Hey ozbargainers,
Like the title says, Bose Soundlink Mini Series I delivered australia wide for $190.
Dont think ive seen it cheaper before, we've only got 100 available at that price.
Call the store to order on - 03 9534 2673
Deal only available at The Bose Store St Kilda
what exactly is the difference between the original and the II? I can't really tell through online research.
10hrs rather than 7hrs rated battery
2 different colours
Speakerphone
Able to charge through USB
A comprehensive review is on CNET.
The most important aspect, the sound, apparently is the same between the original and II.
IMHO, not worth the extra $$ for the II. It's sold at the same price in the US, just that in Aus it's $50 more RRP ($300 vs $250) as the Australian dollar fell during this time.
https://www.videopro.com.au/p-6785-bose-slmini-soundlink-min…
$8 cheaper than here, though this is online buying, no need to call a store and order and give CC details over the phone. Also offering free delivery @ $198
The videopro link is $8 MORE expensive, and you ARE buying through the official BOSE store. Though I have to admit I was a bit icky about credit card details online. Regardless I rang up, the dude answering seems quite friendly, we'll see how it goes when I receive it hopefully next week.
For all others out there, Myer is having it on special for $199.20 again if anyone is interested.
The videopro link is $8 MORE expensive
Thanks Captain Obvious 2 days later. I was highlighting an alternative, and actually asked the Videopro reps about matching the deal.
Though I have to admit I was a bit icky about credit card details online.
I'd be more worried about giving them over the phone, but that's just me. Hence why I offered an online solution that also offers Paypal.
I'm suggesting your statement should've been "$8 more expensive than here", or perhaps "This is only $8 cheaper than there".
I'd suggest you brush up on your reading and comprehension skills. Comment states Video Pro is dearer, no one else's fault that you missed it.
Cheapest I've seen it…..Even at the Myer sales the cheapest they get are $200 not including postage.
the postage is free, since 100$ and above
What's the spec of the speaker(s)?
Bose famously do not post specs on their products. That's what I like about them. I have owned Bose products for some time now, and every time I'm stoked. It's nice to be able to trust a brand to effectively say: "Ahh…well, technically we're probably superior, you probably aren't, and we can't be bothered explaining it. So buy it, or, well, don't". Of course, if they were wrong, I'd not be singing their praises. Evidently, they're not wrong. Bose is titanium in a world of plastic.
This fanboi / badge-lover attidude is all good an well, especially if you're happy with your purchase, but have you actually directly compared any of the Bose products to the similar priced competitor models in the same categories?
I have, on a few occasions, and specs or no specs - Bose has lost out every time on good old sound quality.
They lose out on specs too. Paying 190 for an outdated model, even within Bose's own range, with outdated specs is ludicrous.
And paying 250 for the new soundlink mini 2 that has no aptx or even NFC is a joke.
I have, on a few occasions, and specs or no specs - Bose has lost out every time on good old sound quality.
I've listened to many speakers of this size and couldn't find one with lows as nice as this SoundLink Mini. The highs are pretty poor though. So IMHO the SLM loses out to e.g. the UE Boom and Sony SRS-X3 when it comes to highs, but easily beats them all when it comes to lows, build quality, feel, and charging convenience (in my situation).
In any case, audio is very subjective. Some people love very accurate speakers, some people prefer a bit of fun with boosted lows and highs, some people prefer something middy. It all depends on personal preference and the type of music being listened to.
I've heard a number of Bose products and there are definitely good ones and pretty average ones.
Sound quality isn't always at the top of the list for everyone too - some people dislike the cluttered look of normal home theatre speakers, so they go for the really small Bose Lifestyle cubes that can blend in to a white wall easily. There are plenty of people out there who consider $4,000 chump change, so they don't even think twice.
@bangmango: Bose don't think they need AptX or NFC as they're likely aiming at the iOS market, which has essentially the same mentality as those who buy Bose.
People who value the badge over features and flexibility (and yes, specs) are very likely to be iOS users.
@elektron: Also, in my experience those with the best technical prowess often have the deadest ears. Listen to what performers think (if they'll actually tell you) of any non-professional behind a sound desk… the greater the interest in nerdery, the lower the ability to be able to judge dynamics in real-time. This is not just an opinion, it's observed behaviour over a long period of time.
@eug: I'm not saying that Bose products are crap, just saying they don't sound as good and are less featured than similarly priced products from the mainstream brands like Sony, Philips etc.
The Sony SRS-X3 doesn't directly compete with the Bose SoundLink Mini - looking at recent deals on here it's about 3 times cheaper. But the fact that you are comparing them says a lot about Bose's poor value proposition.
Have you heard the Sony SRS-X5? It's a more comparable product, although still quite a bit cheaper than the Bose Mini. I agree the sound is very a personal thing, but in my view (as well as a few comparison reviews you'll find) the Sony sounds more refined across the entire frequency spectrum, and the bass extends lower too.
I just wanted to caution people against buying Bose 'by default' without looking at other brands, as many do. If you've compared it and liked it better, in terms of the sound, features, industrial design etc, then by all means go for it and be happy.
@sellingoutsoon: Where do I start? The best audio engineers over the past half a century have all been nerds. I'm talking about the people behind the recordings that have changed people's lives. Have you read any of Geoff Emerick's interviews? I recommend a book called Behind The Glass by Howard Massey. This is also consistent with my personal anecdotal experience and observations over many years.
I have also noticed that most (not all) people who tend to buy Bose products have typically made up their mind about buying it even before they've heard it. I call it the Apple effect. Which means that ears have nothing to do with this. On the contrary, people who buy either mainstream or audiophile brands are much more likely to compare a few products before making the decision.
It's also occurred to me that I don't know a single audiophile or an audio engineer (and I know a few) who owns a Bose product. Could be a coincidence of course.
But the fact that you are comparing them says a lot about Bose's poor value proposition.
Bose definitely isn't about value, if one's definition of value is sound vs price. There's more to the SLM than sound though, as I mentioned before. There are plenty of people around who would gladly pay a bit more money for the design, build quality, size, and feel of the SLM. After all, plenty of people buy e.g. Audis instead of Toyotas.
The Sony SRS-X3 doesn't directly compete with the Bose SoundLink Mini
Only in terms of price. Apart from that, they're both small, battery-powered portable speakers that are similar in size. They both have similar usage scenarios, so would be comparable to each other.
Have you heard the Sony SRS-X5?
Yup. It's not comparable to the SoundLink Mini - it's comparable to the SoundLink III. They are both medium-sized battery-powered portable speakers.
It's unrealistic to expect a small speaker to sound as good as a large speaker. Comparing the SLM to an SRS-X5 is like comparing an Audi A3 to a Toyota Camry - they have different usage scenarios in mind.
but in my view (as well as a few comparison reviews you'll find) the Sony sounds more refined across the entire frequency spectrum, and the bass extends lower too.
It'd better - it's double the size!
I just wanted to caution people against buying Bose 'by default' without looking at other brands, as many do.
Hmm, I never knew people buy Bose by default. Don't most people buy more affordable brands? I would think people who buy Bose by default don't care too much about price differences.
@sellingoutsoon: I am not a speaker person (I've never had the space for it nor the money) so I might be slightly off context, but from what I see on the headphone front, the reason that people try to use those "nerdery" as you called it, is because of the lack of objectivity in experience. Are those people lack the ability to judge? I don't think so. I tend to find the people who use those technology and technological terms to describe the equipments tend to be the ones who are serious about it.
Many reviews, for example, include FR graphs along with other graphs because that's the most objective thing you can give (at least it's more objective than, it's very V shaped or it's muddy, or blah). It's not because they can't judge things, Tyll from Inner Fidelity, for example, shows graphs at the end of the reviews he give out, to give an objective view (at least that's the gist I've got from his comments on the people who were criticising him for recommending Beats Solo2).
I honestly don't understand where "your experience" come from as well. If you want me give you counter example of performers vs professionals, headphones tuned by Dr.Dre were complete rubbish. Many headphone companies use certain targets; they have values that they've gathered with experiments and use them to create headphones and speakers. So by your definition, Harman Kardon are run by those who have the "deadest ears" as they perform researches and focus on the "nerdery".
If you want me to give you another example, my girlfriend is a performer type (she has a fair bit of experience in theatrical scenes, she plays instruments yaddi yadda), whereas I am more of a casual listener than anything. My girlfriend cannot stand anything that's not "flat" as she knows how they sound, whereas I tend to be OK with fun headphones for certain types of music.
@elektron: I got the SRS-X3 for $68 from Dick Smith with one of the Ebay discounts. I am more than happy with it :)
spend another $5 (total $195) and get amex cc statement credit of $25
Amex surcharge of 3% applies, which comes to $195 anyway.
He's just being honest. Why neg that?
:) what's $5 at the Bose Store?
Postage
Entry.
I don't own one but heard one recently at a friend's house - it was sitting on a shelf in the kitchen above the fridge. I heard the music and was looking around for a decent size and quality dock speaker and was astounded to discover it was coming from their Soundlink. There was a depth of sound and volume that seemed impossible from such a small speaker, and the bonus is it is Bluetooth and rechargable. If I could convince my wife, I would buy one in a flash.
You could just blindly follow your mate, or you could get the Sony SRS-X5 that's currently considerably cheaper and has better sound, including bass.
Or I could just buy what sounds good to my ears…it's my money, after all.
Not without convincing your wife you could't.
Seriously, most speakers in this price range will sound good, but you wouldn't know what you're missing out on if you've only heard the one. I'd personally pick one that sounds better and is cheaper over one that sounds good and is more expensive (easier to convince the wife too). But it's your money.
Thanks for the neg by the way.
I disagree, my room mates has an SRS-X5 and its sounds like there is a towel over it its so muffled. Id go the soundlink mini any day of the week and when looking beyond accoustics id be willing to bet some of that cost mark up is down to better manufacturing too. Bose hands down for me.
I have the Sony which I deem better sound quality but not as portable.
Combine with Amex Bose offer for $25 off.
Sorry can't find the ozbargain post for it.
Yeah I agree. SRS-X5 can be had for $175 and is a much more capable all round speaker which is louder and has better bass than the bose.
It's also double the size of the Bose - not good for people who travel a lot.
I usually take a good pair of headphones with me when I travel. Could be a deal breaker for a travelling family though, but then the increased luggage allowance would probably compensate for that.
@elektron: I prefer speakers over headphones if I can help it - wearing headphones removes situational awareness. You won't know if someone's ringing the doorbell, the fire alarm is going off, or your bathtub is overflowing.
Also when watching a movie in a hotel room, a good portable speaker will sound miles better than the TV speaker.
I wouldn't trust Sony quality these days, two of my Sony speakers just went dead within a year, and trying to get a replacement from Dicksmith, says it's an outdated model, at least got my money back. And yeah I own one of this Bose and still going strong.
Actually, it can be had for $119 from a current Officeworks deal but the stock is limited at this price as you would expect.
beats is the new bose
It had been cheaper before at $169 with Amex cash back at DJ.
Thought the Bose QC25 are nice, they have a nice PC speaker ($600 odd though) and their docks aren't too bad…. the rest… terribly overpriced.
I'll enjoy my Kef speakers thanks :)
The QC25 is great on comfort and NC, the sound quality is only so-so for the price.
Agreed. Was one of the few headphones that was comfortable for me. Ended up going for a pair of Sony's though…. JB had the buy 1 get 1 free box lying around months after the promo finished in stock take recently :)
If it's the cheapest price currently available it's a deal.
This isn't consistent with the community. Ppl always refer to the past and cheaper deals. I agree with you.
And that's a decision between a positive vote and a no vote.
Hippies gave it a negative vote which is against the rules.
You paid more money for yours and you had to pick it up yourself, therefore this is not a deal?
I've owned the Soundlink Mini, Sony X5 and currently the Soundlink Mini II. My two cents:
The Sounlink Mini and X5 are probably the best sounding Bluetooth speakers for that portable size (The X5 is double the size of Sounlink Mini though). Whilst they are both pretty much on par with sound quality/clarity, the Sony is nowhere as loud as the Bose on max volume, which can be a factor if you're going to be using it in a noisy environment. The Sony X5 does allow for speakerphone function, unlike the Soundlink Mini.
The major features added in Mini II: Speakerphone feature, USB charging (VERY big plus for me), and the ability to connect two devices at the same time. Also the volume control on the Mini II directly controls the volume on the phone, whereas on the original Mini, the unit itself has independent volume controls to the phone volume controls.
I'd say the upgrades on the Mini II are pretty significant, so if you can hold out for the Mini II deal do so. But if you cannot pass on this deal, at least you can know that the Mini accessories (cases, bag etc) will work with Mini II as well if you do upgrade in the future.
Also the volume control on the Mini II directly controls the volume on the phone, whereas on the original Mini, the unit itself has independent volume controls to the phone volume controls.
What happens if your phone's Bluetooth volume is set to max before connecting to the speaker? Will you get a loud blast of music when you play something?
I'd say the upgrades on the Mini II are pretty significant, so if you can hold out for the Mini II deal do so.
$109 is quite a large difference!
What happens if your phone's Bluetooth volume is set to max before connecting to the speaker? Will you get a loud blast of music when you play something?
Yes this will be the case.
$109 is quite a large difference!
That's why I said hold out for a deal if you can wait. I'm sure alot of people will appreciate being able to charge their Mini via USB.
Yes this will be the case.
OK, I definitely prefer the original SLM's independent volume control then. I always have my BT volume set to max in the car for the best s/n ratio. I can see how an independent volume control can be confusing to some people though.
$269 for the soundlink mini II
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/197827
Technically it's a $79 difference.
Depends on the features that you need, for myself all I need is the sound quality, so I didn't hold out for it.
The Soundlink Mini II has just been released, perhaps a runout of the older model?