......are they worth the money.....
I would say categorically NO, though others who, as Glen would say, want to buy into that kind of 'story', may disagree!
Having had some ab fab high-end hi-fi set-ups in the past, there is absolutely
no reason to spend that kind of money on that kind of 'system'!
For a fraction of the price (about 100 quid or so!) if you don't want a full-blown hi-fi set-up (pre & power amps, CD player etc.) & as you're considering Bose I presume you
don't, you could consider something along the lines of the Harman Kardon Soundsticks II, which (if you have a half-decent one) will sound fab connected to either your 'puter or an i-pod!
Bose have always been ridiculously overpriced for what they are & if you don't fancy the Soundsticks idea, any decent hi-fi shop shop will set you up with a good little integrated amp, CD player & not overly intrusive speakers for again, a fraction of the cost!