Bose® Computer MusicMonitor® -- Silver

Other products by Bose

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 4.8 x 2.5 x 4.8 inches ; 1.3 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000WS5VNQ
• Item model number: 43329
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #9,945 in Electronics (See Bestsellers in Electronics)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: November 22, 2004

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Bose - Better Sound Through Research

Dedication to research and excellence. It's been the Bose approach to better sound since Dr. Amar G. Bose founded the company in 1964. But the commitment actually began years earlier.

In the late 1950s, Dr. Bose, then a graduate student, purchased a stereo system based on its impressive technical specifications. The avid music enthusiast was disappointed to discover the speakers didn't reproduce the sound of a live performance--and he became determined to recreate that lifelike audio experience for listeners.

After extensive research, Dr. Bose and colleagues introduced the groundbreaking 901 Direct/Reflecting speakers in 1968. Their lifelike sound won immediate and widespread acclaim.

Since those early days of 901 speakers, Bose engineers have kept their focus on creating better technology. You'll find that focus exemplified in the Computer MusicMonitor, with advances that ensure premium performance and convenience.

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The Computer MusicMonitor offers exceptional performance, simplicity and more desktop space.

Exceptional Audio Quality in an Elegant, Space-Saving Design

Premium Two-Speaker Bose System for Computers

This premium two-piece computer speaker system is also the smallest from Bose, yet it delivers sound well beyond its size. Computer MusicMonitor is recommended if your laptop or PC is a prime source of entertainment, you're particular about audio quality and you want an elegant yet unobtrusive system.

Until now, high quality desktop sound with convincing low notes has come only from large speakers or a three-piece system with a bass module. The MusicMonitor computer sound system is an alternative for serious listeners who prefer a two-piece solution offering exceptional performance, simplicity--and more desktop space.

This unexpected sound quality results from the latest in Bose amplifier technology, combined with highly efficient neodymium speakers and Bose digital signal processing. The system's proprietary amplifiers are smaller, lighter and more efficient than traditional linear amplifiers to help keep speakers small--yet powerful. Active electronic equalization balances low, mid and high frequencies for more natural tone and clarity. Acoustic design features dual internal opposing passive radiators for unusually deep, powerful low tones from a very small multimedia speaker system.

Setup is easy--you'll need only one cable connection to your computer or auxiliary sources. Volume and power controls are on the right speaker. Or, use the handy remote control that comes with the system. And the speakers are magnetically shielded, so you can place them near your monitor without worrying about monitor interference or damage to magnetic media. To use the Computer MusicMonitor with other audio sources, just unplug the connection to your computer and connect the other audio source to the audio input.

Enjoy the fullness and detail you may have been missing from your favorite downloads, Internet radio and much more, simply and elegantly. The system's understated, space-saving design and elegant brushed aluminum enclosure complement any workspace and fits nicely almost anywhere in your home.

Control volume and power with the handy remote

Lifelike Performance

Experience sound well beyond the speakers' size--and free up valuable desktop space.

Elegant Finish

These compact speakers are finished in brushed aluminum to complement any laptop, PC and workspace.

Proprietary acoustic design delivers unusually deep, powerful low tones from a very small multimedia speaker system

Power and Volume Controls

Both power and volume are located on the handy remote and right computer speaker.

High Output

Computer MusicMonitor speakers feature thin but powerful neodymium transducers with 10 times the magnetic energy density of conventional speaker magnets.

Easy Connectivity

One-cable connection to computer or auxiliary sources.

Proprietary Acoustic Design

Dual internal opposing passive radiators provide unusually deep, powerful low tones from a very small multimedia speaker system.

Proprietary Amplifiers

The amplifiers in Computer MusicMonitor are smaller, lighter and more efficient than traditional linear amplifiers. This helps keep the speakers small yet powerful.

Active Electronic Equalization

The active EQ balances low, mid and high frequencies for more natural tone and clarity.

Magnetically Shielded Speakers

Computer MusicMonitor speakers are magnetically shielded to prevent monitor interference or damage to magnetic media.

What's in the Box

• Two MusicMonitor speakers
• Speaker cable
• AC power cord
• Demonstration DVD
• Power pack with attached cable
• Remote control
• Audio input cable

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Similar Bose Products to Consider

	Companion 5 Multimedia Speaker System--The best computer speaker system from Bose for 5.1-encoded games, movies and music. Experience multichannel sound from just two speakers and an Acoustimass module.
	Companion 3 Multimedia Speaker System--Premium stereo performance from this sleek three-piece computer speaker system from Bose. Two small desktop speakers and an Acoustimass module.

Product Description

The Bose® Computer MusicMonitor was developed for the growing number of people who use their computers for personal entertainment--and want accurate, detailed sound from an elegant yet unobtrusive system.

Until now, high quality desktop sound with deep, realistic low tones has come only from large speakers or a three-piece system with a bass module. Our new MusicMonitor is an alternative for serious listeners who prefer a two-piece solution offering performance, simplicity--and more desktop space.

Bose technologies make the difference
This unexpected sound quality is made possible by combining the latest in switching amplifier technology with new, proprietary acoustic design, highly efficient neodymium speakers and Bose digital signal processing.

Together, these technologies allow the MusicMonitor to deliver accurate, full-range sound surprising for its size--ess than 5" high and only 2½" wide.

Desktop elegance
The MusicMonitor is also pleasing to the eye, with a sturdy brushed aluminum casing. Its understated elegance fits nicely almost anywhere in your home.

Try the Bose Computer MusicMonitor for streaming audio and downloads from your laptop or PC, or movies from a portable DVD player. We think you'll find its performance hard to believe from a system this small.

What's in the box
--Two MusicMonitor speakers with attached speaker cable
--power cord
--power pack
--remote control
--audio input cable
--demonstration CD

Computer MusicMonitor also available in black.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

52 of 54 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For what is is meant to do, the Musicmonitor excels!, February 11, 2008

By	Rick "cpto" (East Hanover, NJ USA) - See all my reviews

Notes: I don't work for Bose, and I "paid for" these speakers with AMEX credit card points.

To compare these speakers to 3-piece computer speakers makes no more sense than comparing a computer subwoofer to a high-end audio subwoofer. The only similarity is that they produce sound, with varying levels of fidelity.

I'm comparing the Bose MusicMonitor to the few very small desktop speakers that provide a decent sound. Not necessarily an accurate sound; I've heard systems in the $250,000 range that provide excellent sound -- but it is still not accurate sound. If you're expecting the full sonic equivalent of a 3-piece system, you won't find it in the MusicMonitor. You also won't find the thumpy, tubby overpowering "bass" those cheap subwoofers produce. And in home theaters, all but the very best subwoofers are often paired with infrasonic transducers which, when screwed to the bottom of the floor, can take the output frequency down to 5 Hz or so (and tickle your feet and your butt in the process).

Granted, there's not much low bass so beloved of video explosions and certain types of music. But neither is there the strident blaring that often comes from small speakers whose speakers are driven well past the point of linearity. What the MusicMonitors provide is a well-balanced sonic field I would rate similar to some professional near-field monitors. Being small speakers, they do best in near-field positions - not more than a foot or two from your ears. Still, there's enough clear volume that you can walk around a room and the music won't seem too weak. My impression is that the bass tends to rise slower (maxes out) than the rest of the audio range as volume increases. But at lower volumes there's plenty there to give a good feel of solidity to lower notes. You will not get an extreme dynamic range, but then that's not what they're designed for either.

Some studies in the '50's showed that many people didn't notice the loss of extreme bass as long as their higher harmonics were reasonably loud. I'm sure that's at least a part of what gives these little boxes a sense of weight to music. The mid-and higher ranges all seemed well executed, with none of the stridency I associate with small-diameter speakers forced to do more than their design allowed for.

I was frankly surprised at how much I enjoyed the MusicMonitor's sound. I expected something a little better than the competition; what I heard was an order of magnitude better. They sound very good at my normal listening level and if I turn the volume up for a song that deserves it, I'm not disappointed by that presentation, either.

A fair review would pit the MusicMonitor against a 2-piece speaker the same size. But as far as I can tell, there isn't one. So I'll give the speaker 5 stars based on what it does with what it has. I don't think there's a better very small speaker out there. There are bigger and cheaper ones, but they're not really the same class of speaker I'm reviewing.

The Bose MusicMonitor is an excellent close-field speaker system that produces a broad, relativley flat sound with a wide variety of music. The speakers are unobtrusive, nicely finished, and would look good on any desk. An optional carry case lets you bring them along on a trip to listen to mp3 music in your room.

So, possibly aside from the price, these are definitely 5-star speakers. They play music and audio, in a small package, with no obvious audible distortions or other significant problems. Sure, tradeoffs were made, as they always are in design and manufacturing. But Bose has clearly hit a home run with this little jewel.

If you have reservations about buying and trying one, Bose and Amazon normally have very good return policies, but be sure to check before ordering. If you're looking for something small, look to the MusicMonitor first. You'll quickly see how size, weight, number of components and sound make them an easy first audition choice. You may decide that there's no reason to go on and audit your second choice.

59 of 65 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Overhyped.....but fills a niche, November 3, 2007

By	Mo - See all my reviews

Addendum to my initial review:

Apparently Bose had a similar unit in Japan for at least 3 years already. This USA version is the low end Japanese 'M2' version. I confirmed this with Bose of Japan.

Japan also has a higher end 'M3' version in identical size. That one comes in silver or black - AND is capable of running on 4AA batteries that goes inside the base and runs at 2watts using batteries. Plugged in, they are 20 watts/channel. The buttons are different from the USA version.

The M3 in Japan cost 25% more than the M2. M2 is price in line with the US. M3 is reviewed as even better sounding than the M2, plus the capacity to take batteries is a plus. I wonder if the USA will introduce an 'upgraded' Music monitor next year by bringing the M3 to the USA.

Has anyone compared the USA model to the Japanese M2 and M3 models? Funny because Bose press in the USA seem to claim that these are recent developments when they have been in Japan for a few years. Do a search on the web and find the info.

Would love to hear from others.

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2nd addendum to my initial review

Now that I've had one to try for a couple of weeks, here's the update.
1. This is basically, even for Bose, a $200 system.

2. If you are looking for a $400 Bose sound, forget it. Even the guys at the Bose store tells me that they don't think it is worth $400 at all.

3. However, if you travel a lot like I do, then this is the best tiny self amplified speaker system on the planet. This doesn't mean it's $400 or even $200 great in terms of tone. In essence, I think of this as a $200 premium tacked on just because it sets the standard for something so small. I hope in time Bose will have some competition from other manufacturers.

4. Musically, this is remarkably good once, I got rid of my expectations created by the hype and price. I certainly prefer it considerably over the $200 Audioengine A2 which is almost exactly 3 times larger. The Audioengine has incredible reviews (see Stereophile) and is louder and has stronger bass. However, the Bose is more musical with better balance, highs, mids, clarity. MUCH MUCH better clarity which is quite musical.
5. They should have engineered a slightly stronger bass to this model. Their Japannese M3, by all account, is better because of slightly better bass. It needs a bit stronger bass foundation to give it the right sense of 'fatness'. I wish Bose had brought the M3 rather than M2 into the US.

So in conclusion, if I could change stars, I would now up this to 4 stars. Not remotely close to 5 stars due to price.

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Initial Review
Reading the incredible hype by some journalists on the web, I had high hopes for these. This is compounded by reports of Bose claiming that this is one of their great achievements. I thought that this may be the ideal traveling system.

Well, tested these today at the Bose store in a quiet room. (Great service by the Bose personnel.) Sure, they sound remarkably warm for something this small. However, not close to the hype which, at least to me, implied that they sound as good as a system with small subwoofer. Well, they were not even close to the new Bose Sounddock for the Ipod or the Companion 3. To their credit, the new Sounddock is a significant improvement over the old. To his credit, the salesperson admitted that this little speaker was not close to the other two system mentioned. The Sounddock is not even a large system.

Another note: Having used dozens of laptops through the years, I've seen small and large adapters. It's surprising that Bose spent much on research to miniaturize these speakers and then cut corner on suppling a LARGE AC Adapter . Although it is thinner than the speakers, the adapter is as tall and almost as wide as the speakers. I've had laptop adapters that are much smaller and yet supply more watts. Too bad a $400 portable speaker product did not have an adapter to match. Lenovo for example, supplies a 90 watt AC Adapter that's the size of a pack of playing cards!

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3rd and Final Addendum May 25 2009

Well, I had the opportunity to test about half a dozen units of these and noticed that there seem to be variance from unit to unit. My gut level reaction is that Bose may have improved the bass slightly with newer units because I found them more satisfying. So I got an older and a recent unit to compare side by side. This could be coincidence but the newer unit DID have better bass although subtle. It was enough to make it over top for me. Emotionally, I definitely felt a difference in how pleasurable the music became. So now I do own a unit and these are the best speakers on the planet FOR THE SIZE. It does help that I chanced upon a new factory sealed unit for 40% off or else I would still find it difficult to justify the price.

The single driver per speaker design means the imaging is decent. This is one of its greatest advantage over other more powerful and fuller range all in one units - stereo separation.

One more note. In hotel rooms where the desk is right at the wall, I noticed that I preferred the sound with the speakers a few inches from the wall. Right at the wall, it is now too much bass and a bit muddy. But too far from the wall in the middle of the room, not enough bass reinforcement. So a few inches away from the wall sounds right to me.

In short, if you need a small system, recommended. Highly.

38 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very nice with help, December 10, 2007

By	S. Pettis (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

These speakers sounded great in the Bose Store, downtown Seattle. It was near closing time so I did not get a chance to listen long or look closely at the computer set up. They did not have any for sale so I ordered some from Bose. I mated them to my 15in Apple G4 laptop. I have a wide variety of songs in iTunes. The first thing I noted was that the highs were very good and precise but the bass and over all warmth of the music was not as good as at the store. Acoustic instruments like guitar, and piano were vibrant. The funk was not happening as the bass was weak. I tried making adjustments in iTunes using the equalizer and was still not getting the sound I wanted. Then I turned on the SRS iWow iTunes plugin. The difference was like night and day. The bass was amazingly better and the sound stage was more expansive, music warmer. I think these speakers have a lot of potential but what you get out depends on what you put in. I suspect most laptops could use some software help to get better sound. I do have much better sound now than I did with my previous speakers also using the plugin. All in all I think at this price point I was expecting better sound right out of the box but I am totally satisfied with my current setup.