Home > Consumer Reviews > Bose 3-2-1 GS Series II DVD Home Entertainment System - DVD surround system - radio / DVD - silver

The law firm of Meyer & Associates has been researching a potential class action case against Bose, Inc. regarding an alleged defect of the Bose 321 systems resulting in CD/DVD drive failure during normal use. If you are experiencing this problem, and are willing to assist with our investigation, please contact me at 1-866-827-6537 or www.dmlaws.com and fill out a form so that our firm can evaluate your situation.

Bose is like a gourmet restaurant - small tasty portions but hefty price tag. If you want to have your stomach filled, you have to pay a lot!

The speakers had sound separation and was clear, but that was about it. There were almost no features after that. To get more features, you have to pay double the price for one of the entry level Lifestyle systems!

It was not surround sound as claimed. My wife felt it sounded thin; though I thought the sound was clear.

We returned it to the store and bought a Sony Bravia HDX 501 instead (for half the price of this Bose), which we are very happy with.

12/28/2006: Purchased on 12/26/2006, I have used the system with four DVD's with no problems. The sound clarity is amazing. I can hear the voices on every DVD now, clearly in my 16'Hx20'Wx30'L living room. I had a Sony surround sound system that had to be "cranked up" to max just to hear some of the background dialogue in movies, because of my large living room. The most amazing feature is the system's low profile. The "bass box" holds the amplifier and is placed out of view. As a result, the "control unit" is smaller and takes up less space in your audio cabinet.

Note: This is an ongoing review, as I encounter problems they will be
reported in chronological order.

Easy Set Up, Crisp clear sound, Attractive, Remote works with all my other components making operation of my entire set up very easy to control, Gemstone speakers really perform! So far not having any problem playing DVD's or CD's despite the reviews from other customers. The only issue is not true surround sound as you may experience with the 5 speakers systems but still OK considering this is only 2 speakers and the bass module. I have also read reviews that the sound lacks midrange but as far as my ear can tell the sound spectrum is sufficient. We have this hooked up to a plasma in a fairly narrow living room and the system delivers a rich sound experience!

Amazon really needs a zero stars option for total junk like this. I admit, I purchased an older version of the 3-2-1 about 4 years ago, and the thing has been nothing but crap. The worst problem is that it is incredibly selective with DVD menus. Generally, films work fine, but I have had problem after problem with TV show DVDs, that tend to have more viewing options. For example, about half of the Buffy Chosen Collection is unwatchable on this system, whereas it play fine on my PC, as well as on a cheap, $35 DVD player from Wal-Mart.

The reason I am writing this review, however, is that the manufacturer has suggested to me that if a menu chokes the system up, try resetting it by unplugging the power cord from the Accoutamass (or whatever) module. That works about 15% of the time. And tonight, following that suggestion, the Accoustimass actually CAUGHT FIRE, billowing smoke and throwing sparks from the outlet. Thank God this didn't happen when I wasn't home.

Of course, mine is old enough to not have a warranty or anything, but when you pay a grand for something, you expect it to not crap out in less than 4 years.

That said, I did think the sound was pretty decent. But, at the price, I would say do not buy one of these. It is not worth it. You can buy good surround systems for under $400. this is nothing but a gimmick and Bose should be ashamed of itself. I'll never buy another Bose product again.

Sure, it is an impressive idea. But in fact, this is a bit like buying a Ferrari and finding out it has an engine from a Geo Metro. Don't be fooled.