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NemesisEG · Jul 23, 2004, 05:59 AM

Hello all!

As I haven't seen many posts on the new SSIIs, I thought I'd post some quick thoughts.

I had the original USB Sticks paired with a FP iMac and thought they were great, but there were limitations in the design. The USB would stutter if the machine was worked too hard, the speakers suffered from a REALLY narrow cone of sound and you had to change the sound output in Prefs should you wish to use headphones (not that smart if you're in the middle of a game)

As I'm upgrading to a dual G5 soon, I thought this was the perfect time to change to a standard audio setup. It would mean I could just plug speakers in the back and headphones in the front of the G5 without having to do anything in software. Also I could use them on the PC should the need arise.

I really was very fond of the Sticks, so I purchased the IIs. I loved the design of it all and the sound was pretty decent for me.

So, in rough form then...

The footprint of both the speakers and sub are identical. I put the old Sticks in the packing and they fitted too.

The bottom ring on the Sticks is a slightly different texture and colour now.

The leads have changed from a transparent plastic to a depressing gray.

The power supply is slightly smaller, but still demure.

The leads in the back of the sub are different. So you won't be able to swap out the Sticks with earlier models. One speaker has a keyed plug for the volume. PSU connection is the same, so that should be OK.

The volume control on the right stick is nice. Just two metal + and - badges you just have to touch. No microswitches, you just place your finger on. I like that. I can set a default volume setting on the speaker, and still use the keyboard controls to refine things.

The sound field is much wider. I was always very aware of the sweetspot on the old model. Move out of that area and it's immediately apparent. You get a much wider field this time, so you can actually move about now!

The sound of the new model sounds very similar to the old, which isn't a bad thing. It seems slightly deeper, but that could be the speakers just bedding in as I've only used them for about 5 hours.

Tested them out on Farcry (PC) and Warcraft 3 (Mac) and on both settings the output is very pleasing. Nice bass when required, but not overbearing. It was nice having these on the PC and getting some decent quality sound for a change.

Negatives...

Headphone socket. On my Shuttle (PC) case you can plug headphones in the front of the case and it shuts off output to the speakers. I guess the G5 is the same. On the iMac I just swap over leads. It's a bit of a pain, but nothing terminal. I prefer to plug into the cases anyhow, it just means less mess on the desk.

Hum. When you power down the machine, you can hear a slight hum from the speakers whilst it's waiting for something to happen. Just place a finger on the - button and it goes away. Just remember to turn the volume down when you're done. I get the same with the SoundWorks I used a while back, no big problem.

Overall a really good upgrade for me. All the issues with the first model have been addressed (USB, soundfield) as well as a superb integrated volume control (less leads and wires on an external volume switch). The design speaks for itself.

Anyway, I've rambled a bit too much. Hope the info helps!

Nemmie.

jimsmac · Jul 23, 2004, 11:21 AM

Originally posted by NemesisEG:

The volume control on the right stick is nice. Just two metal + and - badges you just have to touch. No microswitches, you just place your finger on. I like that. I can set a default volume setting on the speaker, and still use the keyboard controls to refine things.

I also found out by accident if you touch both buttons at the same time it mutes the sound.

NemesisEG · Jul 23, 2004, 12:31 PM

Nice one Jim, thanks for the tip!

kpne1home · Jul 23, 2004, 02:15 PM

My apple pro speakers I bought with my quicksilver seem like they are on their way out. I was thinking about the sound stick 2's. I saw them at compusa and loved them. Thanks for these comments about them. I just wish they were cheaper but I guess they will last a while if I do get them.

angelmb · Jul 23, 2004, 05:22 PM

Thanks for share your opinion about them, are the left and right satellites speakers 'identified as is' I mean, left one plugs here, right one plugs there. Mate, I had connected several times the satellites to the sub and then need to conect again

I also got the 'hum' from the sub every time I shutdow the Mac, I find it even cool, our very own shutdown sound

Thanks again and enjoy them!.

Cadaver · Jul 23, 2004, 10:14 PM

Just an FYI - WindowsXP recognizes the USB SoundSticks as a valid device and they work just fine. Even identifies them by name.

NemesisEG · Jul 26, 2004, 02:32 AM

Originally posted by angelmb:
Thanks for share your opinion about them, are the left and right satellites speakers 'identified as is' I mean, left one plugs here, right one plugs there. Mate, I had connected several times the satellites to the sub and then need to conect again

I also got the 'hum' from the sub every time I shutdow the Mac, I find it even cool, our very own shutdown sound

Thanks again and enjoy them!.

Each speaker has a different connector, so they can only go one way.

I've stopped noticing the hum, now.

Dad, they identified on the PC, but it was just no-go. I never really got to the bottom of why and it was an excuse to get the new set if I'm 100% honest ;-)