Audio Upgrade Recommendations for Bose Companion 2 Series 3

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  sumyungguy on 14/06/2023 - 23:52

  If you're prepared to consider pre-owned, there are some Bose Companion 20 and Companion 5 (2.1) available. Personally I use a Bose Cinemate GS Series II for my computer setup. I'm not sure a soundbar is an ideal fit for a desktop and without a separate sub you're not making much of a leap. Polk Magnifi Mini might work a look?

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  AustriaBargain on 15/06/2023 - 03:28

  I prefer 2.0 speakers that are so powerful and have such far low end that you wouldn't even want a subwoofer. And that have good clarity even at stupid high volumes, even if they are rattling your windows. Such a speaker system will sound good at any volume, even very low volume. They'll sound great for music, movies, games, and loud enough for a party. These days that would probably be a pair of bluetooth speakers.

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  Rog1230 on 15/06/2023 - 07:52

  Depending on how much desk space you have, audioengine is a good option

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  rumblytangara on 15/06/2023 - 09:35

  Ideally, I'm interested in a soundbar with built-in subwoofers, as I live in an apartment and don't want to disturb my neighbors with a separate subwoofer.

  They don't have built-in subwoofers, they have 7.5cm drivers that try to fake bass. Even their marketing people don't try to use the term subwoofer :)

  I've measured soundbars with a calibrated mic, even the ones with 5" drivers had crap bass under ~200Hz.

  I don't really think that a soundbar is going to be an improvement at all over what you currently have.

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  thesilverstarman on 15/06/2023 - 11:10

  I have a good Bose setup for my TV, but Im in a home and can crank it up.
  I would look at a set of bookshelf speakers from Edifier or Voll. They are powered and are large enough to provide good bass. You can also get ones with Bluetooth so you can link your phone. I had a set of Bluetooth Edifiers in my workshop that was incredible for the price. I paid under $300 and the sound was loud, heavy on bass and was not distorted at volume. My daughter has them now and loves them.
  In my office, I have a set of powered Voll desktop speakers with a small VX1 amp, which has USB and Aux inputs and a headphone set. I also have a powered sub under the desk. Cost me around $400. The amp connects direct to the computer and operates as a USB sound card, and has an inbuilt DAC convertor. I use the Aux connection with a TV. Amazing sound. Crank it up and the bass will "punch you in the face", but at normal levels is clear and crisp. Combine with the computer open source program Peace, and you have full control over the sound.
  A soundbar will not give you the same quality, and the experience will be nowhere as good. I realise that Edifier and Voll are Chinese made and are not the same as Bose, but for the money, you will not be disappointed. Technology plays a large part in speakers and sounds nowadays, and you could spend 4 times as much and not end up with better sound.

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  Sercss32 on 15/06/2023 - 22:23

  Thanks for your suggestions guys, I think a 2.1 set up is the way to go. Would something like the Katana V2 be a good option or is there something better for cheaper? Does anyone have any suggestions on how to minimize base travel? Is this a good option? https://ledgernote.com/reviews/best-monitor-isolation-pads/

  Thanks.