when I walk into the bose store and hear this system playing , I be overwhelm . the crispness of the sound , frequency range , sound distribution , powerful bass ... I immediately ask for a personal demo , and I be even more perplexed when they give I the regular bose design demo where they show you the wonder that this system can do . the surround sound be magnificent , and even if you have a mono or stereo recording it will simulate the surround sound in the greatest way I could have imagine . I could not believe that I be listen to a 50 's mono record in full surround sound at one point , and it sound excellent ! the demo of how the bass seem to come from the little speaker instead of the subwoofer be also very impressive . you hear the powerful and rich bass come from this tiny speaker , but when they cover the woofer on the subwoofer you notice the bass be go , even though it seem to be come from the little speaker ! Pretty cool stuff . not to mention these tiny speaker produce a sound that be better than regular speaker that be 10 time the size . bose really hit a home run with this technology , and if you be consider it you definitely should go for it . I have never listen to music like I do now . it be a totally new experience .  as for the new system with 6 CD Changer or dvd player , it be you choice . I buy this unit because I just want the speaker and a receiver to connect my dvd player\/mp3 player\/computer to -lrb- although it do have a CD player -rrb- , and this system be great for that , at the best price for a lifetime system . if you do not have you own dvd player and you want to use it for that you may want to consider the other .  also , there be newer model of the lifestyle system that come with some new speaker -lrb- jewel -rrb- that be even smaller -lrb- and more expensive -rrb- . I try these new system and I notice the small speaker could not produce a sound as crisp and rich as the lifestyle 12 speaker . the sound be much more metallic , like a cymbal , instead of be rich and velvety . if you be try to decide , do not let this factor influence you in you decision . just go for the one that be right for you price range and need . and above all , go visit a bose store and ask for a demo and listen for yourself !