A question aboutmy older 5.2 system

Hi everyone

My father upgraded his system and gave me his old one. I'd guess it's roughly 10 years old. Ihave a Bose Dolby 5.2 system running into a harmon kardon reciever. At the time this was pretty high end stuff. The front 3 speakers run into the main sub. The back speakers run into the back sun. Then cables(there is one foreach speaker) run from the subwoofers into the reciever. I moved into a new apt and needed to cut new cables since I needed longer ones than the original.

Since I did this I noticed a drastic drop in sound performance. Is this because I'm using different cables?(some cables used are the original some are new) or is my system just getting old? I'm assuming it's the cables but before I go out and spend a rather big investment on cables I'd like to be affirmed by some audio pros out there. Thanks a lot guys

Hi everyone

My father upgraded his system and gave me his old one. I'd guess it's roughly 10 years old. Ihave a Bose Dolby 5.2 system running into a harmon kardon reciever. At the time this was pretty high end stuff. The front 3 speakers run into the main sub. The back speakers run into the back sun. Then cables(there is one foreach speaker) run from the subwoofers into the reciever. I moved into a new apt and needed to cut new cables since I needed longer ones than the original.

Since I did this I noticed a drastic drop in sound performance. Is this because I'm using different cables?(some cables used are the original some are new) or is my system just getting old? I'm assuming it's the cables but before I go out and spend a rather big investment on cables I'd like to be affirmed by some audio pros out there. Thanks a lot guys

I would suggest that you you replace those lackluster Bose sound devices with some real speakers. The improvement is sound will be nothing less than dramatic. Something like this would be a great replacement/upgrade - http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/KEFKHT10052GB/KEF/KHT1005.2-5.1-Sattelite-Subwoofer-Speaker-Package-GLOSS-BLACK-/1.html

And no it isn't the cables that are the problem.

If you want to experiment with cables check out Monoprice.com they offer high quality cables and are very affordable..

Although I do agree with L2W, replacing speakers will yield the best results. Its not that Bose are the worst out there, but those missing frequencies definitely do not bode well for them..

I am definately NOT a Bo$e fan, but one fairly inexpensive experiment would be to resize the wires to the existing system. What gauge wiring did you use to extend the older wires ? Bose is noted for cheap internal speakers and even cheaper, small gauge hook up wiring. If you "matched" the existing wiring for the longer runs, you definately have excessive resistance in the wires and reduced performance. Try some 16 gauge wire from www.monoprice.com (as mentioned above) or get some from Lowes or Home Depot (2 conductor speaker wire, lamp cord, etc.....it's all the same copper).

good luck, and if this does not help then ditch the Bo$e and get some real speakers.

thanks for the replies guys. If I had 600 bucks laying around for new speakers I wouldn't be worried about trying to repairmy current ones. I am by no means an audiophile... If I could get my sound back to what it originally was I'd be more than happy. I'm gonna go ahead and order the wires reccomended and rewire my entire system.
I'll let you know the results thanks guys

Btw I had no idea Bose was a poor sound company

Bose is a case where they made their reputation during the days of Dr. Omar Bose and then the bean-counters took over. Their reputation now is for massive advertising, high prices, and reduced quality in the actual components

Hey guys,

Just got the wires in from monoprice...installed the new wires and my subwoofer is thumping, and the speakers are back to their old ways. Thanks for the advice on that website, it saved me a lot of dough.

glad it worked out, enjoy your system