Hmmm, another tower? Maybe, but there goes the ez set up.
As for stereo being a "requirement" - nope.
I love the fullness it provides to a LIMITED audience, but in truth - the room generally does not benifit from a stereo spread.
What you hear in effects panning and such is what I call gingerbread, and although I LIKE that stuff - it's much more benifitial to have the room FILLED in every nook and cranny with crystal clear, high fidelity sounds that are volume-balanced and ear-friendly.

Say what you will about your favorite setup, but I have NEVER heard a one piece unit that could spread the sound around a room better than the new Bose. I'm not leading the parade - just making early observations.

I'd gladly give up stereo to have such a room-filling sound that everyone will enjoy.
You simply have to hear it to believe it. It's not like ANYthing you've ever tried.
Believe me - I
d love to save the $2g ... but so far - I'm not convinced that there is a better, smaller way to get the same results.
Nothing I've owned has covered the back of a room better, while not blowing away the front of the room. In small situations - it's never much of a problem, but when you have to fill a large room ..... this is where the PAS shines. Bid time.

It's new.
It's fresh.
It's EZ to transport.
It's a contender.