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Circa · Aug 9, 2000, 02:08 PM

I am interested in purchasing some speakers for my Powerbook G3 "lombard". I am going to be using these speakers for mp3's and cd's. So music is what there for and I want a good speaker with good sound. Digital is what I like about the SoundSticks, I want that crisp sound. As far as subs go I like the Sticks sub better. I have always wanted the iSub but I could never take advantage of it because it was only made for the iMac. So then I saw the iSticks and thought that this is the perfect setup, why don't I just order it now. But then I read the MacNN review, I have heard that there are alot of issues lately with usb audio?? Like making your computer run slower, and also the biggest issue if have other usb devices on the same stream it will cause lag and other problems, on example being a mouse or keyboard...

Now for the Monsoon MM-700's they sound great from what people have told me so far. But there not digital like the SoundSticks so is that a big factor? Also the sub is supposed to sound that much better than the SoundSticks. And the speakers together with the sub will sound crisp and clear pumped up full in your room. So this set sounds nice as well...

All in all what is the best set, price doesn't matter here for me. My personal preference is to get the SoundSticks if I can... So please everyone tell me what you think about all of this. When you post a reply tell me what you think is the better set and your reasoning.

Thanks,
Circa

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Circa

[This message has been edited by Circa (edited 08-09-2000).]

Evangellydonut · Aug 9, 2000, 02:24 PM

MM-700 is far superior in sound quality than soundsticks. Only recently, MacNN posted a comparison of the two products.
Here's the URL: http://reviews.macnn.com/reviews/mws...speakers.phtml

Also, asthetics aside, Cambridge's Microworks are Great speakers when it comes to quality, power and accuracy. Those run for 'bout US$150. (45Watt subwoffer is one of the best for computer speakers, and the satillites are great too! Personally, I replaced them with Bose 110s I got for US$50, and is VERY happy with the set!)

[This message has been edited by Evangellydonut (edited 08-09-2000).]

MacOS761 · Aug 9, 2000, 03:56 PM

My monsoon MM-500's are great, and a deal at that... I have been told that the 700's are leaps and bounds better. If there is reason against USB audio, forget it - you don't want problems right out of the box. The 700's use the good ol' mini plugs, so if you're happy with a nice set of headphones, the analog audio will be fine. Some folks are really picky about quality, but if I can't hear a difference, who cares? Go for the monsoons.

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We're supposed to sing about piraty things!

Circa · Aug 9, 2000, 08:16 PM

MacOS761 what are you saying a nice set of headpones? I already have some nice sony street syles I hook up already if I want to in the back of the powerbook. But I am either after the Sticks or the Monsoons. You aren't suggesting that I can't use the 700's with my powerbook are you? The Monsoons do work with the powerbook right...

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Circa

MacOS761 · Aug 9, 2000, 10:02 PM

Er.. sorry if that was confusing. My point was that the sound quality is the same - i.e. it's the same connection, same signal, whereas USB sound is different. In fact, I would suspect that the Mac's sound chips are geared towards analog output, but maybe the USB Audio extensions supersede that.

Bottom line, the monsoon speakers will work with your PB, and work great. Hope ya go for it.

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We're supposed to sing about piraty things!

Aug 14, 2000, 01:37 PM

I went to Macworld and tried out both the soundsticks and the Monsoon 700s out first hand. I bought the Monsoon system- it totally rocks. The subwoofer is incredibly powerful and the speakers have great range and really fill the air. My main problem with the soundsticks was thier very narrow directional sound- you really have to point them right at you to get worthwile sound. The Monsoons are also (IMHO) way cooler looking, even though the subwoofer is somewhat bland.

And BTW, I got the "Ice" versions of the Monsoon 700- the metal parts of the speakers are black, but the plastic is white and transparent. The Subwoofer is still black.

[This message has been edited by Lunchbox (edited 08-14-2000).]

Evangellydonut · Aug 14, 2000, 03:19 PM

I'd like to see someone compare the iM700 with the Microworks. Microworks is an older generation speaker, but its more powerful and was generally regarded as the best 3 piece computer speaker set up 'til last year. Until I see a full review, I'm still convinced that my 45W subwoofer will blow away iM700's 22W woofer.