible sound when configured properly.
Cons: The Bose default settings make this sound mediocre at best out of the box. Always checking to see if "Movie EQ" and "Range Compression" are off during DVD playback can get tedious and frustrating (check this setting when the movie begins to play).
Summary: For those people that are still reading this review. Here is the ultimate guide to getting the sound you were looking for. The default Bose setting in the Audio section ...
Summary: For those people that are still reading this review. Here is the ultimate guide to getting the sound you were looking for. The default Bose setting in the Audio section under "Audio Processing" is Automatic - switch it to "User Adjustable". For the Bass Compensation, I have it set to +12 (excellent bass reproduction and bass you can feel below 50hz). For the Treble Compensation, I have it set to +7. In my opinion, this configuration produces the cleanest base/mid/treble out of this system. Here is the kicker - when playing DVDs, turn OFF "Movie EQ" and "Range Compression". These options are BAD (Read the Manual for more details) if you are looking for crisp clean sound. When playing CDs or MP3 disks, the audio settings for bass/treble are enabled so you do not need to worry about MovieEQ/Range Compression. For all those CD tray or playback issues - simply unplug the system for about 10 secs and plug it back in. Your bass/treble will stay the same but you may have to turn "Progressive" back to ON. I always check if "Progressive" is on during DVD playback - This is freaking frustrating, but I want the best sound and video possible when watching DVDs on this system. This system is not for someone who just wants to "plug and play". It needs to be configured ALL the time! But at the end, you will begin to appreciate the clarity and surround sound reproduction. This system is outstanding but I cannot give it a 5 because of all the hassle. It is simply like night and day when configured correctly. I purchased this system in 2006.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Set up is idiot proof
by Moyglass on January 3, 2008
Pros: The sound quality and clarity is excellent
Cons: Not even close to surrond sound
Summary: 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. ...
Summary: 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
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Spectacular sound from 2.1
by suaveFactor on November 18, 2005
Pros: Great sound with sexy looks
Cons: Lack of HDMI and you have to pay a premium for the brand name
Summary: 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) ...
Summary: 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.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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It's got my rating of 9 out of 10 stars.
by jdgarcia62 on July 16, 2005
Pros: Best sound i've heard from a system that size.
Cons: Remote is plain and does not glow in dark. Needs a clock for the price that it costs.
Summary: 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 ...
Summary: 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.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Configured properly this system handles like a true 5.1
by Mexicuban12 on November 5, 2008
Pros: Great sound when acts as a surround sound system connected to another video source. No messy wiring involved. Processing engine that makes it sound like a 5 speaker system.
Cons: Not as great sound when acting as a stand alone DVD player. Lack of presets and interactive interface on the front of media center hub.
Summary: I've had this system for about a year now and for the first 6 months I was agreeing wholeheartedly with this CNET reviewer. Then I purchased a PS3 and ...
Summary: I've had this system for about a year now and for the first 6 months I was agreeing wholeheartedly with this CNET reviewer. Then I purchased a PS3 and I found out that when this system acts as solely a home theater system connected to a good video source (such as my PS3), it completely transforms itself. What's essential to making this system sing is the purchase of an optical digital cable ($15+ at most places). The AUX option on your Bose can be set up for optical digital. Depending on the separate video source you get (blu-ray, dvd player, ps3) you can configure your bose system thru that player. For Dolby 5.1 or DTS 5.1 you're going to need to select bitstream processing and connect the optical digital cable directly to your bose from your video source. For TrueHD sound select Linear PCM and hook your video source to your TV via HDMI, then optical digital from your TV to your bose system. You will hear the difference immediately once the Linear PCM display appears on your Bose head unit. I personally prefer the sound of Dolby or DTS 5.1, but TrueHD does sound head and shoulders better than when I play my DVD's on this system. Bose should have just skipped the DVD option and offered it solely as a surround sound system.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great 2.1 Surround!
by vishrit on April 27, 2008
Pros: Ease of setup, very few wires hence, no clutter, Great Sound for a 2.1 Surround System, Awesome Trendy yet understated looks!
Cons: No HDMI but that's about it!
Summary: If you are a self confessed "Audiophile" that a lot of you claim to be and want to compare this to a 5.1 or a 7.1 system that ...
Summary: If you are a self confessed "Audiophile" that a lot of you claim to be and want to compare this to a 5.1 or a 7.1 system that has 5 to 10 additional cords you have to manage then look elsewhere. The sound comes very close to a 5.1 or a 7.1 but, obviously, it's not 100% the same. BUT, if you are looking for a beautiful, trendy surround system with unbelievable lows and highs that come out of just 2 speakers with only 3 wires that will blend into any kind of a decor, then this is the system for you. The only gripe I have is that a system costing $999 should have definitely come with a HDMI input Not sure why Bose didn't include that but, it is not that big of a deal for me. I compared it to a 5.1 Sony Surround system and some high end Denon systems at Circuit City and Best Buy and this seemed to me as the best! Go give it a try yourself.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Bose Corp.
- Part number: 34122
- Description: The Bose 3 GS II DVD home entertainment system puts you at the center of exciting home theater with greater simplicity and fewer wires. Just two visible Gemstone speaker arrays - the smallest, most powerful 3 speakers - and a hideaway Acoustimass module deliver enhanced sound performance from almost anything you watch. Setup is simple: no center or rear speakers means no wiring to the back of your room. An elegant media center features a progressive scan DVD/CD player with AM/FM tuner. And an easy-to-use universal remote control is programmable to run most of your entertainment devices together with your system.
General
- Product Type DVD surround system
- Dimensions (WxDxH) / Weight Media center : 13.3 in x 10.2 in x 4.1 in / 8.8 lbs, Speaker system : Subwoofer : 8.7 in x 19.1 in x 14.4 in / 23.4 lbs, Speaker system : Right/left channel speaker : 5.5 in x 4.1 in x 2.5 in / 1 lbs
- Enclosure Color Graphite
- Enclosure Material Plastic
Audio System
- Components Media center, Speaker system
- Sound Output Mode Stereo
- Built-in Decoders Videostage 5 decoder
- Timer Sleep
- Bass Control Yes
- Treble Control Yes
- Additional Features Midnight Mode, Magnetic shield, On-screen display
Connectors
- Coaxial Digital Input Yes
- Optical Digital Input Yes
Speaker System
- Speaker(s) 2 x Right/left channel speaker - External - Wired, 1 x Subwoofer - External - Wired
Radio
- Type Radio tuner - AM/FM - Digital
- Preset Station Qty 50
- AM Preset Station Qty 25
- FM Preset Station Qty 25
- Antenna Form Factor Loop AM / wire FM
- Additional Features FM stereo/mono switch
DVD
- Type DVD player
- Media Format CD ( NTSC ), DVD, CD-R, CD-RW
- DVD Repeat Modes Title, Chapter, A-B repeat
- CD Playback Modes All tracks repeat, Random play / shuffle
- Supported Digital Audio Standards MP3
- Additional Features Parental lock, Progressive scanning
Remote Control
- Remote Control Universal remote control - Infrared
- Supported Devices TV, Cable box, DVD player
- Features Multi-brand compatibility
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x SPDIF input - Rear, 3 x SPDIF input ( RCA phono ) - Rear, 3 x Audio line-in ( RCA phono x 2 ) - Rear, 1 x Audio line-out ( RCA phono x 2 ) - Rear, 1 x Composite video input ( RCA phono ) - Rear, 1 x S-Video input ( 4 pin mini-DIN ) - Rear, 1 x S-Video output ( 4 pin mini-DIN ) - Rear, 1 x Composite video output ( RCA phono ) - Rear
Power
- Power Device Power supply - Internal
- Power Consumption Operational 300 Watt
Miscellaneous
- Included Accessories AM antenna, FM antenna, Rubber pads
- Cables Included Audio cable, Video cable, Speaker cable kit
Product series
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Bose 3-2-1 GS Series II (graphite)
Manufacturer: Bose Corp.
Specs: DVD surround system, Media center, Speaker system, DVD player, CD ( NTSC ), DVD, CD-R, CD-RW, Graphite, Stereo, Universal remote control (Infrared)
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Bose 3-2-1 GS Series II (silver)
Manufacturer: Bose Corp.
Specs: DVD surround system, Media center, Speaker system, DVD player, CD, DVD, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD+R, DVD-R, Video CD, Silver, Stereo, Universal remote control (Infrared)
Manufacturer info
- Bose Corp.
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Bose Corp. products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.bose.com/
- Address:
The Mountain, Framingham, MA 01701 - Phone: 1-800-999-2673
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