[GreenwoodMO]

I would like to get some recommendations on a quality audio system for the Mac. Harmon Soundsticks, Apple Pro, JBL Creature ....?

[Vader’s Pinch of Death]

I use the soundsticks and they sound incredible. Sure they are louder ones out there but they are unattractive and probably more then you need.

[vasu]

The soundsticks, jbl systems, and apple pro speakers will all sound similar as they all use the same speaker driver manufactured by Harman Multimedia.

I'm an audio snob and had serious issues (price tag being of them) with the Soundsticks.

For something that sounds good and looks good consider a flat panel speaker system from Monsoon (www.monsoonpower.com) Unfortunately, their website doesn't list computer speakers anymore. Either something is wrong with the site, or they don't make computer speakers anymore.

Logitech and Klipsh also make some fine speakers. In fact some of the higher end systems from these companies (around $300 I think) have an optical audio input that you can use to connect to your G5, so you get no buzz/hum/static on the line and really great detail.

[Vader’s Pinch of Death]

Originally posted by vasu:
The soundsticks, jbl systems, and apple pro speakers will all sound similar as they all use the same speaker driver manufactured by Harman Multimedia.

Shows how much you know. The soundsticks are twice as powerfull as the Creatures, not to mention they have SIX more midrange ports.

Also the pro speakers have no sub woofer at all.

They sound nothing alike.

[///Milien]

I have the Soundsticks at home and at the office and love them. The Apple Pro Speakers don't even come close in comparison (since there is no subwoofer). The JBL Creatures are nice, but personally I don't find their output as rich.

I am keeping my eyes out for a new speaker system from JBL called Encounters. The 5.1 system will go for ~$400 and the 2.1 system will go for ~$200.

There is a 4.1 system from JBL right now called the Invader. I haven't had the chance to evaluate them.

[Commodus]

How about Klipsch? The ProMedia 2.1/4.1/5.1 sets sound great (lots of bass but still clear) and won't look out of place next to a G5.

[gunnar]

I've always found the Yamaha computer products to be far superior to the competitors. They're the only ones who give you a natural sound. Everything else has aggressive treble and bass which becomes fatiguing very quickly.

[DBvader]

it really depends on how much you want to spend. You have that beautiful new computer with a Optical out, so why waste on Creatures, Sound sticks, or any of those speaker systems that stress looks more than sound? Ive owned a pair of Klipsch 4.1s, 5.1s. and a pair of Logitech Z-680. I think that the best performer of the three (and these three easily sound better than soundsticks/creatures/etc) are the 5.1s. Luckily enough, klipsch released a new pair of them called the ULTRA 5.1s. i would pick that up and a DD51 if you can afford it and need positional sound.

But, if you want something even better, then i would suggest getting a decent reciever (either stereo or multichannel) and buying a pair of Klipsch Refrence Series bookshelf speakers (and adding more speakers on as you need/can afford it). Though this is a bit more expensive than the Ultras/DD51, it would sound much better.

[GreenwoodMO]

Thanks guys. I ended up ordering a pair of Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 refurbished for $99. The specs on these things are incredible for the price.

[Link]

wow. where did you find THAT price?

The next would be klipsch GMX 2.1 . .. what I'll probably end up getting. The sub looks fantastic

[RayX]

Originally posted by GreenwoodMO:
I would like to get some recommendations on a quality audio system for the Mac. Harmon Soundsticks, Apple Pro, JBL Creature ....?

I recommend purchasing some real speakers, not these gimicky "computer" speakers. They sound terrible.

Pick up a receiver/amp to power them, and use the optical out from the G5.

This also gives you an upgrade path to 5.1 or higher if you need it.

[vasu]

like I said they sound "similar" (not to be read incorrectly as the same" and I said they use the same drivers. i.e., the soundsticks has 4 drivers per speaker, but it's the same driver as what's in the pro speaker and the creature.

Sorry if I didn't explain myself well. Either way, those 3 system suck in comparison to Klipsh or the new Logitech's

-vasu

[GreenwoodMO]

Originally posted by Link:
wow. where did you find THAT price?

The next would be klipsch GMX 2.1 . .. what I'll probably end up getting. The sub looks fantastic

I got them at the Klipsch store http://store.klipsch.com/list.asp?CtgID=8. They also have the 4.1 refurbished for $129. They say the speakers may have a cosmetic imperfection, so they can not be sold as new. I will let you know what they consider a cosmetic imperfection after I get them and do a little inspection. Here is their definition of "refurbished".

What is refurbished?
Klipsch has taken merchandise not fit to be sold as new and replaced parts tested to be reliable and meeting factory specifications. Systems are sold with the understanding that they may have cosmetic imperfections.
Why only a 90-day warranty?
Because the systems are sold at below cost, the warranty is good for 90 days.

[tracheopterix]

Originally posted by RayX:
I recommend purchasing some real speakers, not these gimicky "computer" speakers. They sound terrible.

Pick up a receiver/amp to power them, and use the optical out from the G5.

true. the dope part about the optical out is being able to get digital quality straight into most recievers.

if you want computer speakers, cambridge soundworks is the way to go. www.hifi.com I have the microworks, and they are damned good. not an audiophile system, but they do the job well.

[Hi I'm Ben]

Klipsch is the way to go. Just like all the people said above.

I sadly only bought the 2.1 I'm currently kicking myself... I LOVE IT THOUGH. Man these speakers destroy all the other speakers I've used and heard. If you go to a best buy or circuit city a lot of times they will have all the speakers laid out of you to use and test. It's a good place to get a feel for them.

Soundsticks are a joke, so are the "Pro Apple" And iSub is laughable too if you want real audio.

I don't care if the harmen kardon they sound like garbage.

[ckohler]

I ended up buying a set of creature speakers over the Soundsticks for three reasons. For one, I'm not an audiophile and they sounded damn good to me. I don't need pure digital sound.

Second, I don't like the idea of using USB speakers since they draw (minor) additional CPU usage and USB bandwidth to work. Finally, I don't have a complete sound system inside my computer sitting around being unused.

[Hi I'm Ben]

USB audio is cool like PCI graphics

[a2daj]

I have the Logitech Z-680s and have no complaints. They're not hooked up to a G5 though. They're plugged into my Revolution 7.1 card. Watching DVDs with true 5.1 sound on my Mac *sniff sniff*. It's so pretty.

[CheesePuff]

Go with only Klipsch, Logitech or Monsoon (PlanarMedia 14's).

[natan]

I had Altec Lansing ATP-3's for 3 years, and when they died I knew I wanted something better, and was willing to pay more for it.

So I bought a refurbished Onyko TX-8211 (receiver) for $99, a pair of Klipsch RB-35's for $460 shipped, and some $70 stands.

They sound fantastic, and completely blow away any "computer speakers" I've ever heard (and I've heard Klipsch ProMedia 2.1/5.1's and Logitech Z-680's).

[striker100]

I like these:
http://www.wilsonaudio.com/products/alex_index.html

[Cadaver]

Originally posted by striker100:
I like these:
http://www.wilsonaudio.com/products/alex_index.html

Yeah.. at something like $35,000 a pair (probably more).

[striker100]

They are over $100,000 a pair.
There is a waiting list until March 2004, the first 12 pairs were purchased sight unseen.

[MusicalTone]

I just ordered some Soundsticks. They sounded good enough for a computer audio setup. The Kiplsch kit looks nice too, but I think it is overkill for a computer setup (especially a Powerbook).

For real audio quality I would rather get a Lynn system and ditch the computer.

[Lyra]

Originally posted by GreenwoodMO:
I would like to get some recommendations on a quality audio system for the Mac. Harmon Soundsticks, Apple Pro, JBL Creature ....?

Listen all I can say is that I am in love with my JBL Creature speakers...

As simple as that...

When I ordered my G5 1.8, I had the option to either pay an extra $600 bucks (in DK) for some idiotic 5.1 sourround speakers or nothing at all...

So I called Apple and said, you have got to be kidding me, such a cool computer and not to mention pretty expensive, you want me to pay so much more just to have 5.1? I said I didn't need 5.1, isn't there anything else, then she said well we do have the JBL...

After talking with quite a few people, I realized this had to be the best choice...

When I opened it, I was really thinking to my self, this is a joke, how can they sound so good? But when I plugged it into my iPod, cause I got the computer a bit later, it was amazing, breathtaking...

You get the most out of your money when buying these speakers... On top of that they cool pretty cool next to your screen...

I can whole heartedly recomend them...

For me sound is very important as I work with FCP4 and DVD Studio Pro, I need to be impressed with the sound that I add. They do that job... When I am done I can test the entire thing on my stereo, thanks for the optical in ports...

So go for it mate...

http://www.harman-multimedia.com/

The truth is out there...

[MusicalTone]

Lyra, I have heard many creature owners prefer them over the soundsticks. Certainly the differene is hotly debated.

[Lyra]

Originally posted by MusicalTone:
Lyra, I have heard many creature owners prefer them over the soundsticks. Certainly the differene is hotly debated.

Well I have heard the soundsticks too, but to be honest, I must say, the reason why I am so happy with mine has also something to do with the fact that they look fantastic next to my Studio Display...

As for sound, I think they both sound great, one thing that is very important is to understand that nearly all good speakers can be made to sound better and worse then they really are.

It all comes down to where you are and how you have your system set up...

I sit in a corner where the subwoofer is on the desk, providing the excellent base I need for some of the stuff I work on... But again, if I had it elsewhere it would sound a little different...

The best thing would be to simply try them out at home and see if it work for you...

But for my personal experience I feel I got the best thing out there with the money I had and I am simply not complaining...

Also I think the JBL Creature and soundsticks are in the same price range...

I hope you find what you are looking for...

Do a good search before buying anything...

But I think both soundsticks and Creature are great in sound, so let the design be your guide to what you want to invest in...

[Mithras]

Originally posted by striker100:
They are over $100,000 a pair.
There is a waiting list until March 2004, the first 12 pairs were purchased sight unseen.

That company must specialize in selling to absolute kooks if they think this photo is an attractive image of life with their speakers:

[Y3a]

I too am a snob audiophile type. Get a good solid amp with 50+ watts per channel RMS. also get a pair of KEF, Advent smallers, or even JBL 4311, 4312 type monitors. REALLY hear it. If you can hear the various sonic by-products of digital sound then your system IS better than the source.

Sub-woofers can NEVER be matched to the upper speakers, so you ALWAYS get cancellation of some of the sound.

Wierd shaped rooms also take realism away. Car interiors come to mind... Sub-woofer in the trunk! LOL

get some Q-Tips and clean out your dirty ears! Bose 901's and other gimmicks fool the new-bies all the time.

[MisterRogers]

I'm running optical out from my G5 Dual into my Yamaha HTR-5660 6.1 descrete amp, into a Yamaha subwoofer, two Definitive BP-10's for my front pair, and two Paradigm's for my rear pair. Not doing 5.1 yet, so no center speaker. Since I many listen to music, I don't miss it. I tell ya, there's nothing quite like 85 pure watts per channel (x6), playing music loud, with no fatigue. Gotta love it!

[benb]

Originally posted by striker100:
They are over $100,000 a pair.
There is a waiting list until March 2004, the first 12 pairs were purchased sight unseen.

Yes, but do they sound 10X better than these?

http://www.merlinmusic.com/

Probably not. But if you have 100K to blow on speakers, you probably don't care.

[striker100]

Well I haven't personally listened to the Wilson Alexandria speakers but I have listened to the Merlins many times and they are wonderful.
They sound their best with good tube amplification.

Somehow I think the Wilsons give a more "lifelike" presentation at least as far as bass extension and soundstage/imaging goes.

[GreenwoodMO]

For anyone interested I just got my refurbed ProMedia 2.1 Klipsch speakers from Klipsch.com and they look and sound great. I don't see any imperefections on any of the components. They also sound awesome for computer speakers.

[drjoe]

Originally posted by striker100:
Well I haven't personally listened to the Wilson Alexandria speakers but I have listened to the Merlins many times and they are wonderful.
They sound their best with good tube amplification.

Somehow I think the Wilsons give a more "lifelike" presentation at least as far as bass extension and soundstage/imaging goes.

While my listening room system is SOTA/Counterpoint/AResearch/Acostat[2+2] with lots of other bits and pieces; for the office I am quite happy with a Dynaco80Q/AR4x system that beats anything built as a 'computer speaker'. Stay away from ALL of them, they're junk.

[Swift]

Originally posted by gunnar:
I've always found the Yamaha computer products to be far superior to the competitors. They're the only ones who give you a natural sound. Everything else has aggressive treble and bass which becomes fatiguing very quickly.

I'd be surprised if Yamaha speakers were to my taste. Japan for electronics, Britain and the US for speakers. Every Japanese system I've ever heard has been thin, tinny and overly forward.

[rhogue islander]

Well I would have recommended the Monsoons (they are very musical to this jaded audiophile's ears) but alas they are now out of business.

[MAlan]

I have the sound sticks + iSub and I'm dissapointed with them. I was surprised at the poor dynamic range. The sound quality is good when listening to music at medium to low volume but it sucks at high volume.

When I get my G5 I'll be looking at a new audio setup.

[booboo]

Why do people generally only consider computer audio products, rather than hi-fi or studio audio equipment?

Is it mainly the size, or the integrated amplification, or ease of connection or price?

I use a pair of JBL Control 1 speakers hooked up to a separate hi-fi amp - but then my G4 is the centre of my home audio music studio. I can also hear it through my main hi-fi's Mission 701 speakers. The Missions were inexpensive - but I chose them by ear over speakers costing much more. To me, they're neutral and detailed, with no fatiguing peaks. If anything, they're a little flattering. For a mid-field speaker where high sound levels aren't required, I prefer them over all the usual choices.

However, if I were a more casual user, I'd still prefer a pair of (even inexpensive) hi-fi speakers - probably 'active' ones (built-in amplification) over any computer audio products I've ever heard.

If I were a super-casual user, with little interest in genuine fidelity, I'd stick with the little Apple speakers and an iSub - because they look so great . . .

[rhogue islander]

I simply want something compact yet musical for the home office. Music is purely for background accompaniment to my activity here.

In addition, I don't really regard this room or its layout suitable for spacious three dimensional stereo reproduction.

My living room plays host to an elaborate two channel system. If I want to knock out the stops, I go there.

[Kenstee]

I'll give a vote for the Klipsch 2.1 THX. I use them with my PB12 and they sound GREAT!!!!

Before that I tried the JBL Creature Speakers (sounded tinny) and the Altec ATP (terrible mid-range.)

When I first set up the Klipsch and turned them on I was blown away!!! My first words were "That's it!!!"

I imagine they'll sound even better with the G5 because it has much better sound hardware than a PB.

[TMLai]

If you sit less then 5 feet from your speakers. Look at the following:

http://www.genelec.com/products/1029a/1029a.php

Genelec is the industrial standand on near field monitors. Every major recording studio will have at least a pair of those. The 1029a is the cheapest they offer (~US1000). The high end detail of these little speakers are second to non. You can match them with matching subwoofer if you want flater bass. (Please keep in mind that the response of those studio monitor are absolute flat. If you want back breaking bass then you should look else where.)

In order to get the best out of those speakers, you have to buy a professional sound interface. The best OS X compatible one are from Motu and Digidesign. Those speakers require +4db output that only professional sound interface provided.

[zigzag]

Originally posted by booboo:
Why do people generally only consider computer audio products, rather than hi-fi or studio audio equipment?

Is it mainly the size, or the integrated amplification, or ease of connection or price?

I've often wondered that myself. Better speakers have always been out there, people just didn't think of hooking them up to their PCs.

I think it has a lot to do with the fact that PCs evolved mostly as business/work tools, less so as entertainment/pleasure tools. They're usually in the office (work), not the living room (entertainment). Even when they've been used as entertainment, it's mostly been for game-related sound effects. Now, with the spread of digital music/video formats, PCs are becoming entertainment centers as well. My big audio system (with Snell towers) collects dust in the living room while I spend all of my time in the office surfing the web, editing video, and listening to iTunes on my little Apple Pro speakers. When I get a G5, I'll probably hook some decent electronics and speakers up to it via the optical output.

I agree with you that computer-oriented speaker systems tend to be very limited, so you might as well get ones that look cool. But more and more people seem to be hooking up good electronics and speakers.

[triplezoom]

I picked up an optical audio cable last night and hooked my Kenwood Dolby Digital/DTS receiver up to my new G5 last night, and the sound is great.

[kugino]

if you're able, i agree with some of the posts that the best sound will be to hook up the digital out to your A/V receiver and pick up some good speakers.

audiophile sound can also be had via earphones...check out the grado sr60 or sr80...and pick up a headphone amp while you're at it. no computer speaker system will sound better than the grados coupled with a headphone amp.

[kugino]

Originally posted by Lyra:
Listen all I can say is that I am in love with my JBL Creature speakers...

As simple as that...

When I ordered my G5 1.8, I had the option to either pay an extra $600 bucks (in DK) for some idiotic 5.1 sourround speakers or nothing at all...

So I called Apple and said, you have got to be kidding me, such a cool computer and not to mention pretty expensive, you want me to pay so much more just to have 5.1? I said I didn't need 5.1, isn't there anything else, then she said well we do have the JBL...

After talking with quite a few people, I realized this had to be the best choice...

When I opened it, I was really thinking to my self, this is a joke, how can they sound so good? But when I plugged it into my iPod, cause I got the computer a bit later, it was amazing, breathtaking...

You get the most out of your money when buying these speakers... On top of that they cool pretty cool next to your screen...

I can whole heartedly recomend them...

For me sound is very important as I work with FCP4 and DVD Studio Pro, I need to be impressed with the sound that I add. They do that job... When I am done I can test the entire thing on my stereo, thanks for the optical in ports...

So go for it mate...

http://www.harman-multimedia.com/

The truth is out there...


if you need precise and accurate sound using FCP4 and DVD studio pro, you should be using some good headphones, which will give you far more accuracy for the price. a pair of grado sr60s are about $65 and the sr80s about $25 more. they are the best headphones in that price range - and will dramatically enhance your listening pleasure:

www.gradolabs.com

[emark]

It is perhaps not as expensive, and doesn't take advantage of the surround sound capablity, but many are faced with spaces where running wire to rear speakers is spatially, or aesthetically sub-opitmal...

for those looking for phenomenal stereo, and game play at a very reasonable cost, I have absolutely loved the ATP3 setup from Altec Lansing....

It is as low as $39.99 on Price Grabber, I pd. about $75 a year or two ago.

the ATP3 is black and looks like it was designed for IKEA, neat, elegant shape....it seems there is an updated version, the VS4121, slightly more powerful, and a look that would probably match a g5 better, but whatever your preferences...

They have two front-firing tweeters, a 3.5" midrange that fires into the tabletop, and a subwoofer for under your desk. Seperate treble and bass and volume.

The only features I would've like to have seen is dual inputs, and a headphone jack on the front of one the desktop speakers....

to me, they sounded superior to the much more expensive, remote controlled options by Altec-Lansing, perhaps fot their adjustability...whatever, very subjective stuff, but

Since it is a closeout, vs the updated model, these are phenomenal....or, a good solution for another room for ipod/cd player amplification w/o a system?

I listened in couple of stores to more expensive speakers, and was willing to spend more, but couldn't be happier. Music sounds really good, even at higher volumes, I have an old component stereo (HK) w/ modest speakers in the room, and don't feel like I need to switch over and pump the audio out through there like I used to have to do w/ an older desktop speaker set I had....and it ads a ton of punch to games.

If you can't tell yet, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED (especially @ under $40!, though I don't feel bad for what I paid back then)

[shawk]

You might look at the Meridian DSP8000. $45,000 but probably worth it.

[bri-guy]

I agree that the Grado headphones are awesome. I'm very happy with mine. I bought them because ear buds hurt my ears and the iPod came with ear buds. The Grados sound great, but when you plug them into the G5 they absolutely come alive (yes, the G5 has better audio than the iPod).

I would like to take advantage of the optical audio capabilities of my G5 and think that getting a receiver is probably the way to go. Are there any receivers out there with excellent sound reproduction, optical input, and all in a package that's very small? It need only be two-channel.

How do these Yamaha things stack up? It seems to be a little overkill for what I need, but it's in a small package, has optical in, and looks nice. I'd give up nearly all the features for a more powerful amplifier however.
http://www.yamahamultimedia.com/yec/...avit/apu70.asp

[RAMdrd]

I would like to get some recommendations on a quality audio system for the Mac. Harmon Soundsticks, Apple Pro, JBL Creature ....?

The are a lot of people here how claim to be audio snobs and in fact may be, but only a few actual know anything about it.

Some know a lot of high-end brand names, and still only a few of them know what they're talking about.

The clown who said "shows how much you know" apparently doesn't know that the SoundStix are not a "ported" speaker system. That was good for a laugh.

The guy who recommeded flat panes speakers doesn't fair much better. The major problem with Monsoon's (I have the 700s) or most flat panels is that they have a *very* tiny sweet spot. They sound fine if your seating position doesn't change (sitting up to leaning back will often make a big difference in the quality of the sound) and you will use them primarily only while you're at your computer. But if you want them on while you move around the room, these would not be a good choice.

Your budget will make a huge difference in choice.

First of all, how critical of a listener are you? Do you compose, mix, or dub music? Do you listen to it primarily, or as background while working on your computer? Do you often hear music on systems that sound "bad" or annoying, to you ?

Second, how good is the audio of the G5? Does it merit a set of Krell Monoblocs and B&W Matrix speakers? I think not, but until one actually knows, getting high end equipment is probably more "mine is bigger than yours" than actually cost effective, or even perceptibly effective.

Getting any outboard amplification equipment do take advantage of the digital output may also not be cost effective. But if one has long speaker runs or tends to get RFI or EFI, this could be worthwhile.
The G5's digital output is probably superior to any headphone or line output, but by how much? That should be quantified before considering more, expensive electronics. There is also real estate to think about.. Do you have enough room for ancillary equipment?


Third, how much do you want to spend, anyway? That always matters.

"Computer speakers" may wrinkle the nose of audiophiles and snobs, but they can be *very* satisfactory.

NONE of them have a true subwoofer. Those do have a third unit they erroneously call a "sub" do sound much nicer than two-piece systems, for good reason. They add more range to the frequency response you're hearing, and usually increase the volume levels. What some won't tell you, and many don't know, is that the louder of two or more speaker systems will always sound better to the ear. It will take a very big difference in quality to know that a quieter system is actually the "better" sounding one.

Klipsch's are often mentioned as great "computer" speakers. I have a set of the Pro Media 2.1s, and they are "fine". Great? No, not in *all* the aspects that I consider important in a speaker, but they do play quite a bit louder than most, and have fairly low distortion levels, so they are quite popular. They look OK, but the plastic light plastic housing is a bit deceiving. The woofer is more traditional in construction.

I've got the Creatures, and I like them a lot. The sound is decent and they have a *tiny* footprint, fair volume, and bass and treble controls.

I have the Apple Pro Speakers, and eventually added the iSub. All made by Harmon Kardon, but the iSub is slightly different than the woofer (which some call "sub") of the SoundStix. The satellites are obviously different. I don't know that the G5 supports the Pros anyway.

I don't own the SS, but have heard them at length many times, and like them. Adequate frequency response (I mean, this is a computer, and some many will be listening to MP3s, and not SACDs, AIFFs, or even CDs. And some music choices will render fidelity irrelevant, anyway.)

I picked up a set of cheap three-piece Creative/SoundWorks speakers for a work PC and was quite pleased. Nice sound, acceptible imaging, and modest cost.

It's all relative. Nobody know what kind of sound you like, so it's hard to predict what speakers you will like. Really, there wasn't a bad pair mentioned (although I didn't reall *too* closely!)

But the weakest pair are the Apple Pro speakers, OEM or otherwise. They are not designed to play loudly at all, and most complaints come from those who overdrive them far beyond their limitations. Those who do so don't know audio; they just want LOUD.

It's nearly impossible to judge the sound in a store, so if you buy locally, you'll probably be able to return or exchange them.

I don't know if I qualify as an audiophile or snob (I don't pay $300/M for interconnects!) but I don't do serious music listening on my computer. That's why I have an audio system.

Computer or "real" speakers and discrete amp (not a bad way to go), it's your ears, and your wallet.

[ccrider]

Although they may be out of business, you can still find some Monsoons around for CHEAP. They sound pretty darn good, and crank. The 14's are better but harder to find now.

Check out this price on the planar 9's:

Monsoon Planar 9 - $69

I've been pretty happy with these, and recommended them to 2 of my friends who love them too.

Don't get soundsticks or creatures, they sound tinny and crappy.

BTW, they also look pretty cool, too.