The 402 is typical of the famous Bose philosophy. They use Radical EQ and other gimmicks to make up for deficiencies in the cheap small drivers. They take good advantage of naturally-occurring acoustic phenomena, then advertise that they have some unique high-tech science behind their designs. Bose also takes advantage of ignorant consumers. These speakers are a case example.

They advertise "smoothness and warmth" which is really a marketing-euphemism for "muddy and indistinct." The "Articulated Array" is nothing more than a mini line-array which naturally disperses sound horizontally. That isn't high tech or unique. The "acoustic diffractor" is a fancy term for "stick." It just reflects sound to the sides, which is also not high tech.

So long as you NEVER put any significant amount of power into these, use them only for VERY low level vocal reproduction they will sound as good as most other Bose products. If you can tolerate that "Bose" sound, know nothing about audio, and don't mind getting duped, go ahead and pay the ridiculously inflated price for these under-engineered, cheaply-made speakers from the most over-rated audio company in the world.

Knowledgeable audio pros would never pay more than $30 bucks for something like these. You can build better speakers yourself with four $6 dollar drivers and a cardboard box. I know, because I have.

I didn't have such bad luck as GuitarGuy. I'm sure the lows/full range are better on my 802 and my PAS (on trial presently; might buy the PAS - so far I'm more impressed w/ my 802's than the PAS, but haven't gotten into pre-sets yet).

402 are expensive, and they charge you extra for the snap-together carrying handle (VERY convenient/must have tho!), and they could have made recess holes & adapters for speaker stand insertion, but instead you have to buy the mounts - they do include thumbscrews that snap into the back of each speaker.

I like the 402's for their portability, and find pretty clear sound comes out of mine - my ear might not be as good as guitarguy's, but I think my 402's actually are fine on highs and mids, and just lack boomy lows, which my 802's suffice/get by on. The B1 is way too pricey to add a subwoof.

I purchased these speakers and a Yamaha amp/mixer for an outside covered patio. The patio seats approx 60 to 70 people. Occasionally there are more and they are seated outside the covered area. The speakers are "Flown" (Hanging - using Bose optional fly kit). This past summer, there was an outside affair with over 300 people requiring a speaking mic and ambient music. These speakers covered it. Not many lows, but the clarity of these speakers is fantastic. The clarity is what carried and not a word was missed all the way to the back.

I had a modern group come in with their own 6' speaker cabinets, but when they saw these they asked if they could them instead. Having used them for not only that group but also for my own violin performances I have discovered that they produce a very consistent sound and are very controllable. Their unidirectional design allows for high gain levels on stage while still delivering a punch to the listeners.