Best 2.1 Mac Speakers? [Archive]

powermac

Mar 5, 2004, 02:02 AM

russed

Mar 5, 2004, 03:22 AM

You should go for the creatures, they are amazing. the sound quality is very good and loads of bass if you want it, and they look nice on your desk!

pepeleuepe

Mar 5, 2004, 03:26 AM

Many people have been recommending the Creatures lately. I personally haven't heard them, but I love my Klipsch Pro Media's (http://www.klipsch.com/product/product.aspx?Cid=103). They have clear highs, even response, tight bass. I would suggest you try and find somewhere to listen to both models.

Steven1621

Mar 5, 2004, 12:03 PM

creatures are a nice choice

applebum

Mar 5, 2004, 12:26 PM

I'm thinking JBL Creature II but I'm also considering Klipsch Promedia GMX. Don't need anything fancy just two satellites and a sub to play music and possibly some games. But I want the music to sound damn good!

Soundsticks! I listened to both the Soundsticks and the creatures at CompUSA and I preferred the Soundsticks. I think they look better too. Go somewhere that you can listen to all your choices and compare. Soundsticks sell for $160 at Amazon.

applemacdude

Mar 5, 2004, 12:42 PM

Creature II's Superb sound quality for the price. Also you can get them for 80 bucks at buy.com

invaLPsion

Mar 5, 2004, 02:45 PM

How many times do I have to say this? Go for the Creative I-Trigue 3450s!

Bluefusion

Mar 5, 2004, 03:06 PM

No. If you have ANY possibility of affording them, buy Klipsch Promedias or GMXs. The Creatures are decent, (though for the price, Altec Lansing ATP3s are still better at $60 or so) but if you can get Klipsch, DO IT. You won't ever regret it.

Bluefusion

Mar 5, 2004, 03:12 PM

Followup: ATP3s (formerly $120, then $80) are now down to $45, making them pretty much a steal. These are unquestionably the best 2.1s under $100, (yes, counting the Creatures and Soundsticks and all that) and the Klipsch GMXs are the best 2.1s, period.

Altec Lansings in White: http://www.pricegrabber.com/search_getprod.php/masterid=324041/search=atp3/ut=44a73f9f16dfecd2

Altec Lansings in Black: http://www.pricegrabber.com/search_getprod.php/masterid=234330/search=atp3/ut=44a73f9f16dfecd2

Klipsch Promedia (older, more conservative-looking version of the GMX): http://www.pricegrabber.com/search_getprod.php/masterid=1738217/found=1/ut=44a73f9f16dfecd2

Opteron

Mar 5, 2004, 04:21 PM

I can't stand multimedia speakers:(. but that's just my opinion.

Freakk123

Mar 5, 2004, 05:03 PM

I have the Klipsch and have used the Creatures, and all I can say is BUY THE KLIPSCH!!! They have really good bass, and sound great. If you can afford them, get them!

smharmon

Mar 5, 2004, 07:06 PM

I thought us mac users wanted style, looks, and performance... you have to go soundsticks or the creatures (my choice)

craigdawg

Mar 9, 2004, 12:30 AM

I'm thinking JBL Creature II but I'm also considering Klipsch Promedia GMX. Don't need anything fancy just two satellites and a sub to play music and possibly some games. But I want the music to sound damn good!

I have the old school ProMedia 2.1 and have been very happy. While they may not be as interesting to look at as the Creatures, they sound GREAT and that's all really that matters. In fact, they're so good I now listen to music exclusively on the computer.

The sats are two-way (the Creatures have a single driver) and because they're taller, the tweeters will be closer to ear-level where you want them for better imaging.

The sub has surprisingly deep bass (the sub gets down to 31Hz compared to 50Hz on the JBL) and is rated at double the wattage as the Creature's with less distortion.

That being said, if you can, do a side-by-side comparison with some music you're really familiar with. Let your ears tell you what's best for you.

PlaceofDis

Mar 9, 2004, 12:53 AM

i have Altec Lansing's ATP3s and i think they are wonderful, the reason i got theses is because of thier sub-$100 price tag compared to the others when i bought mine, but i have no regrets because the sound quality is great...for me at least....

powermac

Mar 9, 2004, 10:26 AM

The Klipsch Promedia GMX A-2.1 look great, they're more stylish than the older Promedias. So it seems like if I want true hi-fi audio I should go with Klipsch. And with these new ones I can have style along with the high quality sound. Does anyone else have an opinion?

I should've mentioned this before, but I also plan to MAKE music on my new Mac. So it sounds like Klipsch is the way to go. Thanks to everyone who's posted, this is a great help. But keep the debate up...I'm not going to buy the speakers until Monday. (payday! :D )

Mac people are so freaking nice. This is great. I get my G5 tomorrow supposedly.

emacnewbie

Mar 9, 2004, 11:08 AM

kibit

Mar 9, 2004, 01:09 PM

ezkimo

Mar 9, 2004, 01:49 PM

I have these (http://www.klipsch.com/product/product.aspx?Cid=656) Klipsch speakers and highly recommend them.
Great sound, look pretty good, easy setup, dont take up much space...

-Zach

CubeHacker

Mar 9, 2004, 03:42 PM

I have a pair of Klipsch Promedia 2.1's, and they sound absolutely wonderful. I am not aware of any hiss, even with volume at 100%. Keep in mind that soundcards always produce a bit of line noice due to their analog nature, and so it is best to keep the actual volume slider on your Mac no higher than 50%. Any higher than that, and it might introduce hiss - on any speakers.

wsteineker

Mar 9, 2004, 04:52 PM

BUY THE KLIPSCH PROMEDIA 2.1 SYSTEM!!!!! I've had Soundsticks, Creatures, and several Creative or Altec ystems, and the Klipsch speakers absolutely dominate every other model in terms of power, response, clarity, depth, and range. Put simply, they are the ONLY choice for a real audiophile on a (relative) budget.

emacnewbie

Mar 9, 2004, 05:19 PM

I'd like to get a response from the Klipsch users on the following quote concerning the ProMedia speakers taken from a consumer review on another web site: "But they require a digital connection and as such there is usually a connection stream from the appliance (normally a PC or console game machine)--and if there is a stream these speakers hiss like an air leak.

Klipsch is aware of the issue (and in fact, they begin their FAQ about these speakers with the topic). Their response? All speakers hiss. That is just not the truth, but it is true that all of THESE speakers hiss.

I have since ditched the controller puck (where the DSP lives) and voila! the hiss is gone. "
Not being an audiophile I'm not sure if this accurate info or not. Any thoughts? Thanks, Mike

bonk

Mar 9, 2004, 05:31 PM

god, I almost hesitate to throw in my 2 cents - I'm sure I'll be soundly flamed by the audiophiles, but...

I have a set of logitech X220s. they sound great. huge base response. 50 bucks. it's really hard (at least in my experience) to find a place to listen to a decent selection of computer speakers head to head, but they sounded at least as good as anything else I tested for twice the price. if you're willing to spend 150+, I'm sure you can get much better, but these are terrific speakers at an unbeatable price. (oh, and they're nice and fugly, too!)

Soire

Mar 9, 2004, 08:13 PM

powermac

Mar 9, 2004, 08:48 PM

I'd like to get a response from the Klipsch users on the following quote concerning the ProMedia speakers taken from a consumer review on another web site: "But they require a digital connection and as such there is usually a connection stream from the appliance (normally a PC or console game machine)--and if there is a stream these speakers hiss like an air leak...

I believe this reviewer was talking about the 5.1 version. I'm pretty sure the 2.1 version is your standard headphone jack and an additional RCA jack (like the back of your stereo). Am I correct?

emacnewbie

Mar 9, 2004, 09:25 PM

Powermac, You are correct, they were the 5.1s. I'm not familiar with either setup. The reviewer I quoted also said "I actually have the 5.1 version of these speakers but the DSP in the 2.1 is the same, and that is the cause of the hiss". Still not sure what that means. I do know that I'll be making up my mind shortly as to which brand/type to get and will be curious as to what you end up with. Thanks to everyone taking part in this discussion. It's good to get a computer speaker education! Mike

Bluefusion

Mar 9, 2004, 10:12 PM

I'm in a similar situation. I'm looking to spend no more than $100 and would like something that sounds pretty good and is easy on the eyes for a new PowerMac when they're released (fingers crossed). The iTrigue 3350s or Creature speakers first came to mind. Any thoughts? Thanks.

Altec Lansing ATP3s, as I mentioned earlier. $45, (previously $80 and still a steal at that price) and better sound quality than anything but the $150 Klipsch Promedias.

I owned four sets, loved them all to death... now I have a bigass JVC stereo as my sound system, but it's HUGE and quite an acquired taste as far as looks are concerned... and it also cost $350, so... :P

As everyone keeps saying.. if you can afford the Klipsch, buy them. If you can't, get the ATP3s. Nothing--Soundsticks, Creatures, Logitechs-- compares to them except the Klipsch systems.

craigdawg

Mar 9, 2004, 10:40 PM

I believe this reviewer was talking about the 5.1 version. I'm pretty sure the 2.1 version is your standard headphone jack and an additional RCA jack (like the back of your stereo). Am I correct?

The ProMedia 2.1's primary input is a 1/8" stereo mini-plug that I have plugged into the headphone jack of my iMac. The right sat has an headphone jack (so you can still use headphones) and another 1/8" input to plug in an iPod, for example. There is no RCA input but you can use a RCA-to-mini-plug cable and be fine.

The one thing that I don't like is the speaker jack on the sat is yet another 1/8" mini-plug but the speaker cable connects to the sub/amp with a spring-loaded jack. If you want to upgrade the cables from the cheap-o lampcords you'd have to solder your own mini-plugs onto one end or buy the $29 Monster Cable 2.1 Kit which I don't feel is worth $29.

http://store.klipsch.com/details.asp?prodID=20

I haven't had any problems with hiss or humming but the mini-plugs on the OEM speaker cable are L-shaped which causes a harsh bend and sometimes I have to fiddle with them. It hasn't caused me enough grief to want to make my own cables yet.

craigdawg

Mar 9, 2004, 10:50 PM

New speakers are on my list as well. After searching consumer reviews on several sites one thing that is mentioned a lot about the Klipsch ProMedia speakers is a continuous hiss they produce. I'm trying to cover up the fan noise, not add to it. Anyone care to comment? Thanks, Mike

Interestingly enough, my SMC router which happens to sit on top of the sub hisses like a mo-fo and I have no idea why. :confused:

Soire

Mar 10, 2004, 11:09 AM

Altec Lansing ATP3s, as I mentioned earlier. $45, (previously $80 and still a steal at that price) and better sound quality than anything but the $150 Klipsch Promedias.

I owned four sets, loved them all to death... now I have a bigass JVC stereo as my sound system, but it's HUGE and quite an acquired taste as far as looks are concerned... and it also cost $350, so... :P

As everyone keeps saying.. if you can afford the Klipsch, buy them. If you can't, get the ATP3s. Nothing--Soundsticks, Creatures, Logitechs-- compares to them except the Klipsch systems.

Here's the thing. Are you sure they sound better than the Creative iTrigues which have the same number of drivers, I believe, are only a few bucks more, look better, and have an iPod connector? If they really are a deal, i'll cough up the $60 or so, but for another $40 the iTrigues or creatures look nicer with more features and may sound as good. So are the ATP3s really sound heaven or what? Just wondering...

Dave00

Mar 10, 2004, 12:20 PM

I've had Altec Lansing AVS300's for 2 years now, and I've been very pleased with the purchase. (Not that you'd use this outdated model, but should have some bearing on the newer models too.) Great sound quality, independent bass control. Not very stylish, but inexpensive and loud enough to fill a bedroom and be heard well from anywhere on the same floor.

Dave

amnesiac1984

Mar 10, 2004, 12:38 PM

I thought us mac users wanted style, looks, and performance... you have to go soundsticks or the creatures (my choice)

Yes but thats for computers, with speakers its different, you aren't watching them, you are listening to them, and if they look good, then its a bonus, but only if they still sound good. Promedia are made by klipsch, who make incredibly good quality speakers ranging up to thousands of dollars, JBL also make good quality speakers but they are not quite as premium marque as klipsch. It does not surprise me in the least that the klipsch speakers blow anything cheaper out of the water.

parrothead

Mar 10, 2004, 02:24 PM

I would suggest the Monsoon iM-700 speakers. I had a set of these and the sound was incredible. I had no problems using these speakers for everything from watching movies to playing loud music at parties. Plus I always got all kinds of comments on how such good sound could come out of those flat little speakers.

powermac

Mar 17, 2004, 09:30 PM

Just to follow up, I ended up getting the Creative I-Trigues, and they are incredible. They sound amazing, the quality is top-notch, and they look great. Plus, they were on sale a Circuit City for $129. I like.

rollobancher

Mar 18, 2004, 02:00 AM

Are these Good speakers ??
They are at Office Depot - Amazon for $74 For the White one's ! \
Creature 2 (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0001DQ5YG/qid=1079592419/sr=2-3/ref=sr_2_3/002-7730134-3737652)

Thankz!

emacnewbie

Mar 19, 2004, 02:46 PM

Powermac: Glad to hear you are enjoying the new speakers. I have narrowed my choice to the Creative 3450s or the Klipsch GMX 2.1. Unfortunately I'm many miles away from a retailer that carries both so I can't do a side by side listen. Oh well, probably just flip a coin and order!

parrothead

Mar 19, 2004, 05:16 PM

Food for thought....

I recently learned that Benwin will be coming out with a new line of USB powered speakers (april). The speakers look like they could be pretty cool. They say that the speakers are going to be up to 48 watts so that is substantially more than other USB powered speakers I have seen. I haven't heard anything about what Bewins sound like but they have got to sound better than my tiny Tibook speakers. finally I can hear my music/movies on the road!