Bose Companion 5 Multimedia Speaker System

The Companion 5 multimedia speaker system is engineered to deliver the excitement of surround sound content right at your computer - without the clutter of five speakers. Just two small speakers and a hideaway Acoustimass module deliver much of the audio performance you'd expect from a five-speaker surround sound system. And a single USB connection is all it takes - no special software, hardware or sound card upgrade necessary.

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• Reviewed by: Charles-I-Am

  04-03-10

  Duration of ownership: 1 Months

  Strengths: Excellent highs and lows, full reproduction of sound, good looking, somewhat space saving, nice extras, WOW factor!

  Weaknesses:VERY high fidelity learning curve, as if this were a bad thing!

  Overall Evaluation: These are not your father's computer speakers, they are a whole other brand of sound monsters created in a secret lab hidden away from the world. Seriously though, these computer speakers can easily compete with 5.1 THX stereo computer speakers with not much in the way of comparison. Don't even bother spending the money if you are A)only looking to hear a song or two and only care about if it has a beat and that you can sing along, or B)you are on a budget, because these speakers will break you and come across as too intense, and you will never use them to full potential. For the novice sound connoisseur they will seem to have a crass, almost un-natural feeling to them, but that's because we have slowly become used to oppressed sound in our world. These speakers will let you know what you have been missing for so long, and allow you to hear all the little things that should have been heard from every movie, song or beep from your computer. These speakers are the "end all", and not much but a live performance would ever make for a better vision of the sound experience. Highly recommended doesn't even come close to describing how much they will make a sound fanatic's dream come true.

• Reviewed by: quan2006

  05-12-08

  Duration of ownership:

  Strengths: Deliver clear crispy 5.1 channel sound with just 2 speakers, great bass, easy one touch control pod

  Weaknesses:Seems "expensive" but that's the Bose

  Overall Evaluation: I have bought the companion 5 system for 2 weeks. Before I made the decision I shopped around for other brands computer speaker system such as logitech, altec lansing, creative, seems all the others has the same performance, you may not able to find the difference until I heard the sound from bose. The companion 3 series II also deliver the great sound but little bit weak, after hear the companion 5, I know I have found the one for my computer.This Bose speakers can deliver clear crispy 5.1 channel sound with strong bass, even turn it to the maximum value, it's still very clear, with the one touch easy control pod, it's awesome design. Highly recommend this speaker system, you won't regret for your money.

• Reviewed by: roberto1

  01-21-08

  Duration of ownership: 1 Weeks

  Strengths: Good sound quality, easy set-up

  Weaknesses:expensive

  Overall Evaluation: I bought this because of the easy set-up and good sound quality Bose is known for. Bose is also known for expensive prices of their products. The sound is not really 5.1 but it is close.

• Reviewed by: geek2006

  01-20-08

  Duration of ownership: 1 Days

  Strengths: Automatic recognized on Windows VISTA and MAC OS X 10.5 PC with no drivers need to be installed. Clear and loud. Nice volume control knob thats very sensitive when you turn it.

  Weaknesses:No TV or stereo connection ... The only connection I can find it USB which only works with my computer. EXPENSIVE, paid $400 for a 2.1 speakers.

  Overall Evaluation: I bought this speaker at my local mall and there pretty expensive. I paid $400 plus tax. The overall quality of these speaker are superior. I wish the speakers can connect to my TV or my stereo set. When connect to my VISTA laptop it automatic recognized and no need to install drivers. The sound quality is really nice.

• Reviewed by: JeffWRS

  12-08-07

  Duration of ownership:

  Strengths: Great simulated 5.1 sound for a 2.1 system, desktop control pad, sleek design

  Weaknesses:Price - $399 is high, but was the same everywhere when I got them (of course I just got an e-mail today from MacMall with a price that is $80 less... Go figure!)

  Overall Evaluation: This new series of Bose Companion speakers is a huge step up in design from the previous series. the Companion 5 system give a simulated 5.1 surround sound experience from a 2.1 configuration. Bose does this by putting two small angled speakers in each of the satellites aiming the two inner speakers at the listener, and the other two are angled slightly to each side. this configuration along with software gives the illusion that there are rear speakers with a good 5.1 sound source - like a movie. With standard stereo input (CD's or MP3's...) the speakers still give you a wider soundstage than you would have with a regular 2.1 system. The "Acoustimass" module is a little more sensitive in placement that a standard subwoofer in a system due to the fact that it handles a higher range of frequency - it covers a portion of the lower-mids along with the bass usually associated with a subwoofer. I originally placed the module behind a filing cabinet under my desk, but this produced a slight hole in the lower-mids, and also made the lows a little boomy from being too close to the wall. turning the module so it fires forward alleviated these problems. The desktop "Control Pod" is very natural to use. I have used keyboard and other "up/down" button solutions for volume control, but nothing works as well as a physical turn dial when you need to change the volume fast. The operation is very smooth and solid, and the touch sensitive center mute control with LED status indicator also works well. There are also two mini jacks for auxiliary input/output (MP3 player, earphones) so you don't have to crawl on the floor behind your computer to hook something up. So far I have been impressed with the sound of this system for computer use. If you are looking for a great sounding system that can also play some 5.1 material while saving you the trouble of trying to place rear speakers, this may be what you are looking for. If you use your computer more for viewing movies or playing games, and want the best 5.1 surround sound experience, then you would be better off with a true 5.1 surround system. For me, this system give me the balance I was looking for. ***UPDATE*** Regarding the much lower price from MacMall - I called Bose to find out if MacMall was an Authorized Dealer, and was told that neither MacMall or PC Mall could be found on their list of Authorized dealers. Bose will only warranty products purchased through Authorized Dealers. I called MacMall and the Customer Service representative said that they were an Authorized Dealer - I asked him to send me an e-mail with something showing this, and he said he would. It has been over a week with no response (December 8, 2007).

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