BOSE C companion 5 multimedia speakers HELP

I'm sorry you're experiencing this... but I am happy it is not just me! This drives me NUTS! I have to unplug my stupid Bose many times a day! I contacted Apple Support, but they just shrugged their shoulders and said they didn't know.

I have the same problem, I’ve contacted Apple 4 times now, with no solution.

I also changed the connection cable to a USB B to USB C. Which solved the problem & creative a new one. Being video & music would not play.

It’s starting to drive me mad. As it’s some sort of software issue with the mac.

Have you installed and run any "cleaning", "optimizing", "speed-up", anti-virus or VPN apps on your Mac?

It's a long shot but give this a try: boot into Safe Mode according to How to use safe mode on your Mac and test to see if the problem persists. Reboot normally and test again.

NOTE 1: Safe Mode boot can take up to 3 - 5 minutes as it's doing the following; 

• Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed

• Loads only required kernel extensions (prevents 3rd party kernel/extensions from loading)

• Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically

• Disables user-installed fonts 

• Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files

NOTE 2: if you have a wireless keyboard with rechargeable batteries connect it with its charging cable before booting into Safe Mode. This makes it act as a wired keyboard as will assure a good boot into Safe Mode.

I too have a Mac Studio and had the same issues you mention. Please see this post for a solution:

Bose Companion 5 not working with latest … - Apple Community

Hi there arthurfitz,

If your external speakers are not working as expected with your Mac, these steps from If you can’t hear sound from your Mac speakers may help:

If you’re trying to listen through external speakers

• Make sure the speakers are plugged into the audio output port on your Mac or display, and if necessary, into a power supply. Check for a power switch and volume adjustment on your external speakers. If necessary, turn the speakers on and adjust the speaker volume.

• On your Mac, choose Apple menu  > System Preferences, click Sound , then click Output. If your Mac has only one audio port, click the “Use audio port for” pop-up menu, choose Sound Output, then make sure your external speakers are selected.

• If you’re trying to listen through speakers or headphones connected only to the USB port on your Mac or display, choose Apple menu > System Preferences, click Sound, then click Output. Make sure the external USB speakers are selected. Open System Information, click USB in the Hardware section of the sidebar, then make sure your speakers are listed. If they aren’t, try unplugging the speakers and then plugging them in again.

If your external speakers still aren’t working, check the instructions that came with your speakers.

Ensuring your Mac is fully updated is a good step as well since this installs bug fixes that can alleviate this behavior. These steps show how to update your Mac Studio: Update macOS on Mac

We hope that helps!

arthurfitz, 

Let’s work to isolate this a bit more. 

1. Test in a different USB port.

2. If you’re using a USB hub of any sort, please remove that from the equation and connect your speakers directly to the Mac’s USB port. 

3. Are your speakers powered by the USB port alone?

4. When you wake your Mac, before you play any audio or unplug and replug the speakers, check two things. System Preferences > Sound > Output, are the external speakers still showing there and selected? Also, Apple menu > About This Mac > System Report > USB, do the speakers still show as connected here (provided they are connected directly to one of the Mac's USB ports)?

We’re eager to get those results. 

Thanks. 

Hi arthurfitz,

If you've tested on another computer, and the issue doesn't occur on a different computer, we'd recommend checking all settings are correct per the manufacturer here, and reaching out to them to further assist. Companion® 5 multimedia speaker system

Cheers.

Yep! I saw some other forum posts that suggested to use an USB C to USB A adapter. I tried that, but it did not work. I think I have a temporary, albeit crappy, solution though. I connected my speakers via headphone cable. Unfortunately, I think I see new speakers in my future.

Confermo anche io con MacStudio e Companion 5 stesso problema, per sentire l'audio devo scollegare il cavo USB.

Il Companion 5 bose faceva lo stesso difetto anche con IMAC27" con SIERRA. Credo sia un problema di drivers, bisognerebbe che Bose sviluppasse un driver !!!!

No this didn’t work for me. Start up & then have to do a restart. Music works for a bit then stops.

apple said they will look at the studio plus I need to bring my companion 5. Will be on my own. & the nearest apple store is 30 miles away.

is the problem with Bose drivers or the Mac???

My Bose Companion 5 speaker system would not stay connected to my new Apple Mac Studio M1 Max.  When I lost the connection to the Bose system, I could unplug the USB cord and then re-plug it.  The system would function for about 12 hours and then disconnect.  I tried most of the suggestion from this and other threads, but none worked.

Note: I am using OS Ventura 13.1.

This is how I fixed the system.  My one caution is I have only tested it for about two weeks.

I use an external USB hub to connect external hard drives, printers, and scanners to the computer.  I replaced my old USB hub with a new Anker USB 3.0 SuperSpeed 10-Port Hub.  Then I replaced the USB B3 to USB A that came with the Anker hub with a USB 3.0 Cable B Male to USB-C, JSAUX 6.6ft USB 3 Type B Cord.  Both were purchased from Amazon.  (Details are listed below.)

I connected the new USB cable for the Anker hub to the outermost (of two) USB C port on front of the Mac Studio.  I then connected the USB cable that came with the Bose Companion 5 system to the top port (next to the green power on light) of the Anker hub.

I had to reboot the Mac Studio several times to "wake up" the hub.  Any port that is connected to an active USB device will have a blue light illuminated.

[Upgraded Version] Anker USB 3.0 SuperSpeed 10-Port Hub Including a BC 1.2 Charging Port with 60W (12V / 5A) Power Adapter [VIA VL812-B2 Chipset and Updated Firmware 9081] AH231

USB 3.0 Cable B Male to USB-C, JSAUX 6.6ft USB 3 Type B Cord Nylon Braided Compatible with Docking Station, External Hard Drivers, Scanner and More

M.H.B.