Abby, I have used the Bose L1 PAS and L1 Compact systems for more than a decade. With the L1 PAS system, I performed some huge venues, with up to 1,200 people, most of which were drunk out of their mind and wanted nothing but gut thumping rock and roll music. I had absolutely no trouble handling that crowd, it was an outdoor venue at a large marina, and folks who where in the next marina said they were really enjoying the music as well.
Using a single Bose L1 Compact, I have performed for crowds to 150 people, the coverage far exceeds anyone's wildest dreams and the falloff at 100 feet is less than 10 percent. Additionally, it eliminates the need for a monitor, because you hear exactly what the audience hears. You don't have to crank up the volume for the person in the back of the venue to hear the music. They hear the same volume as the person sitting at a table 6 feet from the keyboard.
I also used the L1 Compact for a huge marina NYE party about 5 years ago, while cruising the Florida Keys and living aboard my sailboat. I set up just outside a big tiki hut, and while the party started off with just a dozen couples, by the end of the night, I had more than 350 people there, which was well above the area's occupancy capacity. People a quarter mile away in anchored sailing yachts and motor yachts came ashore the next day and said they were dancing on the decks of their boats to the music and could hear it just fine. I was blown away.
The only complaints were from local nite club and bar owners, claiming that I drew people away from their establishments and they did not get the NYE crowd they normally get because there was no cover charge where I was performing at the marine. I played for tips that night and managed to make about $600. It was a fun night.
At the end of the night, a half dozen musicians came up to me and asked about the sound system. When I pointed at the Bose, they said "No. Where are your other speakers?" They were astounded at how much power and clarity came in such a little package.
I have only heard the Maui 5 system one time. It had a bit more bass, but not significantly more, and while it was fairly clear, I don't believe it was as clear as the Bose L1 Compact or L1 PAS. It does not have the horizontal coverage of a Bose. Bose is 210 degrees while Maui is just 120 degrees.
Now, the Maui 5 is about half the price of the Bose L1 Compact, which I guess is a plus, but price was the last thing I was concerned about. I wanted my audiences to enjoy the highest quality music I could provide, and Bose definitely provided that for me.
In this part of the world, Bose has outstanding service, especially for those of us who are making a living as musical entertainers. Most of the time, if you have a problem, which I never had, but I know others that did, they overnighted a replacement system to them so they would not lose a work night. I know of no other company that would do that for an OMB entertainer.
Hope this helps,
Gary