( 64 reviews )
-
Posted: 08-11-2009
A bit about myself: I'm a big music-head. 23 Black and Native American; I listen to EVERYTHIING. Everything ranges from Jazz, Hip hop, Country, Classical, Reggae, Electronic, Techno, to movie scores, Latin, Rock, and Ambient stuff. I listen to music to help inspire me as a motion-graphics and 3D artist. I even create music myself if what I'm listening to doesn't fit my mood. (or for my projects) Perhaps about a year ago, I wasn't really big on my audio equipment at all. I played my fair share of games and listened to my fair share of music on my stock, $10 computer monitors without complaint. It wasn't until my cheap speakers and cheap headphones began to short out did I have to reconsider. A friend of mine enticed me to go to a local Bose store where they have a built in theater display to showcase their acoustimass surround sound system, where, admittedly, I was blown away immediately. I mean, these speakers made sweet relentless love to my ears, I can't even lie. I was left in a dazed stupor, that wouldn't be fixed until I got my hands on some Bose speakers. Long story short, I had purchased a set of Companion 2s about a week later with a gift card that knocked off about $35. I was happy. I loved them. My ears knew no better. A little later, I started to hit the limits of what they can do; they can't complement all genres of music I enjoy, so I decided to go back on the market. I was debating getting the companion 3s until I saw an ad on craig's list for someone selling some Companion 5s for the price of the companion 3s. Didn't see that one coming. Needless to say, I jumped on that without second thought. I got home, hooked them up, and "heard all my music for the first time," as they say. These things are one of a kind. The satellites are small and gorgeous, the subwoofer blasts my wall away, all my friends are envious of my puck volume control :p. These Bose speakers are amazing in every way possible. BUT!!!!!!!!!! Months later, my Bose high went down; things started to kick in and make sense. I went onto Amazon out of curiosity to see all the "wonderful" things people would have to say about the Companion 5s, and was astonished at some of the comments. "the highs are too sharp" "the satellites are too tinny" "I'm not an audiophile, but these things aren't that great." From there, a couple things donned on me. I had never paid retail for any of my sets of Bose speakers. I had a friend who purchased a set of Companion 3s and had buyer's remorse. Soon after, I put my feet in the shoes of those who may be paying full price for these things. Oddly enough, I understand the "expectations" of wanting these things to sound better, especially after dropping $350-400 on the Companion 5s. That was further reinforced as I heard a comparison of the Logitech z-4s against a set of companion 3s. Surprising enough to me, the Z-4s had a much fuller sound in the mid-tones--it just sounded much more balanced altogether. The companion 3s had sounded like nothing but highs and lows. I went "huh. how 'bout that." Then I saw the price tag of the Logitech and was blown away. $70? Really? In my opinion were very comparable to the companion 3s for being less than a third of the price. Now I go home and can't help but to hear the "tinny" sound everyone is talking about in my Companion 5s. Bose speakers do indeed seem to have some very loud highs and a weak, shallow mid-tone. Don't get me wrong, they still sound amazing, but I'm not sure if they sound $400 amazing. $275? Sure. I'm contemplating either checking out the Razer Makos, or the Logitech z-2300s for a second computer I will be purchasing in the near future, and may do a comparison review soon. All in all though (tl;dr) These speakers do indeed sound incredible, but honestly, I don't think there nowhere near worth $400, especially with some of its competitors coming in at almost half the price. If by some stroke of luck you can find these at a reasonable price though, GO FOR IT. I'd give these speakers a 4 1/2 out of 5, but I'm factoring in the price, which drops it down to 3 1/2, but since I can't give it 3 1/2, I'll have to settle for a 3.
-
Posted: 07-28-2009
I up graded from a companion 3 to the companion 5 and to me it is equal to the bose 321 home theater system which i own i am a huge fan bose is the best none can match. Clear sound from small speakers fill the room with theater sound like you will never experience. Yes they are expensive but worth it these are speakers that you will own for years to come. And remember NASA only uses Bose for the sound system on the space shuttle.
-
Posted: 07-17-2009
I actually bought this system direct from Bose .... and I was not disappointed. Turn off any kind of sound enhancement etc settings on your computer before listening to this system. The sound is AWESOME. And YES just as good as in the Bose store. Music does not sound tinny! Maybe other reviewers aren't properly setting this system up, or did not turn off the computers sound settings/enhancements. The sounds is amazing for music AND movies. worth the $$$ I got it for $359. enjoy :-)))
