View Full Version : Recommended Speakers for Powerbook
greenhybrid
2005-07-08, 23:52
I'm looking to get some real speakers to stay at my desk when my Powerbook is in my dorm at college. I was first looking at getting some Bluetooth speakers but I haven't been able to find anything that seems quality and suitable. What are your recommendations for audio speakers? I don't blast my music and I'm just a casual listener, but I don't want a piece of junk, either. Thanks!
I got these for my powerbook and their great (Harman Kardon)
http://store.apple.com/Apple/WebObjects/ukstore.woa/90401/wo/7n3zBtWeb4Fw3PSHNS51WcpxpPE/2.0.11.1.0.6.12
I got the JBL for my wife and they suck.
Good luck :)
BlueRabbit
2005-07-09, 11:14
If you want to have some Mac Nerd™ points, you could try to find a pair of AppleDesign speakers. I have two pair (one black and one beige), and even though they're old, they're not too bad. :)
http://www.bestofmicro.com/img/c/I42392.jpg
The Return of the 'nut
2005-07-09, 11:25
what's your budget?
atomicbartbeans
2005-07-09, 11:36
What I've had for some time now is the Creative Inspire™ T3000 (http://www.staples.com/Catalog/Browse/Sku.asp?PageType=1&Sku=583768), an incredible find for $50 at Staples.
Great sound, power supply in subwoofer makes for smaller desk speakers, wired remote volume control (with separate subwoofer knob). Definitely not crap. Plus, the removable aluminum stands look really cool.
greenhybrid
2005-07-09, 12:04
awilso, your session timed out and your link didn't work. Could you try again or post the product name? Thanks.
Franz Josef
2005-07-09, 12:28
awilso, your session timed out and your link didn't work. Could you try again or post the product name? Thanks.
This is probably what he means http://www.harmankardon.com/product_support/support_detail.aspx?Region=USA&Country=US&Language=ENG&cat=&prod=SOUNDSTICKSII&sjump=&#active
greenhybrid
2005-07-09, 12:34
Thanks.
I have money to buy any speakers I want, but don't necesarily feel like spending a fortune. Definitely less than $200. Less than $100 would be ideal but I'm not firm on that.
greenhybrid
2005-07-09, 12:43
Which JBLs did you get which were no good? I'm considering the JBL Creature IIs in White. I'd get silver but they don't make it anymore :( iPodLounge review is good and the comments are also positive. $99 isn't bad. Any experience with these?
The Return of the 'nut
2005-07-09, 12:51
Which JBLs did you get which were no good? I'm considering the JBL Creature IIs in White. I'd get silver but they don't make it anymore :( iPodLounge review is good and the comments are also positive. $99 isn't bad. Any experience with these?
you're paying more for form than function. with those or the Harmon Kardon's.
They sound good, it's just you pay more for the design than you would with other speakers.
Yeah, Soundsticks and Creatures are both overpriced. They're pretty weak sets that deliver clear sound, but they lack any kind of oomph that really gets you into it. They do look good, and they don't sound like crap, at least. But if you're going to spend $100 on a set of speakers, I'd recommend a good Logitech set. Look for the Z-2300s - they are very powerful and sound great, for about $150.
greenhybrid
2005-07-09, 13:19
What do you consider "weak?" I don't blast my music, so will I ever feel the difference? What do you suggest? I don't really like ugly speakers...
Weak is generally bad... it means they're only good at low volumes. Fine if you're sitting in front of your computer, but even then they're sometimes a little disappointing. You'll hear the difference with better speakers even at low volumes. Seriously, I'd go for the Z-2300s... NewEgg has them right now (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16836121122) for $99 (after instant rebate) plus $16 shipping, which is an excellent deal.
I have a very similar system, an older Logitech Z-560. Mine is a 4.1, but with my Mac mini I can only connect two speakers at once anyway. It doesn't matter because I still have a great sounding system. Also, it's very nice to have a wired remote you can put on your desk instead of having to turn little knobs on the subwoofer.
atomicbartbeans
2005-07-09, 13:36
The JBL Duet 2.0 is a very slick-looking pair. They don't blast music, but they do offer very crisp, clean sound. $49 last I checked. Most Apple stores have a demo model hooked up somewhere, so you can try them out.
Actually, I found another deal on NewEgg... if you want about the best-sounding system that doesn't have a sub, you can look at the Klipsch ProMedia 2.0s. They're $99 with free shipping here (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16836119107). They can't blast music since they don't have a sub, but Klipsch is known for making amazingly good speakers and the 2.0s are no exception. Of course, at that price I'd almost rather have Soundsticks or Creatures, because the lack of a sub (albeit a weak one) is still a pretty big problem. I'd only get 2.0 speakers if you're living in an apartment where having a subwoofer is a liability.
Franz Josef
2005-07-09, 13:46
Bear in mind you can also use Airport Express to hook up to existing sound system wirelessly if you prefer.
greenhybrid
2005-07-09, 13:50
Franz, could you explain a bit more?
atomicbartbeans
2005-07-09, 13:55
http://www.apple.com/airportexpress/
Franz Josef
2005-07-09, 14:03
Franz, could you explain a bit more?
Assuming your Mac has an Airport Extreme card, you plug the Airport Express unit (4" x 3") in at the wall socket, connect it to your existing sound system (standard RCA connector etc etc) and iTunes will pump your sound wirelessly to the sound system. AE creates a wireless WiFi hotspot in your flat / dorm. I use it with a 12" PB and a Bose CD Clock radio - it is so much better than having to change CDs.
If you have a sound system you like already (which may not be portable), it allows you to use this rather than buy speakers. Worth also saying you can use it for wireless browsing.
Link kindly provided by atomicbartbeans
greenhybrid
2005-07-09, 14:07
That looks real interesting, but since I'm moving to a college dorm I'll have to buy speakers.
Yeah, I'm in the same boat here, off to college in the fall, and want a nice 2.1 system that will last and I can count on for some clear output at higher volumes.
I like the look of the Logitech Z-2300 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16836121122) Luca mentioned and the price is right. The aluminum color is a great match for my PowerBook.
Any objections? Is Logitech coming out with any newer, better offerings soon?
Or are there any other systems for that price where I could get more performance or you guys would recommend.
Thanks! :)
Do you guys honestly think you're gonna be blasting music in your dorm? Seriously, get a good pair of headphones.
ironlung
2005-07-09, 18:22
Do you guys honestly think you're gonna be blasting music in your dorm? Seriously, get a good pair of headphones.
definitely. No dorm room party is complete without a good music system...and good selection of music of course
The Return of the 'nut
2005-07-10, 02:55
Do you guys honestly think you're gonna be blasting music in your dorm? Seriously, get a good pair of headphones.
I blasted music both years I was in the dorms and so did everyone else
Franz Josef
2005-07-10, 04:51
I blasted music both years I was in the dorms and so did everyone else
At the risk of sounding just a tad silly, how many are there normally to a dorm? And, assuming it's more than one, isn't it a bit hard to work ......
The Return of the 'nut
2005-07-10, 12:08
At the risk of sounding just a tad silly, how many are there normally to a dorm? And, assuming it's more than one, isn't it a bit hard to work ......
we had 4 people to a suite.....2 singles with a double in the middle. 250+ in the building.
The other dorms are 2-3 people in a room.
If you want to work you go to the study lounge or the library or outside in the fresh air..... or just ask the person playing music to be quiet for a couple hours. Not a big deal. :)
atomicbartbeans
2005-07-10, 12:40
Since you've strayed off topic a little, I think it's time to ask my own question...
What are a good set of portable speakers for the iPod Mini? Must be able to run on battery. A dock connector is useful but not necessary.
I've heard good things about the JBL OnTour speakers, as well as the InMotion Mini. I like the former for its price.
Any insight?
The Return of the 'nut
2005-07-10, 13:02
Since you've strayed off topic a little, I think it's time to ask my own question...
What are a good set of portable speakers for the iPod Mini? Must be able to run on battery. A dock connector is useful but not necessary.
I've heard good things about the JBL OnTour speakers, as well as the InMotion Mini. I like the former for its price.
Any insight?
a boombox with line in?
I've always thought the portable iPod speakers were kinda goofy and expensive for what they are. But I guess they fullfill certain needs
sobelizzard
2005-07-10, 18:07
for what its worth, i really like my JBL Creature II's (white). Sound is crisp, and in a small environment (aka a dorm room) the sub makes them plenty powerful. And, if looks are important, they look rad :)
greenhybrid
2005-07-10, 18:14
I think I'll probably get them. They're $81 including shipping from NewEgg. Think I should go for it?
greenhybrid
2005-07-10, 18:16
One question... how exactly do all the wires hook up? Is it just the one headphones out cord from the laptop?
atomicbartbeans
2005-07-10, 18:38
You plug the subwoofer into the wall...
plug the satellite speakers into the subwoofer...
plug the audio cable into your Powerbook's headphones jack...
Nothing too complex. Just remember that the volume control on the PB also works as a volume control for the speakers when they're hooked up. If you leave the volume setting on the speakers all the way up, you can change the volume without lifting your fingers from the keyboard.
Good luck with your Creatures!
greenhybrid
2005-07-10, 22:00
Just purchased. $81 :)
The Return of the 'nut
2005-07-10, 23:31
congrats, report back
greenhybrid
2005-07-11, 00:36
Hope they sound good :) I haven't heard them at all, haha, but I'm optimistic.
This is probably what he means http://www.harmankardon.com/product_support/support_detail.aspx?Region=USA&Country=US&Language=ENG&cat=&prod=SOUNDSTICKSII&sjump=&#active
Thank you FJ. :)
Which JBLs did you get which were no good? I'm considering the JBL Creature IIs in White. I'd get silver but they don't make it anymore :( iPodLounge review is good and the comments are also positive. $99 isn't bad. Any experience with these?
Don't but the creatures - they suck. Stay away, the best in the price range are the HK that Franz losted a lin to.
Don't but the creatures - they suck. Stay away, the best in the price range are the HK that Franz losted a lin to.
Sorry the f****** keyboard is determined to print something else.
Hope you enjoy your Creatures and I hope you don't get to hear a set of HK's anytime soon. (you'll be pissed).
greenhybrid
2005-07-11, 08:55
Well, thanks for the commentary. I'll be alright knowing that my speakers were half the price.
greenhybrid
2005-07-14, 12:16
Well, I got 'em. I wasn't sure what people meant when they said the Creatures were "crisp," but damn are they crisp!!! It's sort of like what happens when you turn the treble up or something. It's going to take some getting used to. The satellites are nice and tiny. I just hope the bright sound doesn't get annoying after while.
greenhybrid
2005-07-14, 12:17
P.S. do you guys use the iTunes sound enhancer? What exactly does that do? I would think it has a similar function to the equalizer, except automatic. Any tips?
Well, I got 'em. I wasn't sure what people meant when they said the Creatures were "crisp," but damn are they crisp!!! It's sort of like what happens when you turn the treble up or something. It's going to take some getting used to. The satellites are nice and tiny. I just hope the bright sound doesn't get annoying after while.
I'm tempted to say, "told ya so," but I'm nice so instead I'll say, "hope you enjoy your new speakers!"
;)
I don't use Sound Enhancer because I don't like that it distorts the sound. Anyone who's more of an audiophile care to comment on that?
MacConvert
2005-12-29, 01:05
What if I'm looking for the best possible sound for $300 or less? I'm running the iPod through an iHome in another room, so I want the computer speakers to really put out sound that an audiophile would be proud of.
I am running an iMac G4 800MHz, so I have no use for anything above a 2.1 system. Watching movies is not a problem here. I have a surround system in the den for that. I want something that I can really rock with. Crisp highs, solid mid-ranges, and hard-hitting lows are a must.
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