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Bose Companion 20 computer speakers

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The Companion 20 computer speakers from Bose, the world’s leading audio technology innovator, are a set of sleek desktop speakers that pack in power, depth and clarity into a small space. True to the Bose tradition, these speakers deliver more than they promise. The Companion series, which started out as an improvement on its earlier MediaMate computer speakers, has come a long way and the latest offerings are a testimony to Bose’s commitment to high quality audio solutions for all categories of users. Here is a quick look at what you can expect from the Companion 20.

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Features
The small size of these speakers and the fact that it is a 2.0 system do not in any way detract from the amount of power they pack in. Bose’s pitch on the 2.0 positioning is that there is no need for a subwoofer with these speakers. They have no controls on the speakers themselves, and come instead with an external control pod with input sockets for two audio devices, along with an headphone out jack. This means you can plug your computer audio output as well as your iPod into it at the same time. The control pod has a touch sensitive power on/off function and mute function, as well as a volume control ring.
Specifications
The speakers measure 219 x 119 x 89 mm each, and weigh more than 1 Kg each. The kit comes with a power pack, the control pod, and cables for the control pod, for the speakers, and audio cable for the computer. There are no additional specifications in terms of wattage or RMS available from the company. It is not clear even from the cut-away diagram that the company has released how the bass coils are positioned or where the tweeters are located.
High Points
Bose uses its proprietary TrueSpace signal processing technology to broaden the acoustic range and give the impression of a larger perceived sound-stage. As has always been the case with Bose, the details of how this works are not revealed. These sleek speakers come with a metallic front grill and white bodies, with matt finished tops.
The magic of these speakers unfold once you plug them in. Just like the in-store demos, where the attendant removes the large speaker covers halfway into the demo to reveal the famously tiny Bose cubes, you will have a tough time believing that these speakers are capable of producing this powerful a sound. The entire spectrum of audio comes through crystal clear, with an incredibly distinct high range, a warm, full-bodied midrange, and a low range that will make you wonder where the subwoofers are. The amount of power behind the sound is also impressive. Bose claims that these speakers deliver full and natural sound that fills the room. Crank the volume past midlevel and you might as well as be filling the entire house with the sound. Unlike most other Bose speakers, the integrated signal processing and active electronic equalization in the Companion 20 give it a bias for the lower ranges that is more in keeping with contemporary tastes. This will surely please the modern users who might be using this for gaming with its need for heavy output in the lower ranges, or for listening to bass driven headbanging music.
Low Points
One really would be hard pressed to find low points for these speakers beyond the fact that the price point really targets hard core audiophiles rather than the casual music listener or gamer. If sheer power is what you are looking for, there are more powerful 2.1 systems available for almost half the Companion’s price. However, if it is audio quality you are looking for, the nearest 2.0 competition from AudioEngine or Harman Kardon would set you back by at least $100 more than the Companion 20. In addition, these speakers do not come with any audio controls beyond the volume ring on the control pad. This lack of an equalizer or bass and treble controls leads to a slight feeling of powerlessness, but Bose manages to keep its promise of an adequate sound output without these controls. The secret behind this is claimed to be the combination of proprietary technologies that actively process and equalize the audio to offer a true-to-life experience. Another aspect that some users may consider a lack is a remote control, something that has become a standard for most Bose products. However, the control pod with its small footprint and excellent responsiveness is just right for a computer or game user and can sit unobtrusively near the keyboard or console.
Price: $249

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