[MindFad]

OK, I want some new speakers. I'm getting a little tired of the tinny Apple Pro Speakers I got with my dual 800. They're nice and all, but I could do with some better sound. Problem is, I don't know if I need a particular adapter, can use any speakers out there, or what. I know I can't plug regular speakers into the Pro Speaker port, obviously. Would they go into the headphone piece instead? Is there an adapter to turn the Pro Speaker port into one that accepts the regular speaker jacks found on speakers combos?

Any help is appreciated, and recommendations are encouraged! Thanks, dudes.

[Luca Rescigno]

Almost all speakers out there use the standard headphone port for sound output. My brother just (temporarily) got a set of Logitech THX-certified 4.1 speakers and they're amazing. But you can find a 2.1 set for just about any price range (and you can only use 2.1 speakers on your rig unless you buy a special sound card). Logitech, Cambridge SoundWorks, Yamaha, and many other companies sell 2.1 sets in the $30-$50 range and they generally sound pretty good, at least if you're near the computer. You can step up and get a Logitech THX-certified system, a higher end model by a number of other companies, or just step up to a more premium brand like Klipsch. The Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 system is really good. Pricey at $150 or so, but very good quality.

[natan]

All the Pro Speaker port does is provide some amplification, which in turn allows Apple to manufacture/sell their Pro Speakers for less (and have more control over the quality of the signal and amplification). However, if you want nicer speakers, they definitely will sound just fine with the headphone out jack.

In order to recommend a pair though, we first must know what you're desired price range is...

[MindFad]

Oh, awesome! I figured it might just work if you put it out through the headphone jack....

Well, as for recommendations, how about between $70-$150? Thanks, guys!

[natan]

If you want to splurge, definitely go for the Klipsch ProMedia GMX A-2.1's. They can be found for about $150, and by far offer the best price/performance ratio for any speaker set in that price range.

[jimf_81]

Well if you're willing to go for the upper limit ($150), I'd highly recommend the Klipsch Pro Media GMX A 2.1. I've also heard good things about the JBL Creature Speakers. They may also be a little cheaper too.

[tooki]

The JBL Creature speakers are all style, no substance. They are pretty but have the same sound (at best) as a $40 set of Creative Labs or similar speakers.

tooki

[natan]

Originally posted by tooki:
The JBL Creature speakers are all style, no substance. They are pretty but have the same sound (at best) as a $40 set of Creative Labs or similar speakers.

tooki

Agreed. It's a true example of good marketing of an overpriced product.

[Mac Bird]

<not an audiophile>
Why not just add an iSub? It's awesome and looks great with a QS Mac and the Apple Pro Speakers. Plus, you can get one relatively cheap!
</not an audiophile>

[jocker]

I got an m-audio sonica ($50) which plugs into the USB port on any mac and gives you optical audio out.

Panther's DVD player fully supports dolby digital 5.1 etc.

Itunes et al come out as Dolby Pro Logic.

I hooked all this to some Logitech Z-680s 5.1 speaker system and surround sound decoder. OK its not cheap but it supports any audio you can throw at it - THX, dolby digital, dolby 5.1 surround, dolby DTS, dolby pro logic et al.

The sound is absolutely phenomenal.

If you can afford this setup ($300) you will not regret it, read some reviews on the net of these speakers/decoders for other impressions. They beat anthing else hands down.

[dfiler]

Originally posted by Mac Bird:
<not an audiophile>
Why not just add an iSub? It's awesome and looks great with a QS Mac and the Apple Pro Speakers. Plus, you can get one relatively cheap!
</not an audiophile>

I agree. Overstock.com had them for $40 when I bought one for a friend a few months ago. At this price, it is hard to beat.

Keep in mind that using an iSub will put a high-pass crossover on the apple pro speakers. This helps significantly as the mains will distort less and your G4s internal amplifier will have more power left over to accurately drive the mids and highs.

For your budget, a surround system might look cool but will likely produce a less convincing and enveloping sound-stage than the same money spent on an iSub or quality pair of stereo speakers.