ok as far as the original question goes, ive listened to just about every bose speaker and i even own a few that i now use in my bedroom with an old receiver so i can have decent surround. when i compare them to other speakers, swans, b and w's and so on, i find them to be lacking. for 200 bucks if you want to throw them in a room that isnt your primary listening space but you still want good sound at an affordable price, then go for it- as for your critiquing speakers I'd save your money.