two HS80M vs one Bose L1 compact - Stereo sound ?

[business_usa_mex - Al Ram]

Hello PSR friends
My T4 is scheduled to arrive tomorrow and I am getting ready to order external speakers.   I know the topic of speakers has been discussed a lot and I already got great recommendations.   However, I am looking for additional opinions to decide this, I have been going back and forth with two options and need to decide in the next couple of days.

Here it is:
I can probably get a set of two Yamaha HS80M monitors with stands, pads, cables, etc for about $700 or I can get ONE Bose L1 Compact system for about $900.   I can afford the $200 price differential but at this point I would not be able to afford two L1's, only one.

So the questions is, how about stereo sound ?   

Some opinions I received leaned towards the two monitors because it was mentioned that with only one L1, the stereo sound will be lost.   What do you all think ?

The other question I have is about cables, do you have a recommendation on brand name for cables to connect speakers to T4 ?

I know this questions are probably basic but any help you can provide will be greatly appreciated.   I am truly gratefully for all the help received.  Thanks in advance.

[travlin-easy]

This is a subject that has been discussed forever. Essentially, the only person that benefits from stereo is the person playing the keyboard. Most audiences cannot hear stereo, full bands and orchestras do not play through stereo systems.

Buy the Bose L1 Compact, then if you REALLY feed the need for stereo, save your pennies and purchase a second one at a later date.

Good luck,

Gary

[business_usa_mex - Al Ram]

Gary and all,
Thanks a lot for your help on this topic and all your help on other questions I had before.   I know you must need a lot of patience to go thru the same questions we all have at one point or another.   Your valuable time is greately appreciated.

Your advise settles this issue for me. Now I know what to do, I will go with the Bose L1 Compact.   Now, one more question please.  When I go to the Bose website to order, there is this optional device "T1 ToneMatch® audio engine" I read the description but to be honest, was not able to figure it out.  I can only understand that there are preset configurations, for the L1 and I assume that T4 is one.  It also requires a separate power adaptor, I think.

So, is this ToneMatch something needed or desired or recommended ?   I believe i do not need this for my setup but would like to double check to avoid suprises later.

Thanks a lot in advance.

[RF]

The question HS 80 M vs. Bose L1 compact depends to the application.
Home use only, the speaker system never be transported - a pair of HS 80 M, because it is intent for smaller rooms and very small crowds, maybe 10 people.
On stage you have much larger rooms and larger crowds, stereo will be a compromise  so a Bose L1 will be the best.
About "Tonematch": It's a digital mixing console. When you do solo gigs and you have a microphone and your keyboard, you don't need something like tonematch. Save the money and buy maybe a HK Audio LUCAS nano, so you can get much more level on dance floor or could have music in one more room.

[travlin-easy]

The Tonematch is a great, little, very expensive mixer. With the keyboard options, however, you don't need it at all. The T4 has an excellent, built-in, vocal processor that will do an excellent job of handling your vocals, and if you happen to need an extra mic for a guest or someone to make announcements, there's a separate mic input on the L1 compact with a 2-band EQ and a separate volume adjustment.

Good Luck,

Gary

[Rick D.]

I just purchased the Bose L1 Compact after listening to all the comments here and I took Gary's advice. It's true there is no stereo, but to be honest you only notice it on the piano, and as Gary said you're the only one that will notice. The sound out of this speaker system is amazing, I don't think you'll be dissapointed. I bought mine right thru a local Bose store and they have a 45 day return policy if your not happy with it. They haven't taken one back yet he joked. Go for it you won't be dissapointed!

Rick

[business_usa_mex - Al Ram]

Thanks to all PSR forum members that provided me with great advise.   Thanks to you I knew exactly what to order and even great pricing on T4.   My T4 arrived today and the L1 system will arrive sometime next week or the week after.   I wont be able to play the T4 yet cause I do not have any external speakers,  other old keyboards I have all have internal or detachable (custom made) speakers.    My home stereo amp is broken !!!!!!, so In the meantime, i will read the T4 user manual and try to learn.   I guess I can always play the T4 thru my computer.   

Thanks a lot again

[tyrosaurus]

 I wont be able to play the T4 yet cause I do not have any external speakers

Use headphones in the socket on the front, left end of the keyboard meanwhile!  How can you possibly have a T4 in the house and not play it!

Regards       Ian

[winternotes]

Hi: You asked a second question about cables. I did not realize that there is a difference in cables until I went to the music store to buy a longer cable to reach the yamaha stagepass speakers that I WAS USING> I WAS USING THE TYPICAl "guitar cord. The sales person pointed out there there is a heavier cord marked" audio. It actually made a huge difference, less resistance. I am not where I have access to it at this time, so I do not know the brand, However, it looks like the typical cord used for a guitar only quite a bit heavier.
Hope this helps,
Bob at Winternotes

[Jpfe8851]

My experience with HS80Ms...

Just wanted to add a user's note on this thread for those facing the dilemma of which speaker to use. As I use my T4 entirely for home use and originally used only the MS04 speakers which are not bad at all. But I wanted better clarity and dynamics. Plus I have added a Hammond SK-1 and it just didn't sound as good through these as a set of good headphones, so something better was needed.

I considered the L1 Compact given the endorsements right through our forum, but they are ridiculously priced here in Australia and something like these need local warranty backup in my view. OTOH, I am able to purchase most Yamaha gear at prices similar to US discounted rates and after auditioning a pair of HS80Ms, I bought a them without hesitation.

Believe me, they have plenty of volume and coupled with the MS04 sub, the sound is fantastic and clear. Mind you, they have very good low frequency without the sub and an adjustable cross-over if you do. Anything smaller would not get the bass right in my view. Like the L1, there is no need for a mixer or outside EQ as the T4 has this covered internally, but if needed for the acoustics of your room, the HS80s have very good adjustment built-in and of course individually adjustable.

Frankly, I couldn't be happier. While they may not fill a room with a large audience like the Bose, for home use or I'd suggest even smaller intimate venues I think the HS80Ms with a sub are superb. Although if the latter, you might want a better sub. But then, if you were doing these regularly, the L1 would probably be worth the extra $$.   

Just my 2c...

Cheers,
John

[RF]

Last time i compared Bose L1 compact with LUCAS nano. Both do sound pretty similar, Bose a little more bass and in a bigger distance louder (of course). For me, it's more flexible, than using two Bose L1 compact.

[RF]

for home use or I'd suggest even smaller intimate venues I think the HS80Ms with a sub are superb.

Without sub too, but it's transportation and the naked bass speaker? And you need a very special stand for this.
For home use only no problem, for home use and smaller gigs, the LUCAS nano is more light, easy to install (you need two micro stands) and not so much more expensive, than two HS80M.

[newman]

I considered the L1 Compact given the endorsements right through our forum, but they are ridiculously priced here in Australia and something like these need local warranty backup in my view.

Cheers,
John

I've also been in a similar quandary, I wanted a pair of L1 compacts but as you infer Bose are outrageously priced in Australia, I was quoted AU $3,200 (US $3,360) with absolutely no wiggle room. As I don't like to reward greed I've been looking for alternatives.
Chris.

[rb]

I purchased 2 of the HS80M monitors and I am very pleased with them.... I got a pair for under 500.00.... There are many on Ebay from authorized dealers for around 500.00 us dollars a pair....  with free shipping   I also use the t4 ms04 speakers and with the hs80m's it sounds really great.... Ron 

[travlin-easy]

I'm not sure where the excessive pricing of Bose comes from in Australia and the UK, but I suspect it may have something to do with import and value added taxation at those locations. If this is the case, it's not Bose that's greedy, but the nations where the Bose systems are being retailed. I personally have always considered import tariffs among the most repressive of all forms of taxation.

Gary

[newman]

I'm not sure where the excessive pricing of Bose comes from in Australia and the UK, but I suspect it may have something to do with import and value added taxation at those locations.

Gary

Not sure about the UK but Australia has 5% import duty and 10% GST (Goods & Services Tax) on items over $1,000.

So lets say a Bose L1 compact at US $900 = AU $849 plus 5% Duty = 891.45 Doesn't even qualify for GST.
That's based on the retail price from the US not the price Bose Australia would be paying.
So in Australia's case it's not the taxes causing these outrageous prices.
Chris.

[travlin-easy]

Chris,

If that's the case in Australia, then it appears as if the local dealer must be making a killing. I'm not sure about how this works in Australia, but here in the U.S. we can purchase the product directly from Bose and all we pay additionally is the shipping cost. The Bose L1 Compact lists for $995 U.S. at Guitar Center and lately they've had a 10-percent discount on the L1 Compact. Out sales tax in Maryland is 6-percent, which is also ridiculous.  You may want to check into buying the system direct from Bose if they have a local, factory outlet. Keep in mind that when you buy directly from Bose you still get a 45-day trial period, during which time you can return the unit with no questions asked, for a full refund.

Good Luck,

Gary

[Jpfe8851]

Gary,

Sadly, it is Bose themselves that is the problem. I'm going to use AU$ but let's say it's near enough to parity right now so just think in US$. Their RRP is $1695 on the compact even direct and most retailers stick with the RRP or risk losing their franchise. Even though there are harsh penalties for price fixing here, there are ways around this especially on exclusive lines when products a not widely distributed. This is common on many things. Until recently QC15 headphones sold for $599 here. Fortunately the Internet is starting to bite here and progressive brands are taking note. My T4 cost me $5400 with speakers. But I recently purchased my 1024 expansion module from Frank (Audioworks) because even with postage he was nearly $100 less than the local dealers. BTW...  1 for Frank's service. Couldn't recommend him highly enough.

Anyway, we've gone OT. I'm still happy with my HS80Ms. We're only $700 with two stands and cables. In my lounge, they just sound great. And do a nice job of music playback through the T4 from my iPod and USB stick.

[SusieD]

Hi All,

I am joining in on this discussion far too late, but just to say that I have had a Bose L1 Model 11 plus Tonematch for two and a half years and it houses 24 180 degree directional speakers in a tall tower and the quality of sound is just amazing.  In addition you can stand next to it or 40 feet away and you ware not blasted as I used to be when I had Stagepas 300 system. 

It looks and sounds cool and I have never regretted this very substantial purchase - it is supposed to last me now!!!

I use this both for vocals and backing tracks and also for my Tyros 4 and I just love the set up.

Best wishes
Susie

[travlin-easy]

John,

Maybe it has something to do with the shipping cost. I've send things to AU, such as a CD, and it cost me a bundle to send it, somewhere around $12 for first class postage because the CD was in a padded envelope and was considered a package. I imagine the cost of shipping those two boxes 12,000 miles to the Gold Coast of AU may be pretty high.

I sincerely believe that if Bose had a manufacturing plant down under the cost would be about the same as the U.S..

Suzie, I know that L1 Model II must really make that T4 sound incredible--especially with the Tone Match mixer.

Cheers,

Gary