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Bose Companion 5 multimedia speaker system Graphite/Silver | 
 enlarge | Brand: Bose
Category: CE
Buy New: $399.00
New (11) from $399.00
Rating:  59 reviews
Media: Electronics
Shipping Weight (lbs): 27
Dimensions (in): 11 x 16 x 20
nv:Speaker Type: Computer Speakers
Speaker Setup: 3 - speakers
Connectivity: USB
Connectivity: 3.5 mm Stereo Jack(s)
Warranty: 1 year warranty
MPN: 40326
Model: 5
UPC: 017817393232
EAN: 0017817393249
ASIN: B000IE8Z4Q
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| 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. |
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| Editorial Reviews:
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 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.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 54 more reviews...
 Simply The Best November 17, 2008
I have had the Companion 3 Series II for a year now, and was very pleased. After giving them to a friend that helped me with a project because she wouldn't take money, I decided to treat myself and upgrade to the Companion 5. I have a 24" iMac, but I do not watch movies on it nor do I play computer games. I do however listen to a wide variety of music on it all the time, and am more than happy with my purchase!
The sound quality is noticeably different that the 3 Series, and I loved those speakers. It has a fuller, more spacious feeling, that fills the area with a clean, vibrant sound. I haven't heard anything behind me like some reviewers report, but I can hear the left/right channel separation a lot better on these than I did on the Companion 3. I am a musician as well, and can't wait to see how my own music sounds on them.
If you do not listen to music all the time, it's not worth the price tag compared to the Companion 3, but if you do, and or you want to treat yourself, you will not be disappointed. I was disappointed with my Bose Wave radio, but these speakers are simply the best when it comes to listening to music on your computer!
 Bose Companion 5 - too sharp October 27, 2008
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
When the Bose Companion 5 arrived I was pretty excited. They had sounded so sweet in the Bose shop downtown. I set them all up which was pretty simple and played through all of iTunes. First thing that hit me was the so called "surround sound". It does sound pretty sweet but I wouldnt call it surround sound. The longer I played the more I felt they just werent good enough for the price payed, but what was worse was that the highs very extremely sharp and hurt my ears! Now, I know I have sensitive ears, but imagine not being able to listen to music because of that!! Thats just crazy. Most songs touched on the highs and it was a nightmare!! I asked around in online forums and such if it might be my laptop, my apartment, my soundcard... and tried everything that people told me without results. The Bose Companion 5 speakers were the problem! I sent them back, and got different speakers from axiom (a superb canadian company) which are a bit more expensive but about a million times better in sound quality! I dont have any problems with the highs anymore.
Pros: nice looks; small; "surround sound"
Cons: Highs extremely sharp (hurt!); too expensive for quality!
I wouldnt ever recommend them! Theres better stuff there for much less money!
PS: Also, BE AWARE that in a bose shop or even bose setup in another store, they can fix the room and everything so that the speakres will sound amazing while at your own place where you dont have all that they will sound mediocre. Just be careful!
Great mid-range system for the desktop October 20, 2008
As other reviewers have indicated, these speakers are not for the audiophile; however, they are a good mid-range desktop speaker system.
Some things other readers have failed to keep in mind are:
1) These are marketed as desktop speakers, not a home theater system. They sound great from the desk at close range. They will and do sound bad from a distance but not entirely inaudible as some have suggested.
2) In small confined areas such as my home office its hard to get right, because they really do project well. I had to play with positioning of the sub and the speakers to get it to sound right. Not tinny at all. I can hear every single snare and bass frequency.
3) Some of the advice Bose offers in the manual for correcting audio issues (such as turning off the equalizer, which you should do prior to connecting a computer sound system anyways) is good advice, and some of it (such as not turning the fronts inward) is bad advice. Remember, experimentation is key, especially in a closed off space.
Bosed with Love September 18, 2008
There are special and well-made products that can invoke a feeling of deep love in a man's heart and brain because of their quality and performance. My ears and heart loves the sound of Bose speakers. However, other people may prefer the sound quality of iPod Speakers: Logitech, Altec Lansing inMotion iM600, Chestnut Hill Sound George, JBL Onstage Micro, Logitech iGroove HG & Pure-Fi Elite, Klipsch iGroove & Roomgroove, Bowers&Wilkins Zeppelin or iPod mStation Orb 2.1. There are maybe less expensive and better speakers; again, my personal preference is Bose. Well after ten years of good sound from my Boston Acoustic PC Speakers, they slowly faded and eventually ceased to play. It is now time for an upgrade (actually, I wanted a Quantum Leap) in PC speakers. Because I own the Bose--401 Direct/Reflecting with Stereo Space Array, 151 Environment and SoundDock Portable Digital iPod Speakers (I have been Bosed with Love 4X--going back twenty years), the only three choices were the Bose Companion 2 & 3 Series II Multimedia Speakers or Companion 5 Multimedia Speakers. Therefore, I took a slow Sunday drive with my iPod to the Newark, Delaware (The Sales-Tax-Free State) Bose Store to compare all three speakers (Amazon.com may offer free shipment). The Bose female sales representative was knowledgeable and accommodating as I went back and forth between the three speakers to determine which one was going home with me. I played a wide arrange of music to hear how the speakers performed with different genres of music--for example, Duke Ellington, Philadelphia Orchestra, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Bob Marley, John Lee Hooker, Buddy Guy, Steve Ray Vaughan, Santana, Dave Matthew and Sade. (Music is one the greatest of all times creation by humans.) Good music coming out of Bose Speakers can prevent visits to a $300 hourly psychologist. The superior sound of good music coming out of Bose Speakers could be an investment in your stable mental health. The Companion 2 was removed from the list early because their sound quality was not rich and dynamic. They are nice little speakers but I needed more sound range and power. Therefore, it was narrowed down to the Companion 3 and 5. In addition to sound quality, money became a variable in the decision making process between the two speakers. Just as in the sound quality, the price was substantially different. Yes, Bose can be considered somewhat expensive but I was willing to pay my extra hard-earned dollars for their good customer service, high quality and durable products. Actually, it is expensive when you purchase products for a cheaper price, which is not good quality, because you will most likely replace it again--and again---and end up paying the price for the Bose (or another excellent product) you always wanted. For that reason--there are times in life, if one can afford it, that you pay the extra money for significantly better products. Such was the case in deciding to purchase the Companion 5. The clarity, dynamic, richness, and surround sound was worth every hard-earned dollar. The Bose Companion 5 Multimedia Speakers were the Quantum Leap in sound quality I wanted in a new pair of PC Speakers. I paid the price, walked hastily to my SUV, drove quickly back to Philly, removed my shoes, elevated into a altered-state-of-mind with the help of some Ginseng-Tea and K-Herb, attached my iPod to the computer and selected various Playlists--at half volume, music could be heard in all four rooms on the second floor. Oh Yesssss, I am in Love with them Boses!
Simply amazing! September 9, 2008
I was looking to upgrade my speakers on my work PC from my el-cheapo 2.1 speakers that came with it. I heard these speakers at the Bose store in Columbus, Ohio and was pretty impressed. But, the real joy came from hooking them up in my office. The difference is incredible! I liked them so much, in fact, that I decided to toss out my bulky 5.1 system on my home computer and put in another set of the Companion 5s.
Looks: The speakers are very stylish and come with the little stands shown in the picture. They take up only slightly more space than my previous speakers. The hockey puck remote control is easily placed in a convenient location and looks pretty cool.
Functionality: The speakers plug into a standard USB port. I was a little skeptical that they would work well and was a little worried about pops or hiccups in the sound. Fortunately, my fears were completely allayed. I am not a huge gamer, but I did throw in a copy of Crysis to see if the speakers could keep up. Not a single problem with a few hours of gameplay! The audio was in sync with the video at all times! Also, I should note that the speakers are recognized as 5.1 speakers automatically by Vista.
At home, I was also worried because I have a KVM that I use to switch between two different computers. I have a KVM that has a built-in USB 2.0 hub. The manual indicates that using a USB hub could be problematic. However, as soon as I plugged them into the KVM, the speakers were immediately recognized and so far have performed flawlessly! I can switch between both computers and have 5.1-like sound on both!
Sound: This is where these little speakers really shine. I don't know what sort of voodoo magic Bose has been using, but these speakers really envelop you and make you feel like you are listening to a 5.1 system. The sub module provides a tight punchy bass note and sounds great on both music and games. In Crysis, I felt like I could actually hear sounds coming from behind me. The explosions and gunplay were fantastic as well. I'm listening to a little Ben Lee as I write this review and the guitar sounds so plucky. I can't believe I put up with those crappy old 2.1 speakers for all this time!
Summary: I like to think of myself as somewhat of an audio- and video-phile. I have a nice home theater in the basement and take pride in the equipment I have selected and the time I have taken to set everything up to give the best experience possible. Before now, I haven't really cared as much about computer audio, though. This is the first time I realized how much I had been missing. I don't see how anyone could be disappointed with their sound quality. I'll never go back to those crappy 2.1s.
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