TECHNICAL SPECS Dimensions (H x W x D): Control pod • 6.35cm Dia x 2.86cm H Satellite speaker on stand • 22.5cm x 14.7cm x 9.7cm • 0.9kg ACOUSTIMASS® module • 21.7cm x 17.2cm x 42.5cm • 8.3kg TrueSpace® surround digital processing circuitry Digital 5.1 audio playback USB connectivity Preassembled speakers/stands Compact ACOUSTIMASS® module Multi-function Control pod Magnetically shielded satellite speakers U.S. patented integrated signal processing Compression circuitry Active equalisation Dual inputs
We purchased a Slim devices Squeezebox 3 recently and needed some powered speakers to connect to it. Unfortunately at this time the market for powered speakers is somewhat sparse, ranging from tinny sounding PC speakers up to more expensive options like the Bose Companion 5, which is what we bought.
WHAT DO I GET FOR MY MONEY? The Companion 5 product consists of 2 small 'satellite' speakers for treble and a bass sub-woofer, which also acts as the amplifier. These speakers are NOT cheap. However they do give a very nice sound. The speakers are controlled from a 'control hub' attached to the sub woofer, a circular device the size of a hockey puck. Tap it lightly to turn the speakers on, the volume control slides smoothly around the edge of the hub, and tap again to turn off.
PRO's As you would expect from a brand like Bose, your money has bought you a set of well put together speakers. The satellite units are small enough to be discreetly hidden if wanted. The sound quality is very good, with a nice depth to it, especially when you turn up the volume a bit.
CON's I think they are good speakers, but lack 'mid-range' sound slightly, and can also be quite 'bassy' at times. The only control on the back of the sub-woofer / amp is a bass level dial, and even turned down to the minimum the bass is still very noticeable in the overall sound. Of course this is dependant on the type of music you are listening to.
All in all I like the speakers a lot. I think the bass sub-woofer probably tends to dominate because we don't have it turnwed up very loud (we live in a modern build house with thin walls and don't want to naff off our neighbours). When the volume is turned up a bit the overall sound is very impressive.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Advantages: Excellent solution for listening to streamed audio from your pc or the internet Disadvantages: Not cheap, Initial setup issues, other equipment required
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