Bose Companion 5 multimedia speaker system - Graphite/Silver
List Price: $399.00
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Product Features and Technical Details
Product Features
- TrueSpace surround digital processing circuitry delivers multi-channel, immersive sound
- Simple USB connectivity-no 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.
Technical Details
- Brand Name: Bose
- Model: 40326
- Speaker Type: PC multimedia speaker system
- Speaker Amplification Type: Active
- Speaker Connectivity: Wired
- Weight: 27 pounds
- Warranty: 1 year warranty
Product Details
- Product Dimensions: 12 x 20 x 16 inches ; 26 pounds
- Shipping Weight: 27 pounds
- Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
- ASIN: B000IE8Z4Q
- Item model number: 40326
- Average Customer Review: (122 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #1,420 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)
- #34 in Electronics > Computers & Add-Ons > Computer Speakers
- #77 in Electronics > Outlet
- Date first available at Amazon.com: November 22, 2004
Product Description
Our premium computer speakers deliver multichannel sound that seems to surround you, specifically designed for computer listening. Just right for music, games and movies-and setup is a snap. The Companion(R) 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(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 takes-no 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.
Customer Reviews
The Bose Companion 5 speaker system is a fantastic addition to a multimedia home computer system. I've had several different sets of computer speakers, including one other Bose set, and this is hands-down the best set.
The Companion 5 set consists of two desktop speakers and an acoustimass-type sub-woofer unit or module. The module is the heart of the system -- not only does it control the speakers and bass, but it also functions as an excellent soundcard. The module connects via USB and not through the computer sound card because of that, and will function as the primary soundcard for your computer. Per the directions, they need to connect through a USB port directly on the computer, and not through a hub or docking station. The instructions do not specify why, but I presume it would be due to the delay present in most hubs. Additionally, one needs to make sure that your computers sound and audio settings for the OS and software are configured properly to make sure the speakers work properly. It should occur automatically when the speakers are set-up. The directions are all very clear on how to ensure this happens in a step-by-step process, and include a good troubleshooting guide in case problems occur. It took less than a single minute for me to set up when I did it as almost everything was handled automatically by the speakers. It is important to note that you must follow the provided directions if you want these speakers to work properly. Most of the negative reviews posted seem to point out what happens when you don't follow directions. However, once you follow them, you'll get unbelievable sound from the system. I had to get up once and check the door behind me because I thought I heard someone knocking, only to discover that it was sound coming from my game that I had heard.
PROS:
- Superb, full spectrum sound from a small, compact system
- Very rich sound when used with DVD movies, CD's, MP3's, and games
- Accurately conveys 5.1 sound when media/software uses that format
- Subwoofer provides excellent very low frequency sounds
- Uses very little desk space
- Very attractive appearance
- Excellent high-end sound card for all but the most specialized applications
CONS:
- Price (though I don't have "buyer's remorse" now that I have the system, and considering a soundcard is included makes the price more reasonable)
- Weakest area of the virtual 5.1 coverage is directly behind head
- No microphone input (important for those using online games in particular)
- No on-off switch; unit can go into a "mute" or "standby" mode, but seems like a waste of electricity
- Will disable/by-pass an expensive sound card if one is on your system
OVERALL: Highly recommended if you can afford it
Alternatives: If one of the problems above is a showstopper for this system, my recommendation would be to look at the Klipsch systems.
The Companion 5 set consists of two desktop speakers and an acoustimass-type sub-woofer unit or module. The module is the heart of the system -- not only does it control the speakers and bass, but it also functions as an excellent soundcard. The module connects via USB and not through the computer sound card because of that, and will function as the primary soundcard for your computer. Per the directions, they need to connect through a USB port directly on the computer, and not through a hub or docking station. The instructions do not specify why, but I presume it would be due to the delay present in most hubs. Additionally, one needs to make sure that your computers sound and audio settings for the OS and software are configured properly to make sure the speakers work properly. It should occur automatically when the speakers are set-up. The directions are all very clear on how to ensure this happens in a step-by-step process, and include a good troubleshooting guide in case problems occur. It took less than a single minute for me to set up when I did it as almost everything was handled automatically by the speakers. It is important to note that you must follow the provided directions if you want these speakers to work properly. Most of the negative reviews posted seem to point out what happens when you don't follow directions. However, once you follow them, you'll get unbelievable sound from the system. I had to get up once and check the door behind me because I thought I heard someone knocking, only to discover that it was sound coming from my game that I had heard.
PROS:
- Superb, full spectrum sound from a small, compact system
- Very rich sound when used with DVD movies, CD's, MP3's, and games
- Accurately conveys 5.1 sound when media/software uses that format
- Subwoofer provides excellent very low frequency sounds
- Uses very little desk space
- Very attractive appearance
- Excellent high-end sound card for all but the most specialized applications
CONS:
- Price (though I don't have "buyer's remorse" now that I have the system, and considering a soundcard is included makes the price more reasonable)
- Weakest area of the virtual 5.1 coverage is directly behind head
- No microphone input (important for those using online games in particular)
- No on-off switch; unit can go into a "mute" or "standby" mode, but seems like a waste of electricity
- Will disable/by-pass an expensive sound card if one is on your system
OVERALL: Highly recommended if you can afford it
Alternatives: If one of the problems above is a showstopper for this system, my recommendation would be to look at the Klipsch systems.
