Focal XS Satellite vs Bose Companion 5

[havok44]

I was looking at buying one of these two from the apple store and was wondering what everyone has thought of them.

I do appreciate it when posters also reccommend other speaker brands in the thread, but i would like to warn that I need to purchase from the apple online store as I have a decent sized giftcard, and i sorely want better speakers (currently have bose companion 3s) for my new imac 27inch

 

[nyguy4u]

I'd personally pass on both, and buy the Harman Kardon Sound Sticks 2. They have excellent reviews, and despite what others say, sound pretty good (my wife has a pair). Plus, the Apple online store carries them.

You'll get better mid's and high's with the Bose - but they lack bass. The Sound Sticks have a pretty decent low end, but also lack a headphone out, if you need it.

 

[thegoldenmackid]

If you need the loudness in the compact package try something like the Blue Sky EXO 2.1.

Check this thread. I also recommend a trip to your local Apple Store which should have both models available for in-store testing

While iThink that the Focals are overpriced for the 30 minutes I spent listening to them. The detail and depth of the audio is significantly better then the Sound Sticks.

 

[CLuv]

If the Focals are anything like their A/V speakers, you can't go wrong. They make some of the finest speakers and drivers in the world. Have a pair of Focals myself for my home audio. Run laps around Bose.