Bose Companion 50 Multimedia Speaker System - Black

I have bought, and still own, other Bose products, which have given me no end of faultless listening pleasure, over the years, but the Companion 50 Multimedia Speaker System is a shocker. I am surprised that Bose is willing to risk its reputation putting out such a mediocre product.To say that I was surprised at the performance, or rather the lack of it, would be a gross understatement. I was, and still am, shocked at just what a poor performance it delivers, out of the box.Even with the controls properly adjusted, when I first set it up the sound was boxy, the mid-range was dull, the top-end and the base were MIA, and the sound-stage was about as big as the box it was delivered in. And to cap it off, the right channel output was only two thirds of the left. Really, just awful, and not worth the shipping cost, never mind the purchase price.I just couldn't believe it was that bad. There had to be something else wrong. So first I played around with the location of the satellite speakers on my desk, and the sub-woofer underneath it, as well as reconfiguring the audio drivers on my PC. After about an hour, I had it about as good as it was going to get. And, considering the cost, it was still VERY average. In fact I'd heard better sound coming out of a £140 PC sound system.So, next I changed out the 'el cheapo' Bose aux cable, which the system came with, for an IBRA premium quality, dual shielded cable with 24k gold plated connectors. WOW, what a difference! Still a little disappointing, but a HUGE improvement.The problem seems to be that the output of my PC Aux is insufficient to drive it and produce a reasonable quality sound-stage and presence. So, not one to be easily beaten, I've ordered a Sabre 9018 USB DAC, which I have heard are very good. If that doesn't do it, I am going to return it.*** OMG moment 3 days later! ***I first want to say, I just reconnected the system to my computer via a Sabre 9018 USB Dac and the improvement is awesome. Totally awesome!Clearly, its definitely not Bose's fault that the sound output of my motherboard is not sufficient to drive their Companion 50 Multimedia Speaker System. BUT, driving it with the Sabre 9018 USB Dac, which is a simple plugin -- one end into a USB port and the other into the Aux cable -- improves the performance beyond recognition.The top end is "real", the mid-range very present and pure, with no 'boxy' colouration, and base is solid, but not 'boomy'. Not a very technical explanation but I hope you get what I mean.I am sitting here streaming my Seasick Steve playlist at the moment and Steve (plus the band/backing/audience), are right here in the room with me!!! I can't believe the difference it makes.It would be niggardly not to give Bose 5 stars for the system, just because of the 'el cheapo' Aux cable, so I have uprated my review.IMPORTANT: Don't try and drive this system with just raw Aux output from your computer. If you don't already have a sound card, get a "Hifime Sabre 9018 USB DAC" and connect it to your Bose system with an IBRA "Aux Cable 2M 3.5mm Stereo Premium Auxiliary Audio Cable", not the 'el cheapo' one Bose provides.That's an extra £75 to invest, but you'll be very VERY glad you did.

I must admit, I was a bit nervous paying this much money for pc speakers. However, after reading other reviews and spending hours watching video reviews, I took the plunge. I love the look of the speakers, I hadn't really taken in the size of the sub-woofer but it sits unseen under my desk. And the hockey puck power and volume control is a really nice touch. The sound then. It's stunning. You can overdo the base, but for some music that is what you wnat, but balance the base well and the mid tones are crystal clear and I can pick out specific instruments better tan ever. I've been listening to loads of music that now sounds even better - almost like listening for the first time. And movies on Netflix well, crank up the base is all I can say!!! I know some people have had problems but I've not experienced any - its simple to set up if you have an audio card in your pc/laptp and the hockey puck (sorry, sure it's got a more appropriate name) works flawlessly. Whilst there are a bit pricey, I would buy them again.

The Bose Companion 5 was perfect. These speakers look exactly the same, might probably be the same, but the driver/amp is changed. I've owned both so can tell.Companion 5 had:* Built in digital to analog sound processing, connected with USB to the computer* No annoying hissing sound whenever the speakers are on, just total silence* Really immersive virtual surround soundI miss the old, original Companion 5 version.Still the Companion 5 is the best computer speaker in this size and price category.To get something similar you would need to get an amplifier and separate stereo speakers.So its good.

I recently received this product having loved Bose products for the last 20 odd years. This product does not disappoint. I am waiting for my new pc and had a problem with my TV and I have used my old 27" LG monitor as a stand in while the main TV is being repaired. The only nightmare was the sound.Now last night I was watching MTV with these speakers attached to my old monitor and the sound quality was up there with my LG £500 surround sound system (attached to my 3D LG TV in the other room) in terms of volume but the mid range was a little bit week because of the monitor. But the base and high end sound was amazing. This morning my Wireworld Pulse 3.5 to 3.5 jack cable arrived and I replaced the stock wire that came with these speakers and OH MY GOD, the difference is amazing. The sound quality has gone from excellent to night club standard. I have read reviews in the past saying that when you buy great sound equipment you should spend another 10 percent on cabling. I have scoffed thinking it is a way suppliers can make even more money from you but I thought I would give it a go just this once. They are so right. I looked on amazon and all the cables were a fiver. I looked on Wireworld and was confused - couldn't find what I wanted. I found Futureshop from the google search and was instantly impressed - I found what I wanted in 2 minutes of looking.The site said 3-4 working days for delivery, urmmm 1 working day is more like it. I bought this product for my pc and for that it is amazing - orc back chat in Warhammer is cool but definition from my music library is even better with the decent cable. I would so buy this product again - can't recommend it enough, just spend another £30 on cabling and you will then start thinking of getting rid of any other sound equipment you already own because it will be redundant.