I was in a Volvo dealership yesterday test driving their XC90 Sport Ute when I was surprisingly drawn into a classic Bose battle.

I'd just finished my test drive and was asking the sales guy who made the sound system (quite nice I may add) in the car. He said that "Volvo has their own proprietary system". I was fine with that but then this yuppie couple chimed in with the following:

"You mean this doesn't come with a Bose system? Every car we've bought has a Bose system installed, it's simply the finest you can get. Our home systems are all Bose as well."

I responded to the dealer, "it's fine if it's NOT Bose, I can live with it."

Now I'm not a rabid Bose Basher by any means and I would've let the whole thing go right there. But the couple then turns to me and begins addressing me as if I were some cretin.

"No you don't know what you're missing, you have to hear Bose to believe it."

Still smiling I said, "I have heard many Bose products from the 901 to the Wave Radio, they're not my cup of tea." I was going to leave it at that but they wouldn't stop.

"What's wrong with Bose? What's better than Bose?" The tone was accusatory and patronizing and now I was pissed. I'd didn't like being badgered by strangers about a subject I know something about. They were uninformed, whiney and condecending (sp). So I let em have it.

"Folks you can buy what you like use what you like, but many people who are audio enthusiasts do not consider Bose products top shelf and many believe they're overpriced for the sound produced. As for what's better than Bose? I personally own 6 sets of speakers from various manufacturers that I prefer to Bose. My Allison 4's, Platinum Audio Studio 3's, Ohm Walsh 4's, F's and 2's. All of these speakers old discontinued models and they are STILL superior in sound, fidelity and design to current Bose products. These speakers are NOT sold on late night TV or given away as door prizes. Take a trip to any store that sells B&W or other top flight gear and see what your money can really buy."

I then turned and walked away. I guess words carry a little different weight when coming from a large, 6'1" Black man then from say Don Knotts. They left me alone after that.

Da Worfster