Bose MediaMate – PC multimedia speakers – graphite Review
In the 0 and higher range, like the newer Companion 3 three piece set, you can expect great sound. Logitech’s Z3e set does wonderfully for 1/2 the price.
But in the < 0 range, the pickings are trashy - underpowered, ugly, awful fidelity, or all three. Bose's older MediaMate, and newer Companion 2, speakers are higher quality than most. Loads of volume. A bit bass-heavy in my testing, but otherwise easy to compensate with on a computer or bookshelf hi-fi. Your money will be well spent here.
A neat feature is dual inputs, and a “mix” rotary dial that lets you adjust between the two. So if you have a loud computer, but quiet CD player, you can hook the CD up and give it 75% of the mix, balancing the blend. The controls are very minimalist, inset rotary dials not knobs operated by a thumb or fingertip, but unlike another reviewer, I like that. “Set it, and forget it.” I don’t sit and adjust my speakers all the time. Your mileage may vary.
The power adapter and wiring is simple and light, easily transported as a public speaker here mentioned. They’re also built pretty sturdy and solid, as far’s I can see. I personally prefer MediaMates’ design to Bose’s replacement, Companion 2. They blend in with most office decor, don’t call attention to themselves. You can even “camouflage” them behind pen jars and desk plants.
Addendum: Another “secret” feature that stands out here. Most speakers use mini-phone connectors, and often have volume and tone controls on either the left or right speaker, regardless of your preference. Those speakers lock you in to using the arrangement the manufacturer imposes. Not here! MediaMates use dual L and R RCA connectors for both A and B inputs, on the right speaker, as well as the power connection. If you, like me, prefer your knobs and such on the left, opposite your mouse/tablet+stylus/pen jar, etc. just reverse the RCA connectors, and put the “right speaker” on the left. Left and right balance will then be restored. This is also very helpful if your computer is on the left, and audio cords won’t reach to your preferred speaker placement on the right side of your desk. (These speakers come with two input cables, so you don’t need to purchase those separately. They aren’t long, though.)
In all, I don’t think you can find better speakers < 0 unless you find the Logitech Z3e (which only supports a single input). Bose quality and design is clearly evident here.
Bose MediaMate – PC multimedia speakers – graphite Feature
- MediaMate speakers make the most of today’s rich audio content, enhancing your computer’s audio performance
Bose MediaMate – PC multimedia speakers – graphite Overview
Connect MediaMate speakers to your computer or personal player to enjoy quality sound from your CDs, streaming audio, MP3s and DVDs. These small, sleek speakers incorporate Bose technology for a surprisingly wide soundstage. Dual inputs let you connect a second media player, and the volume control feature and headphone jack provide greater convenience and flexibility.MediaMate speakers make the most of today’s rich audio content, enhancing your computer’s audio performance with high-quality sound. Full-range drivers produce rich sound you might not expect from such small speakers. Proprietary Bose circuitry casts the sound in a wide pattern, over a larger area than you thought possible. These stylish speakers are small enough to fit into home or office workspaces and magnetically shielded to prevent monitor interference.Dual inputs let you plug in your MP3 or CD player, so you can enjoy additional sources of music while your MediaMate speakers are connected to the computer. The control dial on the face of the speaker lets you adjust the balance of sound between the computer and your second listening source. You can listen to music from the computer, switch to the second source or even mix the two together.MediaMate speakers can also help when others around you need quiet. They include a convenient volume control to adjust the sound and a headphone jack for times when you’d rather listen privately.
Bose MediaMate – PC multimedia speakers – graphite Specifications
Connect the Bose MediaMate® speakers to your computer or personal player to enjoy quality stereo sound from your CDs, streaming audio, MP3s, and DVDs. These small, sleek speakers incorporate Bose digital signal processing technology to convey a surprisingly wide soundstage, even when closely spaced, as on either side of a computer keyboard.
Dual audio inputs let you connect a second media player, while a control dial on the face of the speaker lets you adjust the balance of sound between the computer and your second listening source. You can listen to music from the computer, switch to the second source, or even mix the two together.
The speakers’ 2.5-inch, Stereo Targeting® drivers produce the kind of rich sound you might not expect from such small speakers. And the MediaMate speakers can also help when others around you need quiet. They include a convenient volume control to adjust the sound and a .125-inch headphone jack for times when you’d rather listen privately (headphones not included).
Magnetic shielding protects your monitor from interference, even with the speakers placed directly against your computer. Patented Bose signal-processing technology ensures full, rich sound at low volumes and when using headphones. The spaciousness enhancer actually improves the sound from mono sources.
What’s in the Box
One powered speaker, an accessory speaker, speaker cable (attached to the accessory speaker), an audio input cable with RCA plugs, an audio input cable with stereo mini plug, a detachable AC power pack, 10 adhesive-backed rubber feet, a user’s manual, and warranty information.
*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Jun 09, 2010 22:00:08
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