While rolling through Best But yesterday I ran across some speakers for pc, that after listening to I had to have.

They're called Bose Companion 3 $249.00
http://www.bose.com/controller;jsessionid=AWtPzXDC1fTox18NrhoRU3AeNL9d1AXMeWDdYK86LWHdh7wFrKFG!184752859?event=VIEW_PRODUCT_PAGE_EVENT&product=companion3_computer_index&pageName=/h ome_entertainment/computer_gaming/index_subcat.jsp

They are two tiny satellites with a sub and to my ears, the sound is just incredible. They have something called acousticmass, whatever that is. All I know is what my ears tell me. There is an ambeience of sound that I have not heard before in pc speakers. There is also a clarity of sound that is outstanding. The sub woofer is not a real thumper it's mellower.

If you're in the market for a set give these a listen, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.
Terry


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jam on,
Terry http://imjazzed.homestead.com/Index.html

Terry,
Thanks for sharing this information. I was wondering if there was a speaker system of higher quality then the Yamaha YSTMS50, for room application, without going to the Motion Sounds. Do you know what are the amplification specs? I didn't see this on the web site.
Starkeeper

Star
It does not say anywhere on the specs sheet that comes with it either. What I can say is at full volume and with the WMP and Windows volume controls at max, it is way too loud to listen to and rattles everything in the room.
Terry

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jam on,
Terry http://imjazzed.homestead.com/Index.html

[This message has been edited by trtjazz (edited 03-16-2004).]

I'm glad you posted your message about the Bose Companion 3 speakers Terry. I have been debating over the last several days of getting some new PC speakers as my Altec Lansing ADA 305's were getting a little long in the tooth and seemed to be losing some of their presence and mid range sound. And they never were quite the same after my 26 gallon fresh water aquarium spilled over and deluged the Subwoofer.

So I had a chance today to go to Best Buy and check out the new Bose Companion 3 speakers. Here is my opinion of them:

First off I was simply amazed at the quality of sound coming out of those little 'dinky' satellite speakers. Crisp, clear, sound with great Bass too. But what I did find somewhat lacking was spatial presence. By that I mean, that even though the sound was crisp and clear, the mid-upper range lacked depth and definition to me. I think the reason is that the Bose has just a Driver and no Tweeter in the satellites. In fact I think every speaker Bose makes has only Drivers in them with no Tweeters at all.
I think that's why in the audiophile world most audiophiles disdain Bose. Not only for their lack of providing Tweeters on their speakers but also for their mass marketing techniques and for not listing or providing definitive "specifications" on their products.

Anyway because of their lack of upper mid and high frequency spatial presence and definition and also because of their relatively high price at $249.99 I was compelled to pass on the Bose Companion 3 speakers. (Note: The Bose Companion 3 speakers were actually priced at $199.99 when they first came out). Bose decided to raise the price $50 bucks last month and I couldn't find them anywhere online (or anywhere else) for the original price of $199.99. I might have took the bait if they were still priced at $199.99. I probably could have tweaked them with my Sound Card to boost the mid-upper range sound.

BUT, I did get some speakers that I think BLOW the Bose away so I am one happy camper anyway. Which speakers am I talking about you may ask?

Does "Klipsch" ring a bell to anyone? Yup, I got the Klipsch PRO Media 2.1 speakers with Subwoofer. And I got the last one at Best Buy! It was just begging me to take it home.

Not only are they the best sounding computer speakers I have ever heard for a 3-piece system but they also have TWEETERS! And you actually KNOW what you're getting.

The specs are quite impressive to say the least as far as PC speakers go:

130 Watt Subwoofer
70 Watt Satellites (35X2)
THX Certified
Headphone jack on control satellite
Line input jack on control satellite
Magnetically shielded
Digital linear hybrid amplifier
Discrete MOSFET output power section
Direct path interface
106 dB output
LED power indicator
Protective Subwooder limiter function protects the driver and amplifier from extremely high volume playback

The PRO Media 2.1 is an updated version of the original PRO Media 2.0 The new 2.1 version has an improved Crossover that eliminated the persistent and noticable hiss that was found in the earlier version.

Btw, Klipsch has another "new" version of the 2.1's. It is called the GMX-A 2.1 but I didn't like the style of the GMX-A 2.1's at all. Plus they're not THX certified.

So, if you haven't heard the PRO Media 2.1 speakers do yourself a favor and check them out.

Plus you'll save over $100 over the Bose Companion 3 speakers and have speakers that are IMO head and shoulders above the Bose Companion 3 in sound output quality.

These are my opinions of course but I do consider myself an audiophile and my ears don't deceive me. Besides, my Audiologist says my hearing is perfect and couldn't be any better. And I won't dispute her claim.

PS: If anybody is interested in the PRO Media 2.1's I would hurry to your nearest Computer Store outlet and snatch them up as I think the PRO Media 2.1's are being fazed out and superseded by the GMX-A 2.1's so the stock on the PRO Media 2.1 is dwindling. But if you don't mind gaudy looking speakers you can get the GMX-A 2.1's. But realize that the GMX-A 2.1's have a much lesser power Subwoofer (50W) and the Satellites are only 14 Watts a Channel. Plus again, they are not THX certified for whatever that's worth.

Best regards,
Mike


[This message has been edited by keybplayer (edited 03-16-2004).]

Mike,
As with all things sound it's subjective. Also with all things sound one needs to EQ them to their liking. Using the WMP equalizer I got all the sound range dialed into my liking. I' m surprised about the spatial presence though. I thought these had a certain ambience, that I have not heard in other speakers myself.

I listebed to the Klipsch and they were my second choice, though I found them a bit muddy and is why I went with the Bose.
Terry

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jam on,
Terry http://imjazzed.homestead.com/Index.html

[This message has been edited by trtjazz (edited 03-17-2004).]

Klipsch are flogging them off "refurbished" for $99 http://store.klipsch.com/details.asp?ProdID=36

I've just ordered some Altec Lansing 621's for €112 (that's euro if you're missing the font...). They'll be plugging into my PSR2000 (PSR3000 soon I hope).

Jerry
Amsterdam

[This message has been edited by jeremy_norbury (edited 03-19-2004).]

The 621's are just super for the size, you will be glad, "for this is a "good thing."
ARJ

I've yet to find anything that can beat Edirol MA 10's for the money. Think they cost me about £60 (about $100) and they sound terrific. 2 inputs as well!

I love the look and compactness of the Bose companion tho. I have not seen them over here in the UK. I mean to have a look around to see if I can audition them.

Best wishes
Tony

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www.tonywmusic.co.uk

Thanks for the heads up Jerry,
Just ordered one since I'm in the market to upgrade my speakers.. $99 I can live with that!
DJ