Speakers for my Mac Pro

[harveypooka]

My Altec Lansing MX5021's have finally died.

I've had two sets and while the quality of sound is really quite wonderful, speakers usually end up making clicking sounds and the transformer inside the subwoofer is very, very loud.

I listen to a range of music - from deep ambient to heavy rock - and play a lot of games. Clarity is more important than volume.

Any suggestions?

[shawnathan]

I've been using the same set of Soundsticks II for about 5 years now, and they still sound great!

[ErikAndre]

I've been using the Aiwa TS-C20 System for 12 years now. I bought the one on the show room floor. I have it on my MacPro 2008 and use it for HD Video Production. Never failed me since.

[brentsg]

Audioengine 5's are super.

[Rychy]

I need some speakers for my Mac Pro too... I've been thinking about getting the Soundsticks II.

[BigRedOne]

+1 on the Audioengine A5's. They sound very nice....

[mattlong1978]

I use the Acoustic Energy Aego M 2.1 speakers which have impressed me no end after previously using some Logitech Z680's which i found to be way to bass heavy the Aego M's where much more balanced and not as overwhelming don't be put of by the size of the satellites these speakers are an outstanding bit of kit.

[GoKyu]

I've been really happy with my Bose Companion 5 (http://www.bose.com/controller?url=/shop_online/speakers/computer_speakers/companion_5/index.jsp) system. Best speakers I've ever used, and they have a great balance - no distortion on the highs/mids or bass, even at higher levels.

[eylee86]

I own the Swan M10 sets which I love. The only pain is that it is designed for the subwoofer to be on the same level a the satellites. But other than that the bass is good enough for my ear. I listen to whole range of music from hiphop, alternative, to classical. And I am satisfied with my M10's. It might not have the ground-shaking bass but I'm little over that with the logietch Z-2300. But I was considering along with my Swna M10's, Aego M, Audioengine A2/A5. I did test out the Audioengine A5's and I thought that the bass was little lacking. I wasn't too impressed for the price. Maybe you could go with Audioengine A2's and get a separate subwoofer. Or just get Aego M be done with it. I personally chose Swan M10 for the great money value. Wanted to save some extra dough for a DAC or EMU-0404.

[thegoldenmackid]

I own the Swan M10 sets which I love.
+1

At a certain point (probably the $250 price point) one is getting into monitor range and should look in that market...

[DoFoT9]

Logitech X530's, you can probably find them for under $70US dollars, very nice.

[eylee86]

I would avoid Bose. I feel that the sound quality they put out doesn't justify it's price. Also you can also consider Swan M200MkII with separate sub. They are cheaper than A2s and they put out pretty good sound. But knowing that even M5's didn't have enough bass for me, I had to rule that out. Ofcourse, story's different if you're planning out a separate sub.

[southpaw998]

The Swan's are excellent speakers. I personally don't mind the lack of bass, as to me, speakers like the z-2300's seem to distort it more than help it.

[DoFoT9]

The Swan's are excellent speakers. I personally don't mind the lack of bass, as to me, speakers like the z-2300's seem to distort it more than help it.

:eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek: you dont like bass!!!!!!!!!!!!! oh. my. god!

[thegoldenmackid]

:eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek: you dont like bass!!!!!!!!!!!!! oh. my. god!

Bass ≠ Excessive Distorting of Bass

[DoFoT9]

Bass ≠ Excessive Distorting of Bass

not if you have good speakers :p

Bass = Pure Goodness!

[wheezy]

I would avoid Bose. I feel that the sound quality they put out doesn't justify it's price.

I think Bose is overpriced too, but I don't think that makes them 'sound' worse. I have the previous gen Bose Companion 3 and they're marvelous, teeny little speakers and the sub sound terrific, great clarity. My friend is recording an album on her own at a studio and we listened to some of her songs on my Mac Pro and she was pleasantly surprised and different things she was hearing these speakers put out that she hadn't heard so clearly before.

If you want clarity you'll need to spend $200+ I believe, but I haven't shopped around much on sound. I have some $70 Logitech 2.1 that sound like a muffled tin can next to my Bose.

[teleromeo]

I have a set of Bose companion 5 and I really like them. The price did not bother me.

[thegoldenmackid]

not if you have good speakers :p

Bass = Pure Goodness!

Well if you have good speakers then there should be no distortion;)

[iBallz]

Bose Companion 3 for our set up. Sounds amazing!

http://eph28.smugmug.com/photos/570096930_QugYP-L.jpg

[DoFoT9]

Well if you have good speakers then there should be no distortion;)

hahaha apparently not! i have logitech X530s and i cant hear any distortion on them, even with low levels of bass.

Bose Companion 3 for our set up. Sounds amazing!

http://eph28.smugmug.com/photos/570096930_QugYP-L.jpg

wowzers!! very stylish office you got there!! love it! nice equiptment too!!

[iBallz]

hahaha apparently not! i have logitech X530s and i cant hear any distortion on them, even with low levels of bass.



wowzers!! very stylish office you got there!! love it! nice equiptment too!!

Thanks, I set it up for my daughter. I help with the filming, and she does all the rest. It's fun

[rgarjr]

Is that your daughter? What kind of filming does she do on there?

[DoFoT9]

Thanks, I set it up for my daughter. I help with the filming, and she does all the rest. It's fun

impressive! im starting to get into filming a lot more, my hardware isnt exactly up to scratch but i would love to learn.

very impressive.. im jealous!

[KapilNarain]

thank you for my indian like om yours
http://www./imgs/signature_.jpg:)

[Evangelion]

Genelecs. Either 6010A's or 6020A's. Absolutely superb speakers.

[iBallz]

Is that your daughter? What kind of filming does she do on there?

We done a few B&B's, weddings, and a Juice bar commercial, and just goofing off getting started.

www.lonelymoonproductions.biz

impressive! im starting to get into filming a lot more, my hardware isnt exactly up to scratch but i would love to learn.

very impressive.. im jealous!
:)
Thanks, cost me a fortune to keep this girl happy!

[jklara]

Had cheapy logitech speakers on my PC. They had an external power supply and still they don't work on my mac pro. Rumors are that they should. What is the cheapest set of speakers that will work with my mac pro. I hardly ever use them and I don't listen to music on them. &... why won't the other set work? Is there more than just the external power supply that is required? :confused: Thanks.

[angusou812]

I use this, mine is the model one, but the model two is here now, the sound is very clear and I also got the sub, it's solid bass, not boomy like some cheap subs are.There is an aux input for the Mac to plug into, also a mix input, it's kinda cool to hear the mac system sounds at the same time as you're listening to radio if you choose too.


http://www.tivoliaudio.com/home.php?cat=262

[thegoldenmackid]

Had cheapy logitech speakers on my PC. They had an external power supply and still they don't work on my mac pro. Rumors are that they should. What is the cheapest set of speakers that will work with my mac pro. I hardly ever use them and I don't listen to music on them. &... why won't the other set work? Is there more than just the external power supply that is required? :confused: Thanks.

The cheapest? Anything with a standard 3.5 mm jack?

[Tom Sawyer]

I use the Acoustic Energy Aego M 2.1 speakers which have impressed me no end after previously using some Logitech Z680's which i found to be way to bass heavy the Aego M's where much more balanced and not as overwhelming don't be put of by the size of the satellites these speakers are an outstanding bit of kit.

I'm going to give a X2 on this sentiment for the AE Aego M's... I'm currently auditioning a set of M's and I'm REALLY impressed. I am a bit of a gear head and have had MANY different speaker setups on my desk including Blue Sky 2.1 system (which i LOVED but was a bit physically large), Audioengine 2.1 setup with the A2's and AS8 sub which was very nice. I've also owned the A5's which are quite nice as well. But there is something different about these Aego M's.. perhaps some of it is just how much sound comes out of these VERY small monitors and how very musical they are. Even the A2's can't compare to how little desk space these take up. The sub is also pretty small and it is impressive. I'm still in the break in period and every quality driver I've owned has performed better with usage. I'm really loving the Aego M's... definitely a recommendable setup if you enjoy listening to music, fantastic detail and sound stage.

Currently enjoying a little Ozric Tentacles since well hey, the Acoustic Energy is a UK company! :D

[munkees]

just my 2 cents, I know my buddy will be pissed, for saying bose. I had Harmon Karmon sticks, they replaced my Bose companion speakers, and I regretted it, they also cost twice the price. I use the Bose Companion 2 very happy with them, the companion 3 are way better. If you go into target, you can test a bunch of speaker side by side, I like the bose range of sound.

[thegoldenmackid]

just my 2 cents, I know my buddy will be pissed, for saying bose. I had Harmon Karmon sticks, they replaced my Bose companion speakers, and I regretted it, they also cost twice the price. I use the Bose Companion 2 very happy with them, the companion 3 are way better.
I'm not a fan of either, I don't understand the fanboy mentality with the HK's, but I don't think that Bose is the answer. The Altec Lansing FX6021s are a much preferable option.

If you go into target, you can test a bunch of speaker side by side, I like the bose range of sound.
I mean I live in what is to be the crazzy suburbia shopping capital of the world, seriously we have our own special upscale Wal-Mart, but I don't know what's at your Targets. Bose will sound better then all of the other computer speakers there because it's Target. Go to the Apple Store and you can test the Altecs, the Bose, the M-Audio's on actual computers, as opposed to the Bose promotional booth.

[jklara]

I'm on my third mac compatible 3.5 mm jack speakers and still no sound coming out. What's up :eek: Thanks.

[Jolly Jimmy]

I'm on my third mac compatible 3.5 mm jack speakers and still no sound coming out. What's up :eek: Thanks.

There's no such thing as "mac compatible" speakers. Any set with a standard 3.5 mm jack should work. Have you checked the power supply? See if you get any sound while using headphones.

[Tom Sawyer]

I'm on my third mac compatible 3.5 mm jack speakers and still no sound coming out. What's up :eek: Thanks.

Have you selected Line Out in Sound Preferences?

[MWPULSE]

Genelecs. Either 6010A's or 6020A's. Absolutely superb speakers.

+1+1 brilliant speaker makers, i have KRK's myself. some fat bass out of those things, but still level and well rounded speakers.

[Tom Sawyer]

+1+1 brilliant speaker makers, i have KRK's myself. some fat bass out of those things, but still level and well rounded speakers.

I've heard/read so many good impressions of the Genelecs... going to have to try out a set I think. I do love my Acoustic Energy Aego M's though, probably the highest level of enjoyment I've gotten out of a 2.1 system, something pretty special about them considering their size. For the small form factor/ergonomics of a system, these sound like what the Bose 2.1 systems should sound like.

[MWPULSE]

I've heard/read so many good impressions of the Genelecs... going to have to try out a set I think. I do love my Acoustic Energy Aego M's though, probably the highest level of enjoyment I've gotten out of a 2.1 system, something pretty special about them considering their size. For the small form factor/ergonomics of a system, these sound like what the Bose 2.1 systems should sound like.

I've worked my way through a 5.1 and a 2.1 in a mental competition to be the loudest and most annoying flat mate ever in my first 2 years at uni. I had a creative 2.1 and a 5.1 altec. I think the altecs might be dust now, cos i busted them, then left em outside my house in the garden, planning to throw them away, forgot though lol!! oops.

Acoustic energy do make some very nice speakers, particularly for the pro hi-fi/tv 5.1 market. I didnt realise that they did stuff in the smaller end of the scale.

PTP

[thegoldenmackid]

Acoustic energy do make some very nice speakers, particularly for the pro hi-fi/tv 5.1 market. I didnt realise that they did stuff in the smaller end of the scale.

Mainly just that version...

[Tom Sawyer]

I've worked my way through a 5.1 and a 2.1 in a mental competition to be the loudest and most annoying flat mate ever in my first 2 years at uni. I had a creative 2.1 and a 5.1 altec. I think the altecs might be dust now, cos i busted them, then left em outside my house in the garden, planning to throw them away, forgot though lol!! oops.

Acoustic energy do make some very nice speakers, particularly for the pro hi-fi/tv 5.1 market. I didnt realise that they did stuff in the smaller end of the scale.

PTP

As good as these sound I can imagine their Pro level gear would be quite impressive indeed.

[MWPULSE]

if i remember correctly both my grandad and aunt have the aegis series- although earlier versions a couple of years old i think now, and they have been very impressed with those, as both hi-fi speakers and in a surround sound environment, thats the major step up i'd say, before getting to the blue sky systems, then the genelecs and then your on your own lol.

I went to an open day at a music tech degree in leeds here in the U.K and they had a genelec 9.1 in the lecture theatre was pretty sweet :D

PTP

[ChrisN]

I was just looking over this thread and saw the Swan M10s in here and online they are $149 and 109 with the insider price. That seems like a great price and everyone who has them likes them right? No complaints because right now I want to get these.

ChrisN

[thegoldenmackid]

I was just looking over this thread and saw the Swan M10s in here and online they are $149 and 109 with the insider price. That seems like a great price and everyone who has them likes them right? No complaints because right now I want to get these.

ChrisN

Soon as I get my dorm, I'm placing an order.

[sk8mash]

I have thew Bose Companion 5, and i'm very impressed. I also have the AE Aego M's and the difference is night and day. There is a very noticeable lack of depth with the Aego's.

[striatedglutes]

I'm looking for a 2.1 set, and the Acoustic Energy Aego Ms look amazing with steller reviews, but seems they will be ~$250 from somewhere that actually still has them in stock and will ship to the US :(

Swan M10s look good too. $141 cheaper to boot. What do you guys think the audio difference will be? I'm not too much of an audiophile...these would be replacing a set of Logitech z-5500s that are just a pain in the ass and not needed on my computer desk. Going to throw the z-5500s in the living room.

Thanks!

[Chad H]

Swan M10's. I love mine. You can't beat their amazing sound for only $100. :)

[rhett7660]

I have a pair of Behringer MS40's. Love them. Some of the best speakers I have had for my computer.

[harveypooka]

I'm looking for a 2.1 set, and the Acoustic Energy Aego Ms look amazing with steller reviews, but seems they will be ~$250 from somewhere that actually still has them in stock and will ship to the US :(

Swan M10s look good too. $141 cheaper to boot. What do you guys think the audio difference will be? I'm not too much of an audiophile...these would be replacing a set of Logitech z-5500s that are just a pain in the ass and not needed on my computer desk. Going to throw the z-5500s in the living room.

Thanks!

I tried the Aego's and found them to be very disappointing.

I now own the Creative Gigaworks T3, and they're excellent. Full sound, loud, quality build. I'd easily say they're the best set of speakers I've owned.

The one thing about them: they've started to crackle a little. I think this might be down to the headphone port taking a bit of abuse. My headphones have a huge plug, and I think it's been stressing the port on the unit a little.

[thegoldenmackid]

I tried the Aego's and found them to be very disappointing.

Thank Jesus someone agrees with me.

[1,000 Shards]

Need some help please. Chad H. dragged me here with his picture from the Setup thread and I've searched endlessly for his speakers, now I know they're the Swan M10's which brings me to my question:

I've had the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 for about 3 years now and I've been quite satisfied with them.

(Link: http://www.klipsch.com/na-en/products/promedia-2-1-overview/ )

But I'm considering perhaps selling them and purchasing the Swan M10s 'mostly' for appearance. Seems silly I know but I do have a baby on the way (in December) so I don't see myself blasting music from my Klipsch which have served me well. So I would like something with "decent" sound and based on my reading these seem to fit the bill, the appearance is just the icing on top.

My only real complaint is that the Swan's lack a headphone jack on the satellites themselves.

Any audiophiles here that can look over the specs and tell me that this is a stupid move? From looking at the spec sheets (I'm not an audiophile, I just know a sound that I 'like') it seems to me that the Swan's are slightly "weaker".

Primary usage will be Classical, Jazz and Hard Rock. With the odd movie or video game mixed in. Right now I run them via my old gaming desktop and audigy gamer sound card. Will probably sell this rig as well and just run them from my MBP. Sorry for the long read, I set out to be "thorough and concise", not sure I've met any of those criteria. :o

[oyebto]

power doesnt just depend on watts onli... gotta consider other factors like impedance and SPL. and if the speakers you are using are just in front i guess you don't need tat much power anyway. the audioengine 5 are great too if you really want power.

[Rychy]

I just got a pair of Swans M10s... I quite like them, they sound nice and they look awesome.

[harveypooka]

Apologies to resurrect the thread, but I need help - again!

My Creative GigaWorks T3 developed a fault. Had to send them back. Now I can't find them anywhere for a decent price. I bought for £140 from eBuyer, but the cheapest I can find new is £195 on Amazon!

They're a great pair of speakers - lovely balanced sound - but I don't want to pay near £200 for them.

Any other suggestions?