Bose introduces Computer MusicMonitor desktop speakers

Bose, everyone's favorite quasi-audiophile audio-goods manufacturer is lowering themselves down into the seedy world of PC audio and introducing a new set of speakers designed for your desktop. The new Computer MusicMonitors -- 5-inch by 2-inch, 25-watt speakers with "dual internal opposing passover radiators" -- are Bose's first foray into a busy market already crowded by scores of other models, though the Boston-based company thinks they've got something new to bring to the game. "I think the demand for smaller and better sound will never stop," said a Bose business manager who introduced the new system, adding, "this is our best effort to deliver lifelike sound from something smaller than we've ever done before." For those willing to drop $399 on your computer speakers, these beauties can be yours on October 4th.

[Dominic @ Sep 19th 2007 9:27PM]

sexy

[DickHardknocks @ Sep 19th 2007 9:30PM]

Considering you could get a top of the line LOGITECH or KLIPSCH system (with surround sound and Subwoofer) for less than $399, I think BOSE must be out of their minds to bother selling speakers in this manner.

They had a hit with the BOSE Ipod Sounddock so I think what they should do is design an LCD monitor line, 17 inch, 19 inch and 22 inch which has a Left Right and Center channel integrated into the frame. With clever marketing, that would be a surefire hit with BOSE lovers who hate PC clutter.

[Paul @ Sep 19th 2007 9:30PM]

399 for 25 watts? sounds like a good deal to me.

[kadajawi @ Sep 21st 2007 6:25AM]

Watts mean close to nothing in the audio world. These things are as usual for BOSE absolutely overrated, I'd rather get some Behringer Truth B2031A monitors for example (a bit more expensive maybe, but they sure look impressive, and should sound fine).
And yes, I've listened to a lot of BOSE stuff, and no matter what it was, a 2.1 system that should do stereo, those surround systems, those 2.0 computer speakers (they sounded decent for what they were, but for that price?!), some PA stuff. It was never good. It wasn't bad for the size of these things, mostly, but a lot of range was missing, and then there is this price tag. BOSE are only for people who couldn't care less for sound, just want the name, or for people who just can't afford a room with enough space for real speakers (which look better anyway).

Ps: You really don't need a subwoofer for earth shaking, deep bass. You just need a decent pair of speakers (which have to be way bigger than the BOSE).

[dwwd @ Sep 19th 2007 9:32PM]

"dual internal opposing passover radiators" Good to know they are kosher for passover. I'm tired of hametz radiators...

[Gamer90 @ Sep 19th 2007 9:35PM]

^^^I bet a bullet in your head sounds good too. lmao

[Gamer90 @ Sep 19th 2007 9:38PM]

That was directed to the person who said $400 for 25 Watts sounded good. I know he was probably being sarcastic so I just added more to the sarcasm :)

[John @ Sep 19th 2007 9:40PM]

Bose
Buy Other Sound Equipment

[Chase @ Sep 19th 2007 9:42PM]

Bose has already introduced 3 different sets of PC speakers before...second gen companion 2 series 2, 3 piece companion 3, and 5 piece companion 5....bose computer speakers have been around since at least 2001ish that I know of...still, good to see some new ones I suppose...

[ele©tro @ Sep 19th 2007 10:32PM]

Yes, they have. I've had a set for the last 4 years and they sound amazing. All these bitches are complaining because they can't afford decent speakers. If you buy a computer for $499 you deserve the crappiest speakers money can('t) buy.

[Jesse S @ Sep 19th 2007 10:34PM]

lol electro. The thing is, BOSE is overpriced, and their speakers are complete crap. You could get much better headphones or speakers for less.

[Zach @ Sep 19th 2007 10:56PM]

err... electro... BOSE are probably the most overpriced piles of spoilage on the market. They're like a Lexus, underneath, it's still a Toyota. 25Watts... sound great? Not without a subwoofer and two tweeters it won't. I think you may be mad cause you got ripped off.

Try the Logitech Z2300s people instead. Much better for much cheaper!

[Kurtis @ Sep 19th 2007 11:02PM]

@Zach

I guarantee you my Bose beats the hell out of your subwoofer and tweaters and takes up a lot less space. Not to mention that you can crank it up and it won't shake the house off the foundation but you still hear the deep bass sound. You obviously have never heard a Bose in action. Otherwise you would shut the hell up.

[Jim @ Sep 19th 2007 11:10PM]

This comes up in a lot of forums: http://www.intellexual.net/bose.html


Really though, what sounds good is good. (but my $300 sennheiser headphones sound a hell of a lot better than $300 bose)

[Josh Warner @ Sep 20th 2007 12:22AM]

@ Kurtis - you are embarrassing yourself. Bose uses single driver paper cones in all of their speakers; these have dangerous resonances in the human vocal range and cannot physically reproduce the upper frequency ranges (they roll off a bit over 10 kHz; you can hear up to 20 kHz). This information is flat-out MISSING when you listen to a Bose product.

Read the article Jim pointed at. Then read this one: http://www.hometheaterblog.com/hometheater/2006/03/what_about_bose.html

You got ripped off. Please stop trying to lead others down the same path with hard, unquestionable data like "beats the hell out of your subwoofer and tweaters," and "won't shake the house off the foundation but you still hear the deep bass sound." Are you remotely aware that REAL deep, loud bass from a true sub WILL in fact create rumble?

But I am clearly wrong and do not have a clue what I am talking about. Maybe I should just "shut the hell up" and stop disturbing your fantasy world.

[fredouil @ Sep 19th 2007 9:41PM]

"if there is no high no low, it s a Bose" ;-)

[Jayness @ Sep 20th 2007 1:12AM]

If there are no highs or lows, then I say it must be Bose.

Mine has just a bit more prose.

[Trevor @ Sep 19th 2007 9:55PM]

My computer cost $499. I am supposed to drop $399 for speakers? Give me a break.

[Chris @ Sep 20th 2007 4:35PM]

Trevor, I'm pretty sure as a 499 computer buyer. Bose could not care less what you buy.

[Trevor @ Sep 20th 2007 4:40PM]

That's fine dude, because I couldn't care less about Blose. I spend my money on real speakers and headphones. Check out Grado if you want some good phones.

[Bloobie @ Sep 19th 2007 10:16PM]

More substandard, have to hunt for frequency specs, crap from Bose.

[99mike99 @ Sep 19th 2007 10:17PM]

Why is this "news" on the top of the first page again?
Boose has always been considered an overpriced junk with boomy sound, not worth half the price but sold to suckers due to massive marketing effort.
Some manufacturers spend money on research and quality components, Boose buys the ad space.
Is that what you mean by "everyone's favorite quasi-audiophile audio-goods manufacturer"?

[Zach @ Sep 19th 2007 10:57PM]

...its the newest posted information jackass? It's a blog that goes in order of date, not popularity.

[Hammond X @ Sep 20th 2007 10:01PM]

Sounds like you motherfuckers are way too high-tone for this low-rent MF. I've never had any problem from Bose with sound or durability. I guess you dazzling cosmopolitans are to be admired for your sophisticated erudity.

[Joey Geraci @ Sep 19th 2007 10:59PM]

Nothing to be admired that we all know the crappiness of Bose. It is a well known fact. Be ashamed, and slink into the corner where you belong for giving them a red cent.

[Chad @ Sep 19th 2007 11:23PM]

@ fobunited

The reason the system lacks in bass is because they don't actually use a subwoofer speaker. They use midrange speakers and porting to create bass. If you put your hand in front of the port in the front of the sub, the bass will go down greatly.

[long_memory @ Sep 20th 2007 10:33AM]

Maybe you missed it. There is no subwoofer with this set, and no ports on the speaker. The new technology allows two very small speaker to produce more bass than any other speaker of equivalent size. When space is at a premium these are the obvious choice. If you have room for bigger, higher fidelity stuff and -knock yourself out.

[Sam @ Sep 19th 2007 10:40PM]

no highs, no lows, gotta be Bose!

[fobunited @ Sep 19th 2007 11:10PM]

I actually have seen and heard Bose in action.

I have a 321 GSX system that I bought when I was in college for my dorm room. I bought it because it was small, could record my CDs, and served as a DVD player.

The sound quality from the speakers are pretty crisp, I'll give them that, but the system is EXTREMELY lacking in the bass department, even with a huge oversized subwoofer! The system also has volume trouble. Even in a 10x11 dorm room, I would have to turn the volume up to almost 50 to have decent sound.

Although I do like the system for its compactness, ease of use, and semi all-in-one purpose, I am disappointed in its bass, volume, remote and interface, and price. I do not overly regret my decision, but I won't buy from Bose again.

[Alex S @ Sep 20th 2007 12:55AM]

Has anyone here actually heard these speakers? ...just wondering

[KC @ Sep 19th 2007 11:13PM]

Logitech speakers are the best? I guess I need to have some of that stuff you're drinking...

[Ryan @ Sep 20th 2007 2:00AM]

I have Logitech z5500 speakers and I can proise you they sound a ton better than even those Acousticmass systems from Bose. I wouldn't say they are the BEST but when I got mine for $88 for a 5.1 system that really isn't taking up any space that would just be empty anyways with an actual 10" subwoofer that WILL rattle at least part of the house because it's moving air like a speaker is supposed to that dubs as a quality footrest under my desk I have to say I made out like a bandit. Are there other speakers I'd rather have? Probably. Would I pay the extra money for the sound difference? No. Especially not for Bose. I'm assuming you weren't saying Bose was better but this article is about them so I figured I would relate it to that.

[Ryan @ Sep 20th 2007 2:14AM]

sorry, promise not proise. and that was quite a run-on sentence. Takes some endurance to get through that bastard. I think I'm winded.

[KC @ Sep 20th 2007 2:21AM]

I'm not saying that Bose is better. My previous experiences with Bose haven't been good, and it's hard to imagine that this new set of speakers could be any better. I agree that the Logitech is pretty decent for $88, but some folks here make it sound like they are THE best speakers you can get. For $300, I'd get a half-decent amp, and a pair of bookcase speakers instead.

[Luke @ Sep 21st 2007 11:48PM]

Bose suck huge ass. Go do yourself a favor and listen to the Klipsch or Logitech's, they sound much better than these pieces. All Bose has on any other speaker is their marketing and demo's.

[Ken @ Sep 19th 2007 11:22PM]

Uhhhh, Bose has been making computer speakers for well over a decade IIRC. They have current models sold in most electronic stores.

[Ken @ Sep 19th 2007 11:22PM]

Oh, and they are based in Framingham, MA - about 30 miles outside Boston (that would be like saying TiVo, Google, or Intel were based in San Francisco).

[Ryan @ Sep 20th 2007 2:23AM]

...because that's what people care about when buying speakers. "Oh, engadget.com said they were based in Boston. It says here on the box 'Framingham.' LIARS!! I'm not buying these, they must be crap! That's a lamp. This is a chair. You have boobs. And I'm going to find that trophy!' -Pater Griffin."

Who cares?

Hey, in case anybody has any questions about anything, like the meaning of life - stuff like that, make sure to ask Ken, because he's so loaded with information that he even knows where Bose is based, so he probably has the answers you seek as well. What would we do without knowing where Bose is based?

[Louis Filosa @ Sep 19th 2007 11:22PM]

I love how everyone is making ASSumptions already when nobody has actually HEARD them. Take a break people.

[Phoenix @ Sep 19th 2007 11:46PM]

Excellent point! Please if your going to criticize the computer speakers and want to sound legit, at least wait until there out in the market BEFORE you bash the sound quality...

That being said I would be impressed if the bass was good without a bass, but I doubt it. I imagine that these are for people with laptops and want portability with good sound.... well better sound at least. I'll have to hear them to know for sure :-)

[Ryan @ Sep 20th 2007 2:00AM]

Dude, you don't just give credit to a company that has really ripped people off for so long just because they have a new product out. They have to prove something to everyone. So far it really looks like the same garbage in a different costume.

And they are meant for desktops, boner, like it says in the article. You know "for your desktop."

Guaranteed, they suck. Someone with no clue what they're listening for will say they're great. Someone who knows what they're listening for will say they suck. You don't ask a car salesman if the car brand they are selling is good. Ask the independent mechanic down the road if they see those cars often because they'll know what they're talking about and if it's a POS. You don't ask Bose salesman about audio advice, you ask someone who knows what they're talking about and if the speakers are a POS.

[Darkgunnar @ Sep 20th 2007 10:28PM]

Great point! Every time Bose produces a new speaker and it gets announced, the forums tear them up with the same tired and trite rhymes that showed up on the previous product. Coincidentally, These, as you said, have not hit the stores yet so all of you Bose haters who either cannot afford them or obsess over arbitrary numbers which most speaker consumers know very little of, and yet the bash Bose bandwagon seems filled to capacity. Wait till they come out listen to them. If you like them, buy them. If you don't, I'm sure Bose could care less if YOU don't want to pay for them. They are not going out of business anytime soon without your money.

[Darkgunnar @ Sep 21st 2007 5:36PM]

Great point! Every time Bose produces a new speaker and it gets announced, the forums tear them up with the same tired and trite rhymes that showed up on the previous product. Coincidentally, These, as you said, have not hit the stores yet so all of you Bose haters who either cannot afford them or obsess over arbitrary numbers which most speaker consumers know very little of, and yet the bash Bose bandwagon seems filled to capacity. Wait till they come out listen to them. If you like them, buy them. If you don't, I'm sure Bose could care less if YOU don't want to pay for them. They are not going out of business anytime soon without your money.

[rbuszka @ Sep 21st 2007 10:51PM]

I have to say I can vouch for the fact that there are a few sonic gems among the Bose speakers, with true technical merit. They all happen to be models that use a single forward-facing full-range driver -- because full-range drivers have phase coherence that a multiway speaker (with a passive crossover) struggles to match, and thus they can produce some insane imaging quality. Now, this can't be said of Bose's speakers that aim multiple drivers in different directions, but I'm finding that the Model 141 bookshelf speakers and Acoustimass 3 set (single-driver cubes) can actually be fairly enjoyable as long as a person doesn't have overly inflated expectations. These specific models seem to image pretty well because they don't do that Direct-Reflecting hocus pocus that just smears the sound artificially. Now, I wouldn't buy Bose speakers if I only owned one sound system, but since I've decided I want to do sound in multiple rooms of my house, I felt it was okay to make a few experimental purchases.

[Bacon @ Sep 20th 2007 6:27PM]

Bose, no highs no lows, Bose

[ryan-weatherby @ Sep 19th 2007 11:52PM]

The opening line of this article makes it sound like this is Bose's first foray into speakers with the PC market in mind. I bought these Bose Companion 2 system for a little less than MSRP at Costco last year and they sound amazing. . .and I'm pretty sure that they too were designed with a target market of "the seedy world of PC audio."

[jeff @ Sep 19th 2007 11:54PM]

Bose what you get for your money:
70% name
30% quality

its proof that marketing works

[Josh Warner @ Sep 20th 2007 10:27AM]

Nope, it's 95% name, 5% quality. And that's being generous. Bose's "high end" Lifestyle systems are made of such cheap, inferior components that saying the appropriate cost would be 5% of what Bose is asking is actually a CONSERVATIVE (on the high end) estimate of value.

Oh, and for those about to flame: I have speakers from Paradigm, Klipsch, Pioneer, Art Audio/Radio Shack, Advent, and Bose. All of them are in use... except for the Bose 401's. Those I am using as props for my desk. It is their best appropriate use. If you would like to buy them (at full Bose pricing, of course!), please let me know.

[ykar @ Nov 16th 2007 9:07AM]

Have you had ever in your sad and poor life anything of " Bose "? How can you say these things on a mark of major prestige in the world of science of acoustic systems? Have you wondered " Because it costs so expensively everything, that Bose makes? " And because so many people keep on buying his acoustic systems? Or are all the rest dumb, less you and a dozen of cretins as{like} you? Stop giving advices{councils} and buy, or ask a friend, some loudspeakers Bose to listen to them at least once, later you will be able to speak about something, which really YOU KNOW!

[jeff @ Nov 16th 2007 11:18AM]

ykar, I have had more BOSE than you I would imagine, from a pair of 301s in the 80s, to pair of 901s. If you listen to anything besides Pop music they do not do music any justice. Polk, or for those with no budget, Theil. Real wood does make a difference. Don't be offended ykar, you may be one of those who think that a MP3 sounds as good as a CD, and a CD sounds better than a LP. some have the ears, some don't.