If anyone is interested, we got a Sony HT-XT1 sound box in the end.
It seemed a good compromise between cost and quality.
Anyway, it had HDMI in and OUT so works well with the Raspberry Pi although that was currently powered by the monitor (no TV) we were using and this sometimes goes into standby when you turn it on if the HDMI signal is not there at the right time so I'm running the Pi off a 5V PSU rather than the monitor USB port. which has sorted that out.
Anyway, the sound is far superior than the Bose fed through analogue, especially base for films and speech quality is so, so much better.
It's got loads of features such as NFC for the bluetooth which was easy to set up with Android and Apple devices.
Anyway, very happy with the set up. It's not in your face like some systems but is loud enough for our needs.
Richdog - You are almost 3 yrs with the Sony now... Have you bought something new yet? Got your eye on anything different? I hear good things about the Samsung HW-J450.
My cousin in Lausanne is looking for a recommendation. They will probably use more for TV/movies rather than music, so voice clarity is #1 priority.
Nope still got my Sony, it's been a great little performer. Next soundboard will likely be some Samsung that would released syncs with my Samsung M3 speakers to create wireless 5.1.
I have a great Samsung Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer. Its even got these eery orange valves which I'm told add warmth to the sound. Its connected to the TV with an optical cable so it wakes up and goes to sleep with the telly (an LG Plasma)
However if I had another chance I would get a Sonos system as I really like the idea of a modular system that also streams music from Spotify when its not being used with the TV.
I have a Sonos setup, including the soundbar, sub and surround speakers in the living room as well as several other rooms which have a mixture of Play1 and Play3 speakers - fantastic, I was skeptical at first but love the system now.
I got sonos play 1 and 3 for my birthday, I love them. They're so expensive but if I get the chance to buy more I will. I use it to wake me up to uk radio in the morning.
I also have a soundbar, sub, and two play:1 ́s in my TV room, two stereo paired Play:5 ́s in the living room, and a play:1 that migrates from room to room. Expensive as hell, but sounds great, easy to use, and price is not such a big issue as you start with one, and gradually add more "speakers".
I am hoping to get a couple of the new Play:5 ́s for Christmas, and will hook up one of the old ones to the computer (has audio in) and will place the other one in the kitchen. Quickly running out of rooms to put these things in. Still waiting for a weather proof Sonos for the balcony, though.
TruePlay tuning is amazing. Can ́t say enough good things about Sonos. Really phenomenal stuff. This is an area where you want to go all out, it will last forever and save you money in the long run.
That's what I've been waiting for, if it does not arrive by next summer I will have to go down the route of a Sonos Connect:Amp that connects to outdoor speakers outside on the patio.