Bose Companion 3 - 2.1-channel PC multimedia speaker system - black, silver Review

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(More customer reviews)I have recently purchased the Bose Companion 3 2.1 speakers, and after listening to them cranked up on some rock music yesterday, I was disappointed. It brought to mind what many folks have been saying about these suckers. I want to voice the cons first however...
I must have read 20 reviews before I bought them, and have read 30 or so since after listening to them. It is absoulutely true that the speakers sound tinny when playing loud, powerful music up close. I am sticking to jazz and easy music while at my computer because of this limitation. However, if you step a few feet away though regardless of what you're listening to, you will notice your room completely filled with well-imaged sound. Also you have to place the satellites as far apart as possible (like any other Bose speaker--they're designed that way, duh) The midrange can be non-existant, but for the price what do you expect? The connectors on the satellites need work, because they are not designed well, but you shouldn't be rough-housing around your computer anyway, so whatever...
Over time the disjunct between the sub and the tinny satellites can and will get tiring especially at loud volumes up close, but that can be EQ'd out (even a month later--to this day, I'm constantly playing with the EQ!). The sub is the most pleasant surprise for the clarity of it's output and accuracy; it is truly impressive. I didn't think I'd get this much deep, true bass. The 'puck' volume control wheel is awesome, one tap and it mutes, plus you can put the volume exactly where you want it. For the overall size of the components, the clarity is impressive and they crank!!!
Do not believe any reviews from these idiots that tell you that these speakers are absolute garbage. Anybody who is only willing to devote a mere 250.00 to ANY speakers, and calls themselves a true audiophile is insane, so don't bother listening to them. I have to say this, for what I paid for them right out of the box, I couldn't be happier, overall. For a home speaker system for any one who is serious about 'audiophility' (I made that up), they should be willing to come out of pocket for around a 1000.00, period. Bottom line is you get what you pay for. The fact that I paid less 185.00 for my Bose Companion 3 2.1 right out of the box (no they weren't stolen--employee discount) only sweetens the deal for me, but when I think about what I've paid for high-end bookshelves, even the 250.00 seems paltry for what you get. Incidentally, I'm not a Bose guy, I like JBL's and Canton audio speakers. However, these Bose are impressive so please don't believe these 'cheapos' who want 3,000.00 worth of sound for 250.00--it'd be nice, but it just ain't gonna happen. Overall your getting you money's worth with these, and then some. This is the first review I've ever written, and I'm a fairly literate guy, but I felt compelled to clear the air on this. Please take this for what it's worth and shell out your 250.00 for these (or less with a hook-up), because they are a worthy, and truly impressive upgrade.

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Audioengine A5 Powered Multimedia Speaker System (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)These really do deliver remarkably clean, powerful sound for their size, and they also do well at lower volumes. There's no shortage of gushing reviews for these on the web, so I'll just add a few tidbits of possible additional interest to prospective buyers:
- Each speaker is satisfyingly heavy, and the entire bottom surface is covered by a solid rubber pad to help keep the speaker in place when you're driving them hard.
- The speaker enclosures are silky smooth (no sharp edges or seams anywhere) and feel thick and well made. Overall fit and finish is lovely to behold. You can't help but believe that these will last for a long time.
- The large speakers are exposed (as pictured), but they're made of kevlar, so they look tough and feel tough, and you won't think twice about the lack of a speaker grille.
- The volume control is on the lower-right corner of the left speaker. It's a knurled dial the size of a standard button, and it turns with a nice, smooth resistance for a feeling of scratch-free precision. Ideally, I'd like to see the volume knob on the top of the speaker for easier access, and I'd rather it extended outward a bit further (it's a bit shallow). But tastes will differ depending upon speaker placement.
- The LED power light is on the lower-left of corner of the left speaker. It's a muted, cool blue that looks great when the lights are off. Not too bright to be a nuisance. The kind of blue light that you know is there but almost seems to disappear into the blackness.
- The power on/off switch is on the middle back of the left speaker, near the outside edge, so you can easily wrap your fingers behind the speaker and feel for the switch to turn it off. Not as easy as I'd like it to be, but not a big hassle. Still, if you like to turn your devices off when not in use, you'll want to place them in a way that allows you easy access to the left side of the left speaker.
- The USB port on the top is for charging only, not for audio pass-through from your iPod, but the makers helpfully provide several short lengths of audio cable suitable for connecting your iPod or other device.
- The secondary audio input jack on the back is analog, not digital, so you won't be able to take advantage of the digital audio-out option of an AirPort Express, for example, but the analog connection sounds fine.
- There's no remote control. Here the speakers suffer in comparison with some similarly priced systems that appeal to iPod users, but clearly the decision was made to divert the cost of that feature into creating the best possible sound at this price point.
- When driving these speakers hard for extended periods, the back of the left speaker (containing the power supply) gets very hot. Very hot. Seriously--you could fry an egg back there, so you'll want to ensure proper ventilation if you plan to rock out a lot. My only concern here is that the hottest area is the area surrounding the AC jack into which I plug my AirPort Express. Can the AirPort Express take the heat? Well, it has so far.
- The bass response is great on these, but if you want even more, you can always hook up a subwoofer, because a subwoofer jack is provided. What more could you ask?

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