[KeilwerthSX90R]

Now that I've got all my CDs on my PowerMac I'm trying to decide the best way to play them. I'm looking at: good computer speakers, airport express or other connection to a home stereo, remotes, etc.

What audio setups are people using, what should I be looking at?

Thanks,
Josh

[kikkoman]

Originally posted by KeilwerthSX90R:
Now that I've got all my CDs on my PowerMac I'm trying to decide the best way to play them. I'm looking at: good computer speakers, airport express or other connection to a home stereo, remotes, etc.

What audio setups are people using, what should I be looking at?

Thanks,
Josh

I just purchased the Tivoli Model Two and the accompanying subwoofer. I've been very pleased with it. I almost never listen to music on my home theater setup anymore. Previously I had the Klipsch Promedia 2.1, which are good speakers too.

[tooki]

You'll hear a ton of people here swearing by H/K SoundSticks, JBL Creature, and similar snazzy-looking systems. While none of those sound bad, similar sound quality can be purchased for 1/3-1/5 of the cost if you are willing to go with conventional-looking speakers. The SoundSticks and Creatures are so-so speakers in really cool housings.

Now, if you really want sound quality, but don't care so much about looks (or saving space), consider buying a pair of studio monitors from a musicians' store. They sound great, and if they're good enough to make music on, they're bound to be good enough to listen to it.

I have a pair of long-discontinued Jamo CS-5 multimedia speakers on my Macs, but if I had to recommend speakers today, I'd either look at some of the larger Altec Lansings, or if you prefer a less bright sound, some Klipsches, or for a larger budget, some studio monitors as described above.

Another option is to use a digital optical output to an AV receiver, connected to nice home speakers of your choice. This gives you the possibility of surround, too, if you like to play DVDs on your Mac. (G5 Macs already have optical output, for all the others, it's available in the form of USB adapters.) Of course, an analog stereo audio connection to an AV receiver works, too!

tooki

[Apfhex]

The Altec Lansing FX6021's are my dream 2.1 speakers. They're a bit higher cost and my current speakers are doing good enough, but I'd love to have a set of those. Stay away from Logitech (except for their Z-5500's, but those aren't really optimal for music), and IMHO the Klipsch speakers I've heard (friend has a set of 4.1's, dunno what model exactly) weren't all that impressive to me.

If you search I think there are plenty of older but still relevant threads on speakers.

[Captain Egotist]

Snag a mini plug to RCA cable, some long RCAs, and plug it into your stereo. Works great.

[israces]

I'm a big fan of the Klipsch.

[iDORK]

Check out the Altec Lansing XT1 speakers...these are USB powered too so no batteries!

Reviewhttp://www.laptoplogic.com/reviews/gear/50/1/1/

[Yose]

I've always been happy with what I've seen from Edirol, however, right now I have an RCA receiver that I connect to through optical powering two satilite speakers. My Airport Express it connected to a Harmon Kardon system thats driving two big floor speakrs (no sub).

[fisherKing]

check out m-audio.com;
they make great powered speakers, studio quality (i use the 5" pair as a second set un my studio); great sound, price.

get a stereo mini plug to 2 1/4" plugs, hook up to your headphone output on the mac, and enjoy...!