When I read your question, I thought to myself (in a light hearted fashion) Oh God this guy has opened up a can of worms that will not die. The wise cracks are hilarious its not that serious it really is not. If you consider results only, I can tell you unequivocally the Bose name is placed on some of the more adorned and prestigious institutions, from the historic Saint Peter and Paul Catholic Church to the University of Minnesota's state of the art $20 million dollar, 9000 seat Hockey Arena to name just a few. Bose automotive sound systems are in the following automotive brands: Alfa Romeo, Audi, Buick, Cadillac, GMC, Renault, Infiniti, Lancia, Maserati, Maybach, Nissan, Porsche, Chevy and Mazda. Do those names sound like a cast of idiots and rookies? You can best believe Mercedes Maybach is not going to besmirch its good name with Bose front and center by cutting corners they don't have to. Don't take my word for it, check the list of names associated with Bose and you will find I am spot on.
And I dare say it is not merely because of the marketing, but because of the performance exceeds what the manufacturer expects and what the institutions have in mind for the auditory experience weather God's presence or a heated rivalry. So, these pros on here that will tell you facts, their facts are laughable against the results. If you want to purchase Bose Cinemate Series II because it sounds good to your ears you are in good company. Review after review underscores a simple fact these people are not paid to fool you. Like anything you look at the body of work based on the claims, Bose stands taller than most because of performance or they would not be in the same sentence with performance brands.
On the consumer side Bose does a good job with the Bose Cinemate Series II. The Bose Video Wave TV is better than any other brand as a single whole unit meaning all in one. The package is more robust and entertaining because no other manufacturer has put into their tv the audio that even comes close to rivaling Bose, unless recent. They do a good job with tht Bose Sounddock 10, Wave Radios and Companion 5 as well as Bose 20 computer speakers. Recently Bose 901s were reviewed in Tone Audio. The 901's are inefficient using an old school equalizer but they are a very musical speaker, the reviewer states that its no different than the digital signal processors in competitor's speakers to do the same electronically. As for paper speakers, anyone worth their salt will tell you paper speakers have a long and storied history in some of the finest brands ever made. The critics will say Bose uses untreated paper, well then don't get it. I can tell you this my experience with Bose has been a good one. I stand by Bose because the brand has been reliable over the years.
I don't know that you need to add anything to the Cinemate Series II it might be fine stock, if so you are good, that is all that really matters here. For me, I don't live with stock anythiing. I always look to improve on what I invest because it can be improved on if you take the time and make the effort. I have had great results in doing so with Bose you can too. Anyone, who is one sided it shows their own limitations and prejudice. You must base your opinion on a balanced informed view, a collection of a series of coherent arguments then weigh the difference. To always be one way about one thing and other facts are staring you in the face based on the customers not just the consumer end of it, well they are flat wrong, I don't care how long they been in the game. Address the list of storied names who affix their brand to Bose, they must know something. I tell you no different than I would my own family or what I have done for myself, not because I am a fanboy, a sucker or ignorant of the facts. Its because I have taken the time to know the facts on both sides of the argument. This too is the other side to take into consideration. Some of the criticisms of Bose though irreverent is justified and true, but not across the board.
What I like most about Bose is the company is based in Framingham, Massachusetts with no intentions to move. I would guess Bose costs more because many of its products are built in the good ole US of A. Why stone Bose when the country has to be willing to pay for the cost of building here versus over there. I love many other audio brands too, have you ever thought you can get more for less because Bose products are primarily built in here instead of Shen Zheng Province or Hong Kong? Those factory workers are paid a buck fifty a week, not even the jauggernaut we know as Apple can make such a claim. If Bose puts out a product that lasts for 20 odd years and my ears are not offended and it sounds good to me, I will spring for the cash of buying Bose for these reasons too. This is what Bose does well, very well even better than most.
Best