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G-mac · Mar 18, 2003, 10:46 PM

I'm wondering if I can connect 2 external speakers from Bose, Sony, etc. to my PowerBook? I'm considering options other than the JBL Creature, Soundsticks, or Cambridge made-for-computers systems.

Do I need to buy a receiver and other adapters to connect speakers (just 2) to my PowerBook? Can I use a portable radio system? Is this an unnecessary and overly complicated method to get great sound? Is there any way to do this simply?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

mark9939 · Mar 18, 2003, 10:54 PM

You have to make sure the system you're looking at connects via a headphone jack. I reccomend Kiplsich 2.1 THX speakers for this... they're excellent sound for under $200.

sensorfreaky · Mar 18, 2003, 10:57 PM

Just about any amplified speaker system that can connect to the powerbook using a miniplug (or an adapter if need be) will work. If you have a stereo with RCA audio plugs, simply get an RCA Y-connector from radioshack to miniplug.

Or this will let you connect your powerbook to any home stereo or boom box with RCA inputs... or even a TV with RCA sound inputs if you're playing a DVD.

Think of your powerbook as a really big ipod.

G-mac · Mar 18, 2003, 11:38 PM

Is there any sound distortion or other problems with using bookshelf speakers with a PB using just the adapters you've mentioned or other adapters at RadioShack? What's the advantage (if any) to connecting the PB to a receiver/amplifier or stereo system, then to speakers, than just connecting the external speakers directly to the PB?

Thanks for all your help!

sensorfreaky · Mar 19, 2003, 12:24 AM

Originally posted by G-mac:
Is there any sound distortion or other problems with using bookshelf speakers with a PB using just the adapters you've mentioned or other adapters at RadioShack? What's the advantage (if any) to connecting the PB to a receiver/amplifier or stereo system, then to speakers, than just connecting the external speakers directly to the PB?

Thanks for all your help!

You must have misunderstood me. You can't just connect your powerbook directly to non-powered external speakers and expect to hear any real audible sound. It needs to be amplified. You may use a stereo with an amp, a small boom box with it own integrated amp, or a self-powered speaker also with its own built in integrated amp... whatever. If you use bookshelf speakers, you need an amplifier if they are not self-powered. Bottomline, you need some form of amplification whether built in to the speaker or separate component. Any resultant distortion is mostly determined by the quality of signals coming from your powerbook (as determined by the quality of mp3 encoding) and the quality of the speakers and the amplifier that power them. The type of connection plays but a smaller role in sound quality despite how much monster cable would love to sell you (rip you off) a set of RCA's for $50.

G-mac · Mar 19, 2003, 01:07 AM

Thanks for all the great help guys!

Sensorfreaky, thanks for the great info. I'm totally uneducated when it comes to audio/video equipment - probably due to my lack of funds!

Your explanation of amps helps me understand why people buy speaker systems made to work with computers via the headphone jack or just connect their Macs to stereo systems. I never quite understood why you couldn't just go out and buy a pair of speakers and connect them to your Mac directly! Why am I such an idiot?

I'm currently just using a pair of Sony headphones, but would like to get some speakers to use when I'm working in my room away from the PB. I'm assuming Klipsch, Monsoon, Creatures, Soundsticks, and Bose MediaMates all produce sound better than a pair of earbuds? I'm either going that route or with a new stereo system or shelf system later on. Maybe I'll just pick up some nice headphones.

Thanks again!

xtal · Mar 19, 2003, 08:46 AM

Originally posted by G-mac:
I'm currently just using a pair of Sony headphones, but would like to get some speakers to use when I'm working in my room away from the PB. I'm assuming Klipsch, Monsoon, Creatures, Soundsticks, and Bose MediaMates all produce sound better than a pair of earbuds? I'm either going that route or with a new stereo system or shelf system later on. Maybe I'll just pick up some nice headphones.

I would advise listening to any product you're considering, if sound quality is your main reason for purchasing. I would personally warn you away from BOSE, as I find many of their products to have inferior sound quality for a superior price.

craigthomas · Mar 19, 2003, 11:50 AM

If you want to bypass a receiver, you can get a PowerWave by Griffin Technology. It's a USB audio device that powers any set of speakers. They claim that USB has superior cleaner sound than what comes out of a mini-jack. There is no software to install and the unit is quite small. I'm getting one today so I can play my Apple pro speakers and my home stereo that's in a different room from my Mac at the same time. Another USB option is the iMic from the same company. They make great Mac products. BTW, I have used the iMic and it works perfectly to as a USB solution to connect to a home stereo reciever.

This will power your speakers with no reciever $99 US:
http://www.griffintechnology.com/pro...ave/index.html

This will require a home stereo reciever ($35 plus Y cable at radio shack):
http://www.griffintechnology.com/pro...mic/index.html