Best 2.1 Mac Speakers?

[Bluefusion]

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...

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]

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]

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.

 

[Soire]

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...

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]

Altec Lansing Speakers

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]

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]

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]

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]

Thinkking of buying the JBL Creature II?

Are these Good speakers ??
They are at Office Depot - Amazon for $74 For the White one's ! \
Creature 2

Thankz!

 

[emacnewbie]

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]

USB Powered speakers

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!

 

[emacnewbie]

Has anyone used the Creative Itriques placed next to an eMac? I understand they are not magnetically shielded and know this can be a problem with crts. Thanks