My Bose 5 Series, purchased in 2006, still sounds beautiful and looks like new. Especially nice is that the module can be tucked out of sight without sacrificing performance. I have high regard for Bose products and have bought additional since then.
I think for very small speakers they sound great. I am very familiar with Bose products. I have many? This system with the passive subwoofer just doesn't have any bottom end. I have a 5.1 receiver so I added a powered sub to the system. Much, much better. The sub now works as just a crossover and the added powered sub gets the job done. You must use the passive subwoofer for its crossover. I just hide it out of sight. It doesn't make any noise anyway. No loss.
Response from bose.comBy Julius, Bose Service, June 24, 2016
Hello there,
Thank you for taking the time to review the Acoustimass 5 V speakers. They should be delivering plenty of bass and clarity even without the additional subwoofer, but you can definitely use them in conjunction that way if you prefer. On some receivers, you can turn the subwoofer output on or off which can affect the audio going to the bass module.
If you have any questions or concerns about any Bose products, we are here to help at 800-380-4831. Please do not hesitate to contact us.
Bought this set up a month ago use it in my 3 car garage paired up with a Carvin DCM1000 amp and the fills the entire music with powerful amazing sound, the 5 series fit on top of my cabinets with the bass unit in a corner taking up no room on my work benches couldn't be happier. Didn't think this system would satisfy my large space and it by far went over my expectations.
I purchased my first Acousticmass about 15 years ago, quite happy with them, until one day a good friend (audiophile) offered me it was time to "move up" in quality and power. Tried 10 different brands, sets, with subwoofer, without one, etc. Didn't come across anything that came even close to the the detail and quality of sound that Bose delivers. Having my TV, Network music Player, CD and BlueRay all linked up, it's amazing how good all these different sources sound on my NEW Acousticmass 5. And my audiophile friend was convinced that, after all and all things considered (price tag, sound quality, design), the Bose Acousticmass 5 set is a pretty good choice.