Bose Companion 5 Multimedia Speaker System Review

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(More customer reviews)There's good and bad about the Companion 5, and most of the bad is just the nature of technology today.

The good is that the sound coming from two speakers and an "Acoustimass module" (read, "subwoofer with circuitry") is remarkably close to the sound you would get from 5 speakers and a subwoofer.The Bose system really does know how to 'fake' an acoustic space, and the circuitry somehow manages to figure out how to split out sound ranges:voices sound clear and crisp and seem to come from out of thin air in the dead center of your screen, ancillary sounds move all around the room through the left and right channels, and low-end whump is modulated well so that low notes don't all sound exactly the same.I've read that the lower-end 'Companion' series lack this degree of sophistication, so keep that in mind if you're comparing models.

The bad is that when it comes to computer speaker systems, you really don't have a whole lot of choices.Not many high-end manufacturers (that I have come across) go to the trouble of making a sound system that's geared towards a computer:top-tier quality in multi-speaker systems is left to the home theater crowd.While I'd hoped to see easy-to-find entries from Definitive, Yamaha, or Infinity, the computer scene seemed entirely populated by Creative and Logitech.Oh, and by the way, Bose makes a few choices.

Still, what an excellent choice the Companion 5 has turned out to be!I set this up on a laptop with integrated sound.It's in a corner that has a window behind the desk, a wall to the right, a larger window, and then the left is a wide-open entryway and there's about 15 feet of open space behind the chair.You'd think that would automatically foul the acoustics but somehow the Companion 5 keeps things balanced in this unbalanced environment.It was amazing to have a second person enter the room and not impact the spatial feel of watching a movie in Dolby Digital.Even sitting behind the user, your ears will get clean separation of sound (though not all the positional feel of someone in the front seat).Windows 7 has the ability to tune the acoustics of a room using the speakers and a microphone, but it turns out this is not only unnecessary, it tends to make things worse:all it seemed to do was crank up the right channel and almost completely mute the left.

Which brings us to perhaps the most important thing to know about the Companion 5:like any computer accessory, you need to fiddle with it to get it to work the way you want it to.Bose's manual seems to carry you just as far as getting everything connected (and their support FAQs seem to avoid doing more than regurgitate pages of the manual at you), so here's what you'll want to do to really get the most out of this system.

Regardless of whether you have a sound card or onboard audio, don't bother trying to use "environmental effects" or "audio enhancements" in your software.The Bose speakers don't connect to your sound card at all:rather than a typical speaker audio plug, they connect to your computer solely via a USB cable.This means that Windows and Mac both see the speakers as an "audio device"--as if the Companion 5 was its own sound card.If you see features in the Device Manager (or Control Panel, or audio software) such as "Bass Management", "Room Enhancement", or "Surround Simulation", don't enable or configure them:the Companion 5 takes the incoming signal and does all this for you, and changing the settings in Windows only gets in the way--we discovered the mid and high ranges were wiped out when these features were on and everything sounded muffled and cheap.

In Windows Vista and Windows 7, all of your "audio devices" are visible via the Control Panel ("Hardware and Sound" --> "Audio Devices").Use this interface to specify the Bose Companion 5 as the default output device on your computer (right-click "Bose USB Audio" and choose "Set as Default Device").This doesn't mean any speaker or headphone jacks don't work any more:because the Companion 5 is a USB device, removing it will automatically cause Windows to fall back on the next audio device in line.Though I have to say you probably won't ever want to disconnect the Companion 5:the controller knob comes with line in and headphone jacks, which means you can still use a headset whenever you want and get the quality sound processing of the Bose Acoustimass technology.

Now for the final tweaks:whenever you have a software package you use for playback (such as Media Monkey, PowerDVD, etc.), you'll want to pick a favorite song, play it, and tweak the software's equalizer to get the sound the way you like it.This sounds tedious, but it's not that difficult:dragging sliders for a couple of minutes gives you a pretty good feel for what sounds good and what doesn't.And once you save those settings, the player sounds just right, every time.If you're a Windows user, I also recommend you take the time to configure Windows Media Player's equalizer, even if you don't use Windows Media Player or Windows Media Center:something tells me that browser-embedded audio and video will benefit from these tweaks thanks to the Windows Media Player's kudzu-like infestation of the OS.

Physically, the Companion 5 is nice:the speakers are a bit dense, but stylish looking:they sit on sturdy posts and have a small enough profile to make them easy to ignore.The Acoustimass module is pretty heavy, but also fairly compact:about a few inches bigger than the Logitech Z530's control unit.Best of all, the controller for the speakers is a very classy-looking little wheel, about the diameter of a soda can.Volume is smooth and responsive with a light spin of the outer edge of the unit, turning on and muting is as easy as tapping the center, and the controller has two jacks(headphone and line in) for connecting a headset.The only real complaints about the Companion 5's form are:

a) the bass dial for the subwoofer is on the back of the Acoustimass module, which means lowering the bass will involve crawling on the floor; and
b) there is no "Off" switch:the Companion 5 will power itself down after "several minutes of inactivity", but there isn't any simple way to save energy by, say, tapping the controller.

If you love spending a lot of time in front of your computer watching movies, listening to music, or gaming, the Companion 5 makes a crowning touch to the experience.The Acoustimass technology really does manage sound smartly without the need for multiple speakers tucked away around your desk, and the setup is fairly simple (I'll gladly answer questions & offer help in the Comments section here).The documentation and support could have been a lot better, but with a little bit of first-time adjustment, this system will reward your efforts with excellent sound and minimal crowding of your desk.

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Bose Companion 5 multimedia speaker system - Graphite/Silver Review

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HP Thin USB Powered Speakers - PC multimedia speakers - USB Review

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(More customer reviews)I have bought about 6 sets of these speakers, one for each computer I have had (I usually give them with the computer when I have sold them).The fact that they use the USB port for power, rather than a bulky power supply, makes them more portable than other speakers.They are a thin design, which takes up less room and also packs smaller.They are superior to the built in speakers in nearly all the laptops that I have used.They have a volume control and a headphone out jack which is also useful.They have two small weaknesses.One is that, like many small portable speakers, they do not handle the low bass sounds (however I suspect that they would complement a small subwoofer okay).They also do not handle a lot of power and high volume either, and have a very high tweeter range, too, that they do not handle well either.But for normal volume easy listening range, they do fine and reproduce the music with good general quality and clarity.They are not meant for high power and high volume applications.If you were traveling, you could enjoy your music and your videos with what would be a decent quality boom box sound that is weak on the low bass (I have a Tibetan Bowl CD whose low bass tones barely register within their range).I still give these speaker 5 stars, because I would not expect them to be good on the low bass range and suspect that they do not pretend to be.The other weaknesses mentioned are similar to the low bass issue in that they are designed for low power functions and just enhancing the notebook sounds to a general good level.These speakers have been enjoyable to use.Because they are USB powered, they can draw from a notebook computer battery power and be played when a wall plug is not available, however you might need to watch out that you do not drain your computer battery power too much.

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HP Thin USB Powered Speakers

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Logitech AudioHub Notebook Speakers Review

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(More customer reviews)These "notebook" speakers are designed for those who use their laptops in the same place, day after day.They weigh almost as much as my MacBook and, because they come in a long, solid piece, are more awkward to carry.If you are looking for portable speakers to take with you on vacation or on business trips, skip this product.If you're looking for rich audio at home or at school, read on.

This unit is truly plug-and-play, with no installation disks and a minimal manual.Simply plug the power cord into an outlet (these speakers cannot run on battery power) and plug the USB cable into your computer.The end speakers can slide about two inches wider on both sides to keep various size screens from blocking the sound.The speaker unit comes with a USB cable, a USB cable extender (especially important if your USB slots are on the left side of your notebook), a bracket for holding a webcam above the laptop screen, and a 100-240 V power adaptor.Three USB ports are located behind the right speaker, although the topmost slot is too tight for fatter devices/plugs.These ports are essential since the speakers themselves take a USB slot on your notebook, and you probably have a mouse attached to another.

The sound is rich and without annoying hum at both the loudest and softest volumes.While many portable speaker units sound tinny when the volume is cranked up, the Logitech AudioHub sounds surprisingly steady.Yeah, you're not getting the highest end audio here, but you'll definitely get quality sound for the money. The volume knob on the side glows orange, making it easy to locate even at night.

The AudioHub is perfect for college students who don't have the space for larger speakers but who don't want to sacrifice sound quality as well as for people who use their notebooks in the same place every day. Although the speakers would work fine with a desktop computer, their single-unit construction makes them less than ideal.The only real advantage of this unit over similar sounding speakers is the ability to unplug it and move everything to the side with one action.

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Product Description:
Enjoy rich, premium sound on your notebook with a one-piece speaker system that also organizes your personal devices. 1. -- Premium 2.1 audio: Experience pure USB digital sound with a custom-tuned three-chamber design and integrated subwoofer. 2. -- Powered, integrated USB hub: Connect your speakers and other devices to your notebook with a single cable. 3. -- Space-saving design: One-piece design elegantly combines a premium speaker system, USB hub, and cable control. 4. -- Adjustable body: Adapts to your workspace. Telescoping speakers accommodate setup of most notebooks and LCD monitors. 5. -- Webcam stand: Removable stand keeps your webcam at the optimal height.

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DELL AX210 USB POWERED SPEAKERS Review

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(More customer reviews)These are nice speakers if you are not expecting a high priced sound from them. These are 2.0 speakers without a seperate base speaker, which is fine with me since I don't use them for serious music. Plus I don't care for a heavy base when I am listing to someone talk.

I use these speakers for my PC. They are way, way better than my monitor speakers and my previous speakers. These are USB 2 powered and turn on and off with the computer. They have a combination volume and on/off switch in top. I never touch the speaker volume or on/off switch. The volume is left on high and I adjust it from my keyboard, and the speaker turns off/on with the PC.

My other speakers had to be pluged into a 110 wall outlet and had a switch on them to turn on and off, which seemed like a hassle every time I turned the PC on or Off.

The sound and tone is good on these speakers for what I use them for. With the volume turned up they are louder than you would normally want in front of your PC. Good speakers with a good sound for the price. Check out Dell daily deals on your browser sometimes they have these for under $10

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Product Description:
Transform your PC into a high-end stereo system with the Dell AX210 USB Stereo Speakers. With these speakers Dell offers a true upgrade in audio quality, speaker aesthetics and functionality. Whether you're enjoying the latest DVD movie, playing an action-packed game, or participating in a video-conference, you will be at the center of excellent sound. This product has been tested and validated on Dell systems. It is supported by Dell Technical Support when used with a Dell system.

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Logitech Z-5 USB Stereo Speakers for Mac and PC Review

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(More customer reviews)I'll break up my review into convenience, sound quality, features and finally the overall verdict.

Convenience:
These speakers are omni-directional, so you can hear them the same no matter where you may be in the room. Other regular speakers create a triangular sound zone with the "sweet-spot" at the vertex of that triangle. The advantage the omnidirectional feature gives you is that that you can place these speakers any where and still get the same sound. This addresses a problem for me as I usually sit on my living room couch while working on my laptop and don't have a place for speakers. I've tried using wireless speakers earlier but the results are sketchy.

With these Logitech speakers, I don't have to worry about placement for creating the perfect sound. So I can just put them under the end table and hook them up to my laptop when needed. Usually to play music or watch TV/movies on the net. They sound good even if I'm not sitting directly in front of them.

They can also be ported from room to room easily. Since they're tall, rectangular and sleek and not too heavy you can stack them in a bag and take them to a friend's place for a party.

However, given their price, if I was using my laptop at a desk or a desktop I would not buy this system as for the same price I could get a system with a sub-woofer and a richer sound.

Sound:
The speakers are nicely loud. I tried wireless speakers for my laptop earlier but they were only loud enough for a small room or for individual listening. These speakers are pretty loud and can be used to play music for a small party.

The sound is just ok. It's clear and mostly free of distortions unless you turn up the speakers really loud, then you hear some hiss and crackle. These speakers don't have the great sound of the Logitech Z Cin

HP USB Mini Speakers Review

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(More customer reviews)After listening to all I could possibly stand from my cheap acer built-in speakers, I broke down and bought these mini speakers. My expectations were not too high because they retail at only $40.

The packaging is durable. The instructions were clear and easy to understand. The housing on the speakers is plastic, but finished smoothly without any rough edges. They feel pretty solid, like the parts tolerances were tight and it was well put together even if it was plastic.The connectors are color coded so that you cannot mess this up and they are a decent quality. Plug the blue tipped cord into the blue tipped sockets and the green cord into the green socket. Then just plug the USB power cord into any USB port and the green cord into the speaker output of your device and you are done.

There is a handy little zipper case that makes this easy for travel or putting into a backpack/brief case or laptop case.

The sound is advertised as 'Clearer Sound'.Honestly that is an understatement. I would call it fantastic sound for little plastic speakers!Far better in every range (high, mid and lows) than my heftier desktop speaker kits for any of my other machines. With a pretty rich stereo sound.

I heard no crackle, static or any background noise. The signal to noise is 78 dB (not bad for the price). My first test was with a digital recording of a harp playing classical music like Fur Elise.You could hear every string with clarity and beauty. It stopped a group of kids nearby who started talking about the songs I was playing. The quality was just amazing for mini-speakers.

So, I may be purchasing another set of these.I heartily recommend them!

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Product Description:
Get clear, crisp sound from your notebook with these ultra-compact speakers, which supply a signal-to-noise ratio of 78 dB. They"re also very light, and they stand less than 3" tall, so they"re perfect travel companions.

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GOgroove Panda Pal Ultra Portable Speaker! FUN, COMPACT, and POWERFUL - Hi-Fidelity Speaker with for all Laptops and Desktop Computers - PLUG-N-PLAY - Includes SD / SDHC Card Reader Review

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(More customer reviews)While searching for a way to get better sound from my audioably pathetic Sony Vaio VPC-EB15FX, which I love except for the weak and tinny sound, I found this USB speaker.I went to Best Buy to test theirs and borrowed some friends mini laptop speakers...some clamp to the screen, some plug into the headphone jack and some plug into the USB jack but none sound as full and complete as this speaker.Yes you are unable to "center" the speaker to top-dead-center of the screen to give a nice semi stereo effect but thats OK.This speaker is worlds above any I have found to date. It just sits on the left or right, whereever your USB jack is or even in the back if you have a jack in the back.

I believe it was originally designed for the Apple Mac but is simply USB and simply plugs into any USB jack.I plays perfectly on any PC and installs within a couple seconds. It increased my available volume by 3-4X easily, I had to turn down the laptops main volume level.Freq range is far superior to the laptops with the bass beginning around 100Hz compared to the laptops of probably 1000 HZ. Comprised of two small (1.5") speakers (3W x 2) and a 4 inch or so passive radiator on top.The whole contraption runs on 6W powered by the USB outlet.

The speaker comes with a small stand/strain relief thingy that is useless at best. Don't know what that engineer was thinking. Won't even consider the stand as a con because its a totally stupid attempt and best forgotten. Overall five (5) stars easily based on sound improvement alone.

PRO:USB connectors fits in nice and snug, well constructed, great sound. Nice oval shaped resonance chamber delivers surprising bass response. I can hear some symbols and that's something as I have a hearing loss to high frequencies and need to wear hearing aids so the freq response is probably actually near the advertised 100Hz-20KHz. Volume level can fill the whole room if needed.

CON:Kinda chunky.Doesn't allow to move around much, as will have to disconnect and reconnect each time.Not a light weight item.It may give stereo but the design doesn't allow that effect to work well.

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Product Description:
POWERFUL... and FUN!

Accessory Power's GOgroove Panda Pal is a compact, portable, powerful, and fun way to listen to your laptop almost anywhere!

You can power your Panda Pal through USB (cable included) or from 3x AAA batteries (not included), for the ability to use the Panda Pal in almost any situation or place.

Convenient design comes with a connected and easy to stow 3.5mm cable for easy portability.Product Specifications:
Dimensions: 3.7" x 3.7" x 2.75"
Speakers: 2 x 1W RMS
Drivers: 1.5" x 2 high excursion drivers
Audio input: Standard 3.5mm headphone plug
Power: USB 5 volt, or 3 AAA batteries (not included) Compatible with all Laptops and Desktop Computers

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Altec Lansing BXR1220 2.0 Speaker System Review

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(More customer reviews)In this product review video I take a few minutes to show you what's in the box, what the speakers look like, how to plug them into your system, and a demonstration of the sound quality.

enjoy!

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Product Description:
The BXR1220 computer audio system delivers quality stereo sound at an extremely affordable price. Features built in controls for convenience

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Logitech S150 USB Speakers with Digital Sound Review

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(More customer reviews)I generally place a lot of stock in the customer reviews, as for the most part I have found the majority of the ratings to be accurate indicators of product quality.Accordingly, I purchased the Logitech S150 USB powered speakers based on relatively strong reviews. The first pair that I received rattled terribly and I thought that I just got a bad pair and ordered a second set.The second set is slightly better than the first, but the right control speaker to both sets rattle, sometimes excessively. The speakers will play adequately at low volumes, but if turned up to even a moderate level to overcome normal background noise, the right speaker will rattle, at least two for two for me.My recommendation is to purchase a different speaker.However there are some positive aspects to these speakers - they are attractive, small and the sound quality is not too bad, if the right speakers did not rattle, the S150 USB speakers would certainly rate at least a 4 based on the price.

Update, Fix: The source of the rattle is the three control buttons at the base of the speaker, to eliminate the rattle, place a piece of 3M magic tape over the buttons,cut slightly larger than the width and length of the buttons, just make sure there is enough tape to keep the buttons from vibrating in the speaker housing. The tape is elastic and permits the buttons to function, and if done carefully, doesn't detract from the speaker's appearance. The sound is now quite good,even at loud volumes.

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Product Description:
S150 USB Speaker OEM

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