Bose® audio performance meets your HDTV
This should come as no surprise to you: the speakers built into most HDTVs deliver audio that, well, leaves something to be desired. Sure, those built-in speakers are okay for listening to the evening weather report, but when it comes to experiencing the audio on your favorite TV shows and movies, they just don't quite make the grade. Taking your HDTV audio experience to the top of its class, Bose® presents the CineMate® GS Series II digital home theater speaker system. This 2.1-channel speaker system combines sophisticated audio signal processing technologies with advanced speaker construction to elevate your audio experience with full, enveloping virtual surround sound.
The multi-channel experience from a trio of technologies
Now, you might be thinking: "that's quite a feat to achieve a 5.1-channel surround sound effect from just two speakers," and you'd be right. But the Bose® CineMate® GS Series II has recourse to a powerful array of technologies. Bose® proprietary TrueSpace® digital processing circuitry teams up with Digital 5.1 decoding and Bose® Videostage® 5 decoding to achieve a multi-channel surround sound experience from practically any source using just two speakers and a subwoofer. This trio of technologies delivers powerful front-channel performance, strong center-channel imaging, and enveloping rear-channel effects from audio found on DVDs, videocassettes, stereo CDs, high definition television, and even older mono TV shows and movies.
Now let's meet the cast
Okay, so we've been talking about the two speakers and subwoofer found on the CineMate® GS Series II system, so now let's meet them. First, two Gemstone® speakers serve up full, powerful sound from a compact, aesthetically pleasing footprint. Second, the Acoustimass® module provides dramatic low-frequency effects free of audible distortion, for a clean, engaging listening experience. Further, the low-directionality of the Acoustimass module's bass audio allows the unit to be placed anywhere in your listening area . . . and the deep bass sound still appears to be coming from the Gemstone® pair!
Dynamic listening, at any time
Sometimes you like to turn the night into a double feature. While everyone else goes to bed after the first movie, you like to stay up and queue for a second show. However, with your old audio system, you missed out on a lot of the drama of the second movie's soundtrack because you had to watch it a low volume levels to keep from waking others up. Thanks to the Digital Dynamic Range® technology featured on the Bose® CineMate® GS Series II system, you can enjoy the full effect of any movie's audio, even at low volume levels. Digital Dynamic Range® compression circuitry simultaneously enhances soft sounds (like dialogue) and maintains the dynamic properties of special effects when volume levels are low.
And setup is, well, a cinch
If you're accustomed to the task of setting up a new home theater speaker system being a complicated affair, think again. Requiring only four simple connections, setup of the CineMate® GS Series II is incredibly simple. Further, a Setup DVD, separate interface module, and one-way connectors further simplify setup.
Included with purchase
The following items are included with the purchase of the Bose® CineMate® GS Series II: one Acoustimass® module, two Gemstone® speaker arrays, universal remote control, setup disc, 6' stereo cable, 6' optical cable, 15' speaker cable, 8' power cord, interface module, rubber feet for Acoustimass module, rubber feet for speakers, batteries.
Suitable for small room (June 21, 2011)
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Reviewed By: Mark S. - Garden Grove, Ca
There is no question Bose is way overpriced. Not even close to being worth what they charge. But if you can accept the price, the performance of the small 2.1 system is decent for a small room. The ONLY reason I purchased, was due to limited space and the lack of any other decent sounding 2.1 systems. You can actually spend far less for a HTIB and get a 5.1 or 7.1 system tha will blow this Bose away. But you just have to have the room! And its true, you cannot connect more than one device to the system at one time since you cannot use both inputs simultaneously. Overall, sound is decent, footprint is small, and the bulld quality is acceptable. Would I buy again? Probably not. There are much better options for your hard earned money. This should be priced around 70-80 percent less.
Good sound for tight places (May 24, 2011)
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Reviewed By: stephen p. - Long Beach, CA
I purchased this because of its looks, its simplicity, and because it is compact and not primarily for the performance. It met my requirement, so I made the purchase. Its more of a 2.1 system, so you cant ask too much from it, but it is perfect for my apartment. I'm only disappointed with its value because I'm comparing it to my 7.1 system, that I pieced together for only a few hundred more $ and the sound doesn't come close. I understand it is unfair to compare a 2.1 to a 7.1 sytem, but I'm only knocking the performance to value aspect. If you want something with better performance at a similar price, piece together your own system. Vanns has great prices, watch for their daily sales and you can definitely buy a receiveramp, sub and two front speakers for less than $800. Then add additional speakers when you have the funds. If I had the space, I wouldn't have made this purchase...meaning that I wouldnt purchase this again. The universal remote is not a strong selling point unless you just use the common channel, volume, numbers, and input button. Mediocre controller. My HD cable box does not have HDMI outs. I need to use DVI and wanted to connect analog sound to the bose system. You can not connect both the optical and analog input at the same time, so I settled with component running from my cable box and the optical coming from the tv because my tv doesn't allow me to use the correct inputs. The bose system only allows you to use one input source without disconnectingreconnecting wires everytime. If you have HDMI inputs for everything, you should be fine. I verified that this is correct from another reviewer from another site. They do not sound like the set up I demoed in person before purchasing it online at Vanns and I think this is why. There is a noticeable difference... Won't decode any DTS-ES or DTS-HD signal, the latter being the most common for Blueray discs. You must step down DTS sources to PCM, losing most of the 5.1 mix and ALL of the magic this system offers with Dolby-encoded content.
Overpriced Crap (May 18, 2011)
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Reviewed By: John S. - New York, NY
Bose is the most overpriced on the market. After buying I realized that my system was easily beat by other systems for $300 less. No wonder Bose doesnt allow their products to be reviewed by actually audiophiles. Performance through research? More like profit through uninformed buyers. Bose Never again
CineMate GS Series II (January 06, 2011)
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Reviewed By: James I Lyon - Missoula, MT
The speakers were easy to install. Thats always a plus in my book. I am amazed by the sound these small speakers throw out. Considering what I paid for them I believe I got the most bang for my buck. They definately make my home movie viewing a much better experience.
Bose Home Theater Systems CineMate GS Series II (November 17, 2010)
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Reviewed By: Charlotte P. - West Richland, WA
We just received our new Bose Home Theater-CineMate GS Series II. Easy to install and the quality of the sound is extraordinary, sharp and crystal clear...can hear the crickets in the background...just like if you were really there. It is hard to believe that such wonderful sounds come out of such small speakers. Our old surround sound was good but this is so much better with the quality of the sound and without the bulk of bigger speakers and connecting wires all over the place. Our place is small, so this set-up works perfect for us.
Comparison Specifications
- Decoding processing: Digital 5.1 decoding / Videostate® 5 decoding and post-processing circuitry
- Satellite speakers: 2 Gemstone® speaker arrays
- Subwoofer: 1 Acoustimass® module
- Digital audio connections: 1 optical input
- Other connections: 1 L/R analog audio input
- Remote control: Included
Additional Specifications
- TrueSpace digital processing circuitry
- Interface module with audio input, IR input, and LED indicator lights
- Digital Dynamic Range speaker compression circuitry
- Designed for use with TV audio and audio from existing video sources
Manufacturer Specifications
- Speaker arrays (each): 5.5" W x 2.5" H x 4.12" D / 1.0 lbs
- Acoustimass® module: 8.75" W x 14.5" H x 19.12" D / 23.3 lbs
- Interface module: 3.3" W x 1.1" H x 2.4" D / 0.99 lbs
Bose CineMate GS Series II Warranty Details
Limited warranty
