The Series II has the essential qualities of a first-rate conventional speaker system. Its frequency response is smoother than many highly regarded systems we have tested, and it spans the 45- to 20,000-Hz range with excellent dispersion. The surround stage imaging is very good, with accurate positioning laterally and vertically.

Listening to a wide variety of DVD/CD Discs, we were constantly impressed by how much this system sounded like a larger, much more expensive speaker. There is no way that a person hearing (but not seeing) the Acoustimass 25 Series II would suspect that its powerful, room-filling sound emerges from satellite speakers that could easily be held on the palm of one’s hand and a compact bass module that can be hidden under or behind almost any piece of furniture.

Home Cinema Review are aware that piece speaker systems are now available from almost every speaker manufacturer. Of the many we have tested, all of them very good, the Bose Acoustimass 25 Series II is one of the most expensive—and also one of the best. Hear it and be convinced for yourself.