| | |  | Jewelry | Home » » Bose Companion 5 multimedia speaker system Graphite/Silver | | | | | | | Product Promotions: | | | | | Description: | | Our premium computer speakers deliver multichannel sound that seems to surround you, specifically designed for computer listening. Just right for music, games and moviesand setup is a snap. The Companion(R) 5 multimedia speaker system is engineered to deliver the excitement of surround sound content right at your computerwithout the clutter of five speakers. Just two small speakers and a hideaway Acoustimass(R) 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 takesno special software, hardware or sound card upgrade necessary.*
The system features a handy, all-in-one control pod to keep speaker volume control, single-touch mute, headphone jack and an auxiliary input all within easy reach. Speakers are mounted on stands enabling superb performance and more usable desktop space.
*For optimum performance, we recommend Windows XP or later. For Macintosh computers, OS X 10.4.6 or later. | | | Features: | |
• TrueSpace surround digital processing circuitry delivers multi-channel, immersive sound
• Simple USB connectivityno sound card upgrade, extra software, adaptors or wiring needed
• Two small speakers and compact module deliver sound you might expect from a five-speaker system.
• Handy control pod houses volume control, single-touch mute, headphone jack and auxiliary connection.
• Acoustimass module produces deep low frequencies and can be hidden almost anywhere in the room.
| | | Product Details: | | | Product Length:
| 12.0 inches | | Product Width:
| 20.0 inches | | Product Height:
| 16.0 inches | | Product Weight:
| 27.0 pounds | | Package Length:
| 19.7 inches | | Package Width:
| 15.0 inches | | Package Height:
| 10.4 inches | | Package Weight:
| 26.55 pounds | | Average Customer Rating:
|  based on 84 reviews |
| | | | Customer Reviews: | |
Average Customer Review:
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Fantastic sound, but at a cost.Nov 20, 2009
Until a few years ago, I used nothing but the cheapest speakers and headphones I could fine. Bargain-bin all the way until I picked up a pair of high-end Sennheiser headphones and I finally "heard the difference" - since then I've gotten picky and have only wanted the best. After upgrading to a surround-sound system for my TV, I wanted a similar experience for my computer and after a bit of research, the Companion 5 was the way to go. These speakers are the equivalent of my Sennheiser headphones - I can hear stuff in music that I've never heard before (it's actually kind of strange!). It really takes sound to the 'next level' compared to the other speakers I've tried. I tried the Logitech systems, I even tried the other Bose Companion models, but they just couldn't compare.
To me, this system has 3 downsides - all of them are pretty big and take a hit on the score (hence the 4 stars instead of 5).
The first downside is the price - it's definitely better than the other systems I've seen, but it's also twice the price. With that said, trying the Companion 3 next to this (which sells for half the price), I was still happier to put down the extra cash for the Companion 5 series. It's still a very expensive system though.
The 2nd downside is the proprietary setup - rather than using a normal audio plug, this system connects to your pc via USB port and requires drivers. This isn't always the easiest thing to do, and you have to rely on the drivers always being available/compatible with your system. It gives more chances for error to occur.
The final downside are the other audio connections. Fortunately you CAN plug other devices into the audio volume knob. Unfortunately, it only takes a 3.5mm headphone plug. This would have been fantastic if it had accepted optical audio or even composite audio (to plug a game console into, for example). I had to purchase a Composite-to-3.5mm Y-adapter to plug a console into it, and besides being a hassle, it lessens the quality.
The volume knob is very nice - it has a headphone jack, 3.5mm input, and mute/unmute button in addition to changing the volume by turning it left or right.
The sound quality is amazing from this - I've never been a BOSE fan, but this thing is incredible. One last downside from it, is that it will show any flaws in low-quality audio you may have. Low-quality MP3s? You'll hear the difference. Youtube videos? you'll hear the difference. But when you pop in a DVD, Blu Ray or listen to a high quality MP3, the system really shines!
 by far the best computer speakers i've ever usedOct 25, 2009
i've used pretty much every computer speaker system out their from $20 up to $500, and these Bose Companion 5's are by far the best i've ever used. i was nervous when i spent $400 plus tax on these puppies, but after 3 years, i'm more than satisfied. not one problem with these speakers. and they make my 300GB music collection sound great. you simply can't go wrong with these speakers. if anyone tells you that their music sounds muddy, etc, its their music, not the speakers. these speakers are worth every penny i paid for them, and then some.
Best 3 speaker computer speaker system - if u have the $$Oct 17, 2009
I am a long time computer user (30+ years) with an expert knowledge of computers and computer technology. I constantly use my PC to listen to music and often to play computer games, I don't use my computer to watch movies because I have a ridiculous home theater and large HDTV setup for that.
With that in mind, here is my review:
My criteria ranked from most to least important:
1. Superb sound quality for games and music
2. 3 speakers or less (5 speakers is too much clutter for me
3. Sound must be loud enough without losing any clarity to fill my 11'x14' home office
4. Surround sound capability not required but a plus
5. Excellent style / appearance (if I have to look at the 2 speakers on my desk every day I don't want them to be ugly)
Now with that in mind I did months of research and arrived at three products that I thought could best meet all or most of those requirements.
Bose Companion 5
Klipsch Promedia 2.1
Logitech Z2300
I can tell you that after hearing demos in the store and actually seeing each speaker system's appearance in person, I took an immediate liking to the Bose Companion 5 system. However, since the Logitech and Klipsch systems were only $150 compared to the Bose at $400 (I got my Bose Companion 5s for $350 on sale, but in my comparions I use the normal $400 price), I felt compelled to continue the comparison despite my gut telling me the Bose Companion 5's would be the final selection, much to my wallet's dismay. So I bought all three and set them up in my office and did head to head comparisons with my favorite games and music. So on to the showdown....
All systems met the criteria for having 3 speakers or less so I will skip that one....
Sound quality:
This one was no contest. All three systems had excellent volume and easily filled my office with sound and all could have filled a larger room with sound with little difficulty. However, the Bose Companion 5 system was so much clearer through the entire volume range it was really no contest. The clarity of musical instruments and sounds in computer games was notably better with the Bose. The Klipsch and Logitech offerings had too much base (even after adjusting the bass levels), and the mids and highs were muddy, loud but muddy.
Winner: Bose Companion 5 - Hands Down
Sound Loudness:
All of the tested systems were loud and easily filled my office with sound. Only the Bose maintained clear, accurate sound throughout.
Winner: Bose Companion 5 - Hands Down
Surround Sound Capability:
Only the Bose offered this. So Bose wins by default. Keep in mind that this is simulated surround sound, so results vary depending on the source of the sound and/or the context of the sound, but I found the Bose surround sound generally performed very well for creating surround sound to the right and left sides and ok for creating rear surrond sound. For true rear surround sound nothing can replace a real 5.1 system, but I can say that I cannot imagine anyone doing a better job than Bose at creating surround sound with 3 speakers.
Winner: Bose Companion 5 - No Contest
Style / Appearance:
While all of my comments are subjective and based on my specific tests and requirements, this one by definition is entirely subjective. However, again in this category the Bose were the clear winner. I did like the appearance of the Logitech Z2300's as well, Bose really makes style and appearance a focus and it shows in how nice their speakers look.
Winner: Bose Companion 5
So the Bose Companion 5 speakers were the clear winner on all my tests, but they should be they are $250 more than the other two competitors. In fact, they are more expensive then just about any 2.1 speaker system available and more expensive than many 5.1 speaker systems. So let's address that steep price tag. Certainly some of the substantial difference in price is paying for the Bose name. I think we can all agree on that, so I won't waste any more time discussing that. However, one often overlooked benefit of the Bose Companion 5 speaker system is that it eliminates the need for a sound card. Now if you're like me and you generally go for near top of the line SB cards that run about $200, then the $250 dollar premium for the Bose Companion 5s looks like less of an issue. The Logitech Z2300 and Klipsch Promedia 2.1 speaker systems require you to purchase a sound card. Now, if you already have a high end sound card, then this really makes no difference, but if you're buying or building a system and purchase the Bose Companion 5s, you can save between $150 and $200 by not buying a soundcard.
I highly recommend the Bose, especially if you want surround sound with 3 speakers or if you have the opportunity to avoid a soundcard purchase. However, if sound clarity is less important than loud, room filling sound and you already have a good sound card, the Logitech Z2300 or Klipsch Promedia 2.1 speaker systems would certainly be a good a fit and save you $250 vs. the Bose Companion 5s.
Wow!Sep 17, 2009
I am a music enthusiast. I like everything from classical & Jazz to Heavy Metal. I just hooked up these speakers and I am fully amazed by the sound. They really couldn't sound any better! I'm playing some jazz right now and I'm blown away!
Buy them,period, I own 2 set'sSep 15, 2009
I have owned several systems over the past 30 years, Many well over $10.000. I now like to keep it simple. An Apple Mac Book Pro, Netflix, and the Bose Companion 5's. They are like Angel's singing in your home, buy them, be happy. Extremely well made.Bose Companion 5 multimedia speaker system Graphite/Silver
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