When it comes to home entertainment, a good sound system can make all the difference. And when it comes to sound systems, few names are as synonymous with quality as Bose. For years, Bose has been synonymous with high-quality audio equipment, and their bass modules are no exception. Two of their most popular models, the Bose Bass 500 and 700, have garnered widespread attention for their ability to deliver deep, rumbling bass that elevates the listening experience. But what sets them apart? In this article, we’ll diving into the differences between these two powerful bass modules, exploring their features, specifications, and performance to help you decide which one is right for you.
Design and Build
At first glance, the Bose Bass 500 and 700 may look similar, but upon closer inspection, you’ll notice some key differences in their design and build. The Bose Bass 500 has a more compact, rounded design that makes it easy to place in tight spaces. Weighing in at 15.2 pounds, it’s also slightly lighter than its bigger brother, making it easier to move around. The 500’s grill is made of a durable metal mesh that protects the driver while allowing for optimal airflow.
On the other hand, the Bose Bass 700 takes a more angular approach, with a larger, rectangular shape that makes it more imposing. Weighing in at 26.7 pounds, it’s significantly heavier than the 500, but that added weight is due to its more powerful driver and improved build quality. The 700’s grill is also made of metal mesh, but it’s slightly thicker and more rugged, giving it a more premium feel.
While both units have a sleek, modern aesthetic that looks great in any room, the 700’s larger size and heavier build give it a more substantial presence. If you’re looking for a bass module that can make a statement, the 700 is the clear winner.
Sound Quality
Now, onto the most important aspect: sound quality. Both the Bose Bass 500 and 700 are designed to deliver powerful, rumbling bass that enhances your music, movies, and TV shows. However, there are some key differences in their performance.
The Bose Bass 500 is equipped with a 6.5-inch woofer that produces deep, punchy bass that’s perfect for smaller rooms and more intimate settings. It’s designed to work seamlessly with other Bose speakers, such as the Home Speaker 500 or Soundbar 700, to create a cohesive sound system. With a frequency response of 40 Hz – 190 Hz, it’s capable of producing rich, detailed bass that adds depth and emotion to your music.
The Bose Bass 700, on the other hand, boasts a larger 7-inch woofer that produces even more powerful, rumbling bass. With a frequency response of 30 Hz – 190 Hz, it’s capable of producing deeper, more resonant bass that’s perfect for larger rooms and more dramatic soundscapes. The 700’s driver is also more efficient, allowing it to produce more volume with less distortion.
In terms of overall sound quality, both units deliver exceptional performance, but the 700’s larger driver and more efficient design give it a slight edge. If you’re looking for a bass module that can deliver truly thunderous bass, the 700 is the clear winner.
Connectivity and Compatibility
When it comes to connectivity, both the Bose Bass 500 and 700 offer a range of options to ensure seamless integration with your existing sound system. Both units feature a single HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) input, which allows them to receive audio signals from your TV or other devices.
In addition to HDMI, both units also feature a wireless connection option, allowing them to pair with other Bose speakers and devices. The 500 uses a proprietary wireless connection, while the 700 uses Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, making it more versatile and convenient.
The Bose Bass 700 also features a more comprehensive range of audio inputs, including an optical digital input and a 3.5mm analog input. This makes it easier to connect to a wider range of devices, including CD players, turntables, and gaming consoles.
In terms of compatibility, both units are designed to work seamlessly with other Bose speakers and devices, including the Home Speaker 500, Soundbar 700, and SoundTouch systems. However, the 700’s more comprehensive range of connectivity options make it a better choice for those with more complex sound systems.
| Feature | Bose Bass 500 | Bose Bass 700 |
|---|---|---|
| Connectivity Options | HDMI ARC, Proprietary Wireless | HDMI ARC, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Optical Digital, 3.5mm Analog |
| Compatibility | Bose Home Speaker 500, Soundbar 500, SoundTouch Systems | Bose Home Speaker 500, Soundbar 700, SoundTouch Systems, CD Players, Turntables, Gaming Consoles |
Smart Features and Integration
Both the Bose Bass 500 and 700 offer a range of smart features that make it easy to control and customize your listening experience. Both units are compatible with the Bose Music app, which allows you to adjust settings, customize bass levels, and access a range of preset sound profiles.
The Bose Bass 700 takes things a step further, with built-in Alexa and Google Assistant integration. This allows you to control your music, adjust settings, and access information using voice commands. The 700 also features Bose’s proprietary PhaseGuide technology, which helps to optimize bass performance and reduce distortion.
PhaseGuide Technology
Bose’s PhaseGuide technology is a proprietary innovation that helps to optimize bass performance and reduce distortion. By carefully guiding the acoustic energy produced by the driver, PhaseGuide helps to create a more cohesive, detailed sound that’s free from unwanted resonance and vibration.
Pricing and Value
Finally, let’s talk about pricing and value. Both the Bose Bass 500 and 700 are premium products that come with a premium price tag. The Bose Bass 500 typically retails for around $549, while the Bose Bass 700 typically retails for around $799.
While the 500 is certainly a more affordable option, it’s worth noting that the 700 offers significantly more features, connectivity options, and performance. If you’re looking for a high-quality bass module that can deliver truly exceptional performance, the 700 is well worth the investment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Bose Bass 500 and 700 are both exceptional bass modules that offer exceptional performance and value. While they share many similarities, there are key differences in their design, sound quality, connectivity options, and smart features.
If you’re looking for a more compact, affordable option that still delivers great bass performance, the Bose Bass 500 is an excellent choice. However, if you’re willing to invest in a more premium product with advanced features and exceptional performance, the Bose Bass 700 is the clear winner.
Ultimately, the choice between the Bose Bass 500 and 700 comes down to your specific needs and preferences. By understanding the key differences between these two exceptional bass modules, you can make an informed decision that will elevate your listening experience and bring joy to your ears.
What is the main difference between Bose Bass 500 and 700?
The main difference between the Bose Bass 500 and 700 is the design and build quality. The Bass 700 has a more premium and sleek design, with a glass top surface and a more compact footprint. The Bass 500, on the other hand, has a more utilitarian design with a plastic top surface. Additionally, the Bass 700 is heavier and more durable, with a weight of around 26 pounds compared to the Bass 500’s 22 pounds.
This design difference also affects the sound quality, with the Bass 700 producing slightly deeper and more resonant bass notes. The Bass 500, however, still produces excellent bass performance, but it may not be as refined or nuanced as the Bass 700. Overall, the main difference between the two speakers lies in their build quality, design, and sound performance.
Which speaker has better sound quality?
The Bose Bass 700 has slightly better sound quality than the Bass 500. This is because the 700 has a more advanced driver design and a more efficient amplifier. The 700’s drivers are capable of producing deeper and more detailed bass notes, which results in a more immersive listening experience. Additionally, the 700’s amplifier is more powerful, which allows it to handle louder volumes and more complex musical passages with ease.
That being said, the Bose Bass 500 still produces excellent sound quality, and many listeners may not notice a significant difference between the two speakers. The Bass 500’s drivers are still capable of producing rich and detailed sound, and its amplifier is still plenty powerful. However, if you’re looking for the absolute best sound quality and are willing to pay a premium for it, the Bass 700 is the better choice.
Is the Bose Bass 500 worth the lower price?
The Bose Bass 500 is definitely worth the lower price. While it may not have the same level of build quality or sound performance as the Bass 700, it still offers excellent value for the price. The Bass 500 produces great sound quality, with deep and detailed bass notes, and its compact design makes it easy to place in any room. Additionally, the Bass 500 is more affordable than the Bass 700, making it a great option for those on a budget.
In terms of bang for your buck, the Bass 500 is an excellent choice. It offers a great balance of sound quality, design, and affordability, making it an excellent option for anyone looking for a high-quality speaker without breaking the bank. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of the Bass 700, the Bass 500 is still a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality speaker.
Can the Bose Bass 500 and 700 be used outdoors?
Both the Bose Bass 500 and 700 can be used outdoors, but they are not weather-resistant or waterproof. They are designed for indoor use, and exposing them to harsh weather conditions or excessive moisture could damage the speakers. If you plan to use your speaker outdoors, you’ll need to take precautions to protect it from the elements.
That being said, if you do plan to use your speaker outdoors, the Bass 500 may be a better option. Its plastic top surface is more resistant to scratches and damage than the Bass 700’s glass surface, making it a better choice for outdoor use. However, it’s still important to take precautions to protect your speaker from the elements, and to avoid exposing it to excessive moisture or extreme temperatures.
Do the Bose Bass 500 and 700 have built-in microphones?
Neither the Bose Bass 500 nor the 700 has a built-in microphone. This means that they cannot be used for voice commands or phone calls, and you’ll need to use a separate microphone or device for these functions. However, both speakers do have Bluetooth connectivity, which allows you to connect them to your phone or tablet and stream audio wirelessly.
This lack of a built-in microphone is not necessarily a drawback, as many users prefer to use a separate microphone or device for voice commands and phone calls. Additionally, the lack of a microphone helps to keep the design of the speakers clean and focused on sound quality, rather than trying to pack in too many features.
Can I connect multiple Bose Bass speakers together?
Yes, you can connect multiple Bose Bass speakers together using the Bose Connect app. This allows you to create a whole-home audio system, with speakers in different rooms that can be controlled and synchronized from your phone or tablet. The app allows you to customize the audio settings for each room, and to play different music in different rooms or to play the same music throughout your home.
However, it’s worth noting that this feature is only available on the Bose Bass 700, and not on the Bass 500. If you’re looking to create a whole-home audio system, the Bass 700 is the better choice. However, if you’re looking for a single speaker for one room, the Bass 500 is still an excellent option.
What is the warranty on the Bose Bass 500 and 700?
Both the Bose Bass 500 and 700 come with a one-year limited warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty is valid for one year from the date of purchase, and it covers repairs or replacements of defective parts or products. Additionally, Bose offers a 90-day satisfaction guarantee, which allows you to return the product for a full refund within 90 days of purchase.
This warranty is relatively standard for the industry, and it provides peace of mind for customers who are investing in a high-quality speaker. Bose is a well-established brand with a reputation for producing high-quality products, and their warranty reflects their commitment to customer satisfaction.