[Mark N]

I just ordered a Dual 800 G4. I was considering the purchase of the Apple Pro Speakers, but I'm curious as to how they plus an iSub compare to the iSticks. Does anyone have an opinion. My main drawback is the iSub doesn't yet work under OS X. Does anyone know if it will under 10.1? The iSub/Apple Pro combination is cheaper and may not require AC power. Is this also correct?

[suhail]

The SoudSticks, in my oppinion, are much better than the pro speakers, but they do need an iSub though.

[tyris]

I've read reviews that said the iSub is better than the subwoofer that comes with the SoundSticks, however, the Pro speakers are worse than the speaker towers in the Soundsticks. There's also a huge price difference: $118 for Pro Speakers + iSub, or 199 for SoundSticks. I know the Pro speakers don't require a power cord, but I think the iSub does. I've got no idea on OS X compatability with the soundsticks or iSub. When I order my new G4, I'll be ordering just Pro Speakers for what it's worth. Later on, if I find it necessary and supported in OS X, I'll purchase an iSub. Another option, although a bit more expensive is to get a SoundBlaster Live card, for $139 (no OS X compatability yet though) and the FPS2000 gaming speakers. They're great speakers, although not Dolby5.1, some other surround sound, etc. The speaker set is 4 tweeters and a big subwoofer- $150ish. So that's $290. Enough of my rambling about stuff I don't know much about. Of course the Creative Labs option isn't as visually attractive when combined with a Studio display and G4 as the Soundsticks or Pro Speaker+iSub.

[cube-dude]

Transferring this speaker discussion to the Peripherals forum. Find thread there.

I have the Pro speaker-iSub combination on my G4 533DP and am sorry that I do. The iSub still cuts out at times and there is still no support for it in OS X. When it's working the sound is only fair to good definately not great. I have been waiting to see if OS 10.1 will support it but since that won't be out for at least another 2 mos. I will be looking at some Monsoons or Boston Acoustics.

[The Ancient One]

Just ordered similar machine. I'm going to get the Monsoon iM-700 system when I'm sure OS X will support it. Most of the comments I've seen on the web favor the Monsoons or the FPS2000, but I think you need a Soundblaster Live with the latter.

[ 07-20-2001: Message edited by: The Ancient One ]

[aaanorton]

I can't recommend the Monsoon iM-700's enough.
They sound and look awesome.
Their customer service is the best I have ever encountered.
They work flawlessly in OS X; it's not even an issue.
You can now get a USB adaptor (for the new Macs' lack of speaker port) which I've read rave reviews of on these boards.

Also, check out these MacNN reviews: http://reviews.macnn.com/reviews/pro...speakers.phtml
http://review.macnn.com/reviews/mwsp...speakers.phtml

If I had to buy a new set of speakers today, I would only consider, as other options, Monsoon's 1000's or 2000's. There is nothing else out there.
Cliff

[ 07-20-2001: Message edited by: aaanorton ]

[Skywalkers new Hand]

1) The Pro speakers are horrible (I have them)
2) The iSub is not as good as the one that comes with the SoundSticks and does NOT work in OSX
3) The soundsticks with the included iSub sound awesome, haven't cut out once in a year with 5 hours a day listening. They also work perfectly in OSX.

Not to mention the iSub that comes with the SoundSticks has a cool blue LED that is always on and looks awesome at night.

I HIGHLY recommend the soundsticks.

[IceEnclosure]

yo, don't listen to anyone in this thread ('less ya wanna spend alotta loot on speaks) except for (gasp) Skywalker..

I have the SoundSticks, and they ROCK..

the apple pro speakers are DOOKIE...

Surely with the iSub, they'd be a lil better, but they are weak speakers to beginwith, and the aren't made to work 'together' like the entire soundstick system.

Earlier in this thread, someone said yea, the soundsticks are nice, but they need the iSub.. don't be mistaken, the Soundsticks COME WITH an iSub, and they really sound great, haven't skipped a beat in OS 9.1/10-10.0.4

get 'em..they're nice

and yea, the blue LED is schweet

[Avenir]

I work at an apple shop, and have had both the sound sticks and the pro speakers and the isub up at different times... here's my thoughts

iSub on just an iMac sounds ok, but the soundsticks on a G4 sounded better. The iSub on the iMac (or with pro speakers) cuts out too much for my taste. The pro speakers themselves aren't worth it (the sticks are better themselves) without the Sub. However, that combination (as said before) is cheaper. If I had to pick, I'd say go with the sound sticks. I don't know why they specifically sound better, but they do. Here's another cool thing, the sticks are standard analog audio, so I bet you could plug them into something else besides the sub, though I haven't actually tried.

That all being said, I would honestly just get some third party speakers and cut your losses on the style and look. Why? Because they are way cheaper for the quality, and you aren't completely limited to the mac when using them. I have Cyber Acoustics that sound really good (cheap too) and I can plug them into my TV in my dorm, my discman, my walkman, or my Ti. Plus, they have the interchangeable iMac shells, so if you leave them off, they are clear and look like little graphite iMacs. Fits just fine next to my Ti.

Bottom line:
If you want style, go with the sound sticks
If you want better sound for less money, then go third party.

[Avenir]

Originally posted by aaanorton:
<STRONG>I can't recommend the Monsoon iM-700's enough.
They sound and look awesome.
Their customer service is the best I have ever encountered.
They work flawlessly in OS X; it's not even an issue.
You can now get a USB adaptor (for the new Macs' lack of speaker port) which I've read rave reviews of on these boards.</STRONG>

Sorry, did I miss something? Which new macs don't have a speaker port? I thought they all had headphone jacks at least. Isn't that enough for those kind of speakers?

And, riddle of the day:
What's worse than having no headphone jack?
Having it in the front of an Acer laptop (like my girlfriend does) so that your hands constantly get tangles if you try and plug in speakers.

Ok, ok, so maybe that's not worse, but it'd still suck

[ 07-21-2001: Message edited by: Avenir ]

[aaanorton]

Originally posted by Avenir:
<STRONG>Sorry, did I miss something? Which new macs don't have a speaker port? I thought they all had headphone jacks at least. Isn't that enough for those kind of speakers?
[ 07-21-2001: Message edited by: Avenir ]</STRONG>

You're right. I didn't put that quite right. I have a Sawtooth 450, so sometimes the new details elude me.
I've read, however, that the digitalt USB signal is stronger/better for a speaker system in general. This new adaptor allows you to use a USB port to take advantage of this. I don't quite get all of this, but this unit came out right after the "digital audio" line of G4's. Maybe someone else could explain this better than me.
This all being said, I still think the Monsoons put out more and cleaner sound than the Pro's or Soundsticks in any config. I shopped/tried them all before buying them.
Cliff

[ 07-21-2001: Message edited by: aaanorton ]