[wahine]

Hey all

I'm a newbie to these forums and would appreciate any advice (plain english preferred over binary code) about speakers for my new dual G5 PM. I run Final Cut Pro 5 edit software on this and am looking for speakers that put out a good quality sound which is fairly grunty (to rock the house while FCP renders fx), are reasonably priced and will not make my workstation look like Spaghetti Junction (NB: I'm going for the 'unclutered, minimalist' look).

Any suggestions most welcome!


My Mac Goodies:
G5 Dual 2.7 PowerMac - 2.5 GB DDR SDRAM;
250 GB Hard drive; 300GB External HD
20" LCD monitor; Airport Extreme

running Final Cut Studio (Final Cut Pro 5; DVD Studio Pro 4; Motion; Soundtrack Pro)

Also a 17" G$ PowerBook 1.67 ; 1.5GB DDR SDRAM
100 GB Hard Drive

Both Macs running Tiger.

[jamil5454]

Well, it depends on if you want surround and how much you're willing to spend. For sound quality, the Klipsch Promedia Ultras have long been known as some of the best sounding computer speakers. Their 5.1 set can be found for $300-350. The problem is that the speakers don't support digital/optical input and the PowerMac doesn't support 5.1 analog out. You'll have to get a decoder or get a 5.1 PCI card. I would recommend the Creative DDTS-100 for a decoder and the M-Audio Revolution 5.1 (or get the 7.1 if want more speakers) for a sound card.

If you're just looking for a 2.1 setup, once again the Klipsch Promedia Ultras come to mind. But so do the more value-oriented Creative Inspire 2.1s, which are pretty good for the money. Currently I have the Creative Inspire 5.1s and while the treble is clear and the bass is plenty boomy, the mids don't come out that well.

If sound is really important to you and your work, I would spend the extra cash and get a nice pair of studio monitors and maybe a new sound card (external or internal). A pair of good active (powered) studio monitors could be as much as $2000, but you can get nice ones for less than $500. A nice M-Audio internal sound card would be less than $100. But you don't NEED the sound card - it's only a recommendation.

If I were you I'd go a BestBuy or similar and actually HEAR the speakers. Sound quality is very opinionated. I'm sort of an audiophile so it's worth it to me to get (at least) decent speakers. When I bought my PowerMac on Monday, I couldn't hook up my 5.1 setup, so I decided to get the Creative DDTS-100 decoder, and while I'm at it I think I'll get those Klipsch Promedia Ultra 5.1s for my new apartment. I'm going to college woohoo.

[d.fine]

Maybe you can check out the PowerMac Picture Thread in the PowerMac Forum. You can see what some people are using here, and ask for their opinions.
Personally I use a Denon UD-M30 with B&W LM1 speakers and a small sub. Nice little amp to go with the G5. More than I need, but then me likey
Anyhow I'd recommend getting an amp that lets you use the optical audio port on the G5.

[wahine]

Hmmm

Decisions, decisions, decisions! Thanks very much for your considered input and recommendations. Will definitely check out the PowerMac Picture thread to see what others have to think.

[Apfhex]

I always recommend them in threads like this, for people who want 2.1 systems, I can vouch for the Altec Lansing FX6021's. The design perfectly matches the G5's, and the sound is superb (Altec Lansign subwoofers can put out pretty good, with deep rich bass as opposed to higher thumpy bass I hear in a lot of other systems).

[Scooterboy]

I love my Klipsh ProMedia Ultra 5.1 and now with VLC decoding 5.1 Dolby they sound even better.