Features of BOSE Companion
Proprietary TrueSpace stereo signal processing circuitry adds spaciousness All speaker functions controlled from a control pad about the size of a computer mouse Converts portable audio devices into high performance mini-systems and with one simple connection Dual inputs Tethered control pad and headphone jack module
Bose's award-winning and legendary speaker technology comes to your computer at last. With the Bose Companion 3 Multimedia Speaker System, you can experience a whole new, unprecedented level of audio experience without adding the clutter to your work area that most similar speaker systems require. The Companion 3's tiny satellite speakers can be attached directly to your flat panel monitor, while the compact Acoustimass module fits neatly under your desk. The result is a startling mix of elegance, clutter-free design, and Bose's legendary performance. Companion 3 is Bose's premium multimedia speaker system that make MP3s, CDs, Internet radio, DVDs and gaming come to life. Bose proprietary TrueSpace stereo signal processing circuitry--which competitors can only dream of emulating--adds enhanced spaciousness for lifelike sound that most conventional computer speakers simply cannot match. Tiny but Powerful Satellite Speakers These sleek satellite speakers provide lifelike and spacious sound for computer audio sources such as CDs, DVDs, Internet radio and gaming, as well as portable audio players. You can easily mount them to your flat panel monitor or place them anywhere directly on your desktop. Proprietary TrueSpace Stereo Signal Processing Circuitry Bose technology sets this system apart from the competition and enables you to experience the sounds of a wide soundstage from your desktop. Compact Acoustimass Module Bose's unique design delivers clean, deep low frequencies into the room while keeping your desktop free of clutter. The module can be hidden almost anywhere in the listening area and allows for small, elegant speakers without sacrificing performance. Control Pod Intuitive and convenient, this multi-function pod houses volume control, a headphone jack and connection for a second audio source such as an MP3 player. Available in elegant graphite with silver trim, Companion 3 speakers let you hear music, movies and sound effects on your computer the way they were meant to be heard. What's in the Box Acoustimass module, 2 satellite speakers, tethered control pod, mounting brackets, audio input cable, detachable AC power cord.
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BOSE Companion Customer Review(s):
Summary: fragile music box created by angels
Rating: 5 (out of 5)
Comment: if you insist,it is easy to find fault:the system looks FRAGILE.if kidspets are active around it,it may not last 5 minutes.also,if you have ever mashed the pins on an s-video cable,be careful attaching the puck-connector.(the arrows are confusing.matching dots would be better.).but the sound! for listening to voicepiano at moderate volume the effect is like being inside a music box created by angels.it is easy to suspend disbelief in sonic limitations and just get involved with the music.i use my set with its own dedicated dvd player and lcd monitor.
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Summary: Great Little Speakers
Rating: 5 (out of 5)
Comment: (...)
The Bose Companion 3's have some formidable strengths as well as some glaring weaknesses. 1st, the strengths:
The sound reproduction of the satellites (which are dedicated to the higher frequencies in the sound spectrum) are spectacular. When compared side by side with comparable systems such as Logitech Z-2300, the Z-5500, Klipsch Pro Media 2.1, whatever system of your comparison (bring 'em all on!) high notes such as cymbals and sound effects in the higher range sound remarkably lively, vibrant, clear and spacious.
As the volume is increased, the sense of stereo separation becomes readily apparent in Ciara's 'My Goodies' as the cymbals 'slide' from right to left, and vice versa. In no other multi-media system that I've heard in comparison shopping at Circuit City, Best Buys, and others, are the right and left channels 'separated' so distinctly and accurately.
Bose's Proprietary TrueSpace stereo signal processing really makes this a 'fun' set of speakers to listen to. With some songs, sounds almost seem like they are coming from behind you. A really cool effect!
In addition to the beautiful accurate highs, you will hear full, 'soul' satisfying bass. The subwoofer will reproduce frequencies down to 48hz: remarkable for a 5 14' driver. You will be able to hear all the low notes from Kci & Jojo's 'All My Life' and not miss a beat. If you have heard this song on a REAL sound system, you know this song has some very deep bass.
The 'puck' volume control offers a handy way to adjust the volume without having to reach all the way back to the monitor. There is a headphone output jack located on the puck. The sound reproduction was not great through the puck. I am using a pair of Grado SR80's which are professional quality headphones. You can hear precisely what you are missing and there's quite a bit at that, but nobody is buying this system so they can listen to their headphones through the puck.
Weaknesses: Let's look at the frequency response table link I have provided at the top of the review. The good people at PC Magazine has provided the nice sound reproduction graph of the Companion 3's as well as a set of Altec Lansing speakers (I will ignore the Altec's for purposes of this review). You can get more info by doing a Google search for PC Magazine's review of the Companion 3's.
The high notes seem to drop off sharply after 13hz. Most 'high end' speakers can reproduce frequencies up to 20hz. The lack of range from 13hz-20hz has not manifested itself in any of the music or movies I have listened to, but I thought it was worth noting.
There is a drop around 160hz in the frequency response table. This can attributed to the 'crossover' design of the satellites and the woofer. Bose designed the satellites to cover a certain range of frequencies as well the bass module. For some reason they left a small range between them uncovered.
As a result of Bose's design, a strange lack of reproduction of midrange notes can be experienced. I have only noticed this in one song in my collection thus far. The middle beat is totally gone. It is only an accompanying beat (and it only occurs on one song) but it makes the song sound a bit odd.
The subwoofer drops off sharply after 45hz. The Logitech Z-2300's offer frequency response down to 35hz which may satisfy bassheads and purists neither of which describes the writer. 45hz is plenty low for me. I used to have a set of Acoustic Research 216PS bookshelf speakers and I would have killed to have those speakers go down to 45hz!
For people who want to use these speakers for their home theater, the subwoofer's lack of power (I estimate the amplifier to be somewhere in the neighborhood of 30-40 watts per channel) and small driver may have difficulty filling a room. I'm using my speakers in the bedroom (a small room) so it fills easily.
When listening to music or movies you will notice the sounds can be a bit 'bright' (i.e. slightly louder than they should be - which is evidenced by the spikes in frequency response at 2.5 kHz and 10 kHz). I don't mind if the highs are boosted a bit in my music. Also, dialogue in movie sounds as well as instrumentals sound more distinct.
This brings me to Bose's Compression circuitry which according to their website: 'Allows you to enjoy clear, undistorted sound - even at high volumes'. They also advertise Active equalization and Patented integrated signal processing.
The active equalization has brought many a complaint to users of this system as it boosts the bass at lower listening volumes. This is akin to 'pressing the Loudness' button on your AudioVideo receiver which is used for the purpose of boosting the bass. Since the woofer cannot be fully muted, some of the bass is going to come through.
If you are listening to a source with heavy bass (with the subwoofer) set at low volume, the active equalization is going to 'boost' that bass which is doing the exact opposite of what many are trying to accomplish.
As you increase the volume, the bass output is not proportionally increased which can either be attributed to the active equalization andor the Compression circuitry.
Although these speakers have some obvious weaknesses (most notably a drop in a very small area of the sound spectrum), I have not really noticed it when listening to them.
When I come home everyday I actually get excited about the prospect of being able to sit at my computer desk and listen to these babies. As soon as I tap the 'unmute' button I sit back, relax, get lost, and immerse myself in the beautiful sound reproduction.
I am now listening to music on my computer more as it has become much more 'fun' to listen to. I also love watching the latest movies on my PC as I can crank up the sound and listen to the deep roaring sounds of waves crashing over the planks of an old battleship, or the explosive sounds of cannon fire as they rip their way through objects. Sorry, I just watched 'Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World' starring Russell Crowe so I couldn't help but use the battleship and cannon fire analogies (which sounded *SO* spectacular by the way!) =P
I listen to many different types of music, all the way from Mozart (Classical), Diana Krall (Jazz), Usher (PopR&B), 50 Cent (Rap), Ferry Corsten (Trance). The sound reproduction has been solid across the board. Trance songs sound spectacular with this system (listen to Richi M's 'Area 51' and you'll be in audio heaven). Jazz instrumentals really come alive with Kenny G, Gato Barbieri and others.
I have to address this next point as it has come up in too many other reviews: the satellites can sound a bit 'tinny'. I attribute this to the cheap plastic housings they come in. The satellite enclosures are nothing to write home about. They were obviously designed for mass production. Personally, I've gotten used to the 'tin can' phenomenon and moved on. I don't even think about it anymore. It is not that big of a deal.
If I may add one last gripe for the Companion 3's it is the price. $249 is too much for this system. A decade or so ago, Bose's markup over cost was somewhere around 400%. That may still hold true today (although I cannot say for sure). Typical markup for loudspeakers is around 200%. Bose probably spends more on marketing than any other speaker company.
Because of the initial price, these speakers were a bitter pill to swallow, but if you can swing it, and you want to 'pamper yourself' with great, vibrant, exciting sound - go for it.
*****Addendum*****
Some reviewers have complained of 'shrill' sounding drivers. I did not experience this with my speakers but sometimes the drivers require a 'breaking-in' period. In this case, you have to play them for about 20 hours before the speakers 'loosen up' and sound right. The satellites do not sound shrill at all.
Contrary to what another reviewer said, these speakers ARE magnetically shielded and have been sitting right next to my monitor for the past month.
Some reviewers have complained of 'muddy' bass. This bass module provides accurate, tight, controlled bass. It is not muddy at all. Like all subwoofers, room placement can be the key to whether or not you will receive good sound. If you stick the subwoofer smack dab in the corner of the room and turn the woofer volume up, yes, it is going to sound boomy and muddy. If this is the case, move it away from the wall.
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Summary: Poor Product
Rating: 1 (out of 5)
Comment: Had the speakers for just over 2 months before they broke. Unfortunately, Bose makes you pay for shipping ($$) for repair and it takes 3 weeks. (They do not offer replacements)
Since I have a video production biz and cannot be without speakers for that long I have to go out and buy replacement speakers.
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