After months of rumors, Bose have released details of the new L1 Model II system:

http://www.bose.com/controller?event=VIEW_...p;src=musicians

Quickly scanning through the info, and the forums, so far I have found the following differences between the Bose L1 Model II system and the original L1:

The power base of the new Model II is smaller and lighter - due to folding legs.

The new Model II is lower power (500W total as opposed to 750W for the original) but Bose claim that they "get the same acoustic output as the Classic with light weight using some cutting edge power amplifiers" and "We were able to do this by optimizing the total system design and better matching the amplifiers to the speakers". - Sounds like BS, but it could be that that the Model II has higher efficiency drivers.

The new Model II is more expensive.

The new Model II uses the same B1 bass units.

The new Model II has improved dispersion over the (already excellent) dispersion of the original L1.

The new Model II only has a single line input with no eq as standard. To add extra inputs, eq, presets and the ability to directly connect mics, the additional T1 ToneMatch audio engine is needed. (The T1 ToneMatch audio engine can also be used with the original L1.)


The original L1 is also being replaced by a new "L1 Model I system". This looks like the original L1, but, as far as I can tell, has the following differences:

Same reduced power (now 500W, rather than 750W) but claimed same volume.

Same improved dispersion over the (already excellent) dispersion of the original L1.

Different L1 connections. - Although the power base and columns look similar, you can not plug the new columns into the old power base and vice versa. (Probably to protect new columns from the higher power output of the old power base.)

New Model I is compliant with European RoHS (Reduction of Hazardous Substances) directive. ie electronics would now be lead free.

I like the compact base unit. As it's now only 500 watts yet uses the same B1s which require 250 watts then the column wattage has been halved. I also notice from the photo that the speakers in the column alternate off centre - one left & one right etc)

I could only see one input on the PS1 II

Looks good though - my main criticism with the original PS1 was the size of its footprint - nice to see that Bose took on board my comments

Correct. I had assumed a dual input as I had read that "Electronic instruments with stereo line outputs" could be connected directly. But reading again, they say to do this by using the output marked mono - ie only one connection.

I've edited my post above to correct.

As for each B1 getting 250W each - they can't anymore as that would leave no power for the column! So as the B1's are unchanged, the new systems will certainly have less bass.

The alternating speaker direction will be how they have increased dispersion.

oh that's a weight off of my shoulders....

Now you know why, for the past few months, i've been telling potential buyers of the L1 Mk1 to wait until end of March...

The drop in power output,suggests that the powerbase now only has two amps in it, rather than three - which will also help on the weight factor.

Also, fingers crossed - the unit no having several input channels and dozens of useless preset eqs (either of which which we DJs need) will make it cheaper as we would be happy with a single channel flat response input..

The smaller base should lend itself well to flightcasing the two poles above the base unit itself, all in one case.

interesting,.... in pairs.

My post was ambiguous, the B1s only receive 250 watts between them (not each). The other 500 are used for the column (250 for each half) so I would think this is where they have made the saving.

I have to say that I was one of the ones foxed by Gary's cryptic messages - but i still bought the original L1.

I am still glad i did - the sound is sweet and i don't find them too big!
The weight saving is great in the new one - but the power loss may be a negative (if you are trying to play with a single pole for instance) and i am not convinced i need any more coverage.

Playing from a pair is the best stereo i have ever had.

Could I stomach more exspensive pair..... this pair was more than enough - and since the new versions aren't in the country yet (i have seen them on soundcontrol) i will maintain my air of happiness and love for that which cost way more than my car!

So Gary, are you retiring those RAMSAs?

Well, I've got a definate long-term interested buyer for my entire Ramsa Setup; the speakers, the Ramsa speakers, the Ramsa amps, the Ramsa "magic black box" (dedicated crossover).

I'd only go for two Boses though as a redundancy thing, more than a stereo thing, as the bose way of locking the amps inside the powerstand, with no way of quickly hooking up an external amp should one of the internals fail, doesnt rest easy with me. By buying two (if I go that route), I would have stereo for the majority of the time, but still be able to carry on in mono should a powerstand fail.

I'm somewhat surprised that the MK2 still doesnt have an audio digital in, given the fact that we're in 2007. The MK1 had a socket called "Digital" but that was only for feeding EQ Preset updates.

The Bose site mentions that the MK2 IS RoHS compliant (manufacturers can only sell things which contain LESS than X amount of Lead in the construction. The Bose site however DOESNT make the same statement about the L1 Mk1, suggesting that they may have to pull the plug on the MK1 - BUT only in the UK. The US are blissfully "saved" from RoHS compliance. So it could be that the MK1 carries on being talked about as a current product by any US Bose staff or US websites and US forums. I've no doubt that UK Bose will support the MK1 spares for years, so no worries there, thats even IF the MK1 does fall foul of RoHS.

I think that by Bose dividing the EQ processing and multiple inputs etc off into the $499 tonematch box is a much better way of doing things - for one, it means less connectors at kick height and the disposable of that troublesome plastic flap at the back of the Mk1. Having all that extra gubbins in a different unit to the amps should have also helped to keep the price of the MK2 down too (but it didn't - despite having one less amp inside).

MK2? I dont want one.

I want two.

Gary,

I think it may have digital input - but not what we are used to seeing.

Looking at the user manual the Tonematch unit connects to the power base via a RJ45 connector: "Tonematch port: Digital audio and power con-nection for the optional T1 ToneMatch audio engine."

The Tonematch unit takes the various inputs (mics/instruments etc) and converts them to 24bit 48KHz digital. It does it's processing, then connects to the power base via the Tonematch port.

So if this RJ45 connector is just a standard digital input and power output (to power the Tonematch unit) then it may be able to make up a special lead. If your Denon mixers only output 16bit 44.1KHz digital audio then you can use on of the Behringer units to convert. (I like this idea: wav files on a DN-HD2500 digitally connected to a digital mixer (DJM-800 in my case) digitally connected to a Behringer digital eq, digitally connected to the L1 Model II means an uncompressed digital signal all the way from the recording studio to the speakers. )

Of course the Tonematch port may use some strange Bose standard - lets hope not.


Not just the UK, but the whole EU. However:

My mistake Paul - I was wrongly thinking that the B1's were 250W each.

Once being a Bose owner IMO the bass was the ONLY problem..I didn`t like it. If the new model is using the same B1 bass unit I wouldn`t go for the new model. As Robbie says its more expensive so there is no need to splash the cash on the newer model.

What a shame they have bought out a new model so soon and effectively now "aged" and dated the systems that have been sold so far.

If the claim of the same SPL for less power is true, then the mark 1 systems are going to be immediately dated and this may effect the second hand value of the mark1 systems.

Bose marketing:

I thought the success of the 802 was it was kept the same for many years and thus people could keep buying them and add to them year after year.

Does anyone know if it was a problem with the Mk 1 systems or just marketing? sounds like the bass units couldn't keep up with the tops and thus they have matched the system by dropping the power!


----

The first 802 in 1980 (approx) were sold as having no almost power limits. I heard they even demonstrated them by putting a 13 amp plug on them and plugging them in. Then suddenly they started rating them at around 250 watts and saying that the bass bins needed two tops per side. Even did a special deal of giving away two 802 if you bought 2x 802 and 2 x 302 bins.

-----


Anyway, there is obviously a lot more to this change than we will ever know about. And so the stories will start.

The four channels the original Bose possess were a massive factor in my decision to go this route. Dropping these channels effectively means this speaker offers little advantage over any other powered speaker.

Four channels means I can plug anything directly into the Bose to use at the same or as back up to my main unit. I can arrive at a venue and have music pumping out of the Bose within two or three minutes by hooking up a portable CD or MP3 player. I can plug a mic in as well. Whilst these are playing I can then plug my mixer outputs too.

The same thing can happen in reverse at the end of the night.

Typically, I have my back-up plugged in and ready to go. I could even use it along with my main console at the same time.

That is amazing versatility.

One thing I don't like about Bose is their assumption that one unit should suffice for large venues. Comments like these do make me wonder just how this new unit will compare in the real world of the British DJ with the old poles.

HANG ON, HANG ON, HANG ON

The Mk2 isn't a replacement for the Mk1, they will both be on sale, and as the Mk2 is going to be nearly twice the price....

I would still get a Mk1 as there is no benefit to the DJ to have the Mk2.

I roughlt know the price too, so don't hang on if you are thinking of getting one, buy the Mk1 IMHO