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Help me pick speakers for my iMac

p_companion5_m.jpg


I have the Harmon Kardon's but heard these in the Bose store last week.

Wow.
 
Yeah, those are to drool over! I turned on Treble Booster for the Klipsch, and then BARELY top the Bose, if at all, they both have different sound, and in a good way, not better but different, the Bose is more revealing and lively, while the Klipsch is layed back, a little warmer, the it's sometimes the other way around, but only SLIGHTLY! The Klipsch is def. better, but only my a VERY small margin, and in some regions, the Bose is right there with it, if not surpassing it. Conclusion: both are VERRY good sounding sets of excellent speakers =]


Peace
 
This thread just dieded =( Yes, I really know how to spell it. dyded, SHEESH. (died).


Anyways, UPDATES PEOPLE!


Peace
 
I heard the Companion 3 in our bose outlet the other day and was really impressed. But since my JBL creatures crapped out I have been using the iMac's built in speakers so a clock radio would impress me.

I think my next purchase will be a set of speakers. I've been buying a lot of music lately and miss hearing it out loud, like for real out loud, not just built in out loud.

My dad has Altec Lansing speakers for his laptop he bought at Costco...I'll get the model number tomorrow, and I don't know if it's how he set it up, or that it's a cheaper model, but I don't like the sound. It's big and loud without much detail.

About five years ago as a freshman in college with an iBook, I had a set of Cambridge Soundworks PCWorks, and I kid you not, I thought they were amazing. Again, I had nothing for comparison, but they were loud and sounded good to me. Since then I've had these JBL creature speakers which believe it or not from the beginning I wasn't sure if they were even as good as the less expensive PC works. They have now broken (not entirely, but the bass cracks unless I turn it down, so I don't use them).

I'll let you guys know which Altecs my dad has tomorrow. I am curious if there are prosumer Altecs that are significantly better than the cheaper ones I assume my dad has.

Also, is the consensus that the iFi is better than the Altec model you guys were talking about? If that is the case, and the iFi is only 199 at costco as was mentioned, it's not a huge price difference. The Altec definitely has better asthetics: that austerity that everyone seems to dig these days.
 
My roomate has the Klipsch 2.1 ProMedia. Those are freaking awesome. I bought the Logitech 2.1 Z-2300s for myself.

The JBL Creature's satellite drivers look really small..
 
Just a heads up

I went to my local compusa store and was ready to purchase it.

When the mac specialist there told me to jus twait because they are releasing a newer model at the end of this month.

So thats most likely the reason why is si ohard to obtain.

Overall the look of this speakers are the best i have seen and the sound quaility is not too far apart from its looks. So I am assuming the next model will jjust be the perfect set with whatever added features they include.


Ipoted for the logitech wireless speaker system that i have connected to my airport express
and i love them to death, the reaer wireless are awesome and their thx certified overall i paid 220.46
 
After reading all this, I bought for my iMac, at Costco, the iFi speakers, and they are unbelievable! I didn't know speakers could sound like this. They are in a different category than the 2.1 speakers I had before. The words that come to mind are confident and competent when I increase the volume. It's like I can be on the other side of the room and keep turning them up and they don't flinch at all. The subwoofer has a completely different function than the ones I have had before (PCWorks by cambridge soundworks and creature 2 speakers); it actually is more subtle, plays music and not just a pounding. I am hearing instruments I didn't even know were in songs! Some songs are definitely much better produced than others, and I can tell that difference now when using these speakers. The only prob is that I have them in an alcove so the sound is sort of boxed in. To me it still sounds fantastic, but the instructions said ideally each satellite would be two feet from a wall and farther apart from each other for a more spacious sound.

I paid 199 for them. There were only two left at my Costco and one box looked like it had definitely been opened before. The one I got was a little rough around the edges, but in good condition inside. When I first got them there was buzzing distortion from the left satellite when the music was off, but it seems to have disappeared.

I thought I was crazy to spend so much on speakers..it's more than twice as much as I've ever spent before, but to anyone out there wondering, it's quite an audible difference. That's not to say the Creature speakers were not good. In fact I might even describe the sound on those as slightly warmer...this is just much more realistic and better for listening to from across the room in addition to at the computer.

Something to realize is that it does not include a cord that would go from your computer to the speakers. I used one from my old Creature speakers which works fine. It also has a control with an iPod dock which plays music from your iPod and charges it (the cord which relays the sound from the iPod dock to the speakers is included).

I am listening to Rodeo Clowns by Jack Johnson right now and it is AMAZING.
 
AN UPDATE: After using the Ifi speakers more and more, the tweeters have gotten time to break in and loosen up, and I must say, they are definately better than the Bose. Ofcourse, they are 150 more retail. The Ifi has better bass and midrange. The Ifi is definately one of the best 2.1 speakers out there, not the best by far, but easily one of the best for under $600. The Bose is by no means bad, I personally think the Bose is one of the best in the $250 range, but the Ifi is a definately a step up. The Ifi is also EXCELLENT for near-field use.


Congrats on the Ifi, glad you like it =D!


Peace
 
The Altec's definitely fit the look of the mac especially a PowerMac/Mac Pro because of the sorta brushed aluminum look but how is the sound? I've seen them in the Apple store but its hard to give them a good test when the store gets busy. The little speakers inside look to be arranged like the soundsticks and those sounded decent. I was wondering how other peoples impressions are. Are they good relative to the price or are they actually a good set of speakers to have?
 
I got the Bose Companion 5 for my new Mac Pro, it was an awesome choice, far better than anything else out there.
 
Not better in than the Ifi, that's a fact, but most likely better than nearly all the other pc/multimedia systems out there. Bose makes impressive multimedia speakers.



Peace
 
I have the Altec's and I love them! Worth every penny. :D

Bose sucks, I've had experience with Klipsch 2.1 THX, iPod hifi, Logi Z5500, amongst others and my Altec's blow them all away! :D
 
Bose is FAR from sucking. They are expensive, but you are indeed getting great quality. Are they the best? nope. But Bose is far above average. Way above. I have the Klipsch Ifi, listened to my dads Acoustic Researches (old suckers!) have the Spicas (google it), own a set of Infinity Primus 150s, and Bose holds its own very well. I recently went to a Bose store, and the customer service is incredible! I braught some CDs just to test the systems, and the people who worked there not only told me it was ok, but ENCOURAGED me, so shut the hell up for all you folks thinking that their systems are all hype. I tested B.T - Movement In Still Life, as well as some Crystal Method CDs, and they said "turn in up man!", and the Acoustimass 6 made my ears hurt for roughly two hours afterward, and it was definately ahead of the Infinity bookshelfs in clarity AND imaging, yes, imaging. The soundstage is enourmous too. I am just sick of stupid morons saying "Bose sucks dude, $2 speakers sound better" : fall in a hole. They outperform MANY systems in their category. Heck, go find the review of the Acoustimass 6 at Audioholics, the first review, the dude went from tall Definitive towers to the Bose setup becuase he was moving into a smaller apartment, and he described how the Def Techs had better treble, mid-range, and bass, but only slightly, especially in the treble, he said the Bose was smoother and crystal clear, with very warm and smooth bass, albeit not as deep. Bose isn't the best, by far, and that's considereing the outrageous 5 grand towers B&W etc. make, but they make excellent speakers, some better than others. I personally think most of their systems are overpriced by about 20-25%, but you are getting some of the best customer service, great quality, and great sound.
Altec Lansign also makes awesome speakers, I still would prefer the Bose over the Altecs though, the Bose has much better bass response, and have have a smoother, clearer sound, especially with voices.

Bose isn't for all people, they have a very unique sound, that I find really pleasing, other people may not like Bose, but that's not to say they suck. Some people hate the Klipsch sound, but does Klipsch suck? Uhhh, no. Bose makes great speakers, end of story.

People, don't speak about things you have no idea about. It's sickening, and anoying.


Peace
 
logitech or klipsch for computer speakers. you cannot go wrong with either

had numerous speakers over the years and heard all my friends setups and those 2 companies continually put out the best for computers... considering their main use will be for playing music games and movies
 
Uhh yeah, I don't see any other use for a speaker, I use mine to wipe my nose occasionally =P Naww, agreed, Klipsch or Bose is the way to go in my opinion, Acoustic Energy, Altec Lansing, and Swan also make fantastic systems. The Ifi is the best hands down out of all of those, but again, now where near the best, maybe for under $550-$600 though.



Peace
 
Go with the harman/kardon Soundsticks II, they are the best computer speakers I have ever heard and look incredible.
 
Tucom said:
Bose is FAR from sucking. They are expensive, but you are indeed getting great quality. Are they the best? nope. But Bose is far above average. Way above. I have the Klipsch Ifi, listened to my dads Acoustic Researches (old suckers!) have the Spicas (google it), own a set of Infinity Primus 150s, and Bose holds its own very well. I recently went to a Bose store, and the customer service is incredible! I braught some CDs just to test the systems, and the people who worked there not only told me it was ok, but ENCOURAGED me, so shut the hell up for all you folks thinking that their systems are all hype. I tested B.T - Movement In Still Life, as well as some Crystal Method CDs, and they said "turn in up man!", and the Acoustimass 6 made my ears hurt for roughly two hours afterward, and it was definately ahead of the Infinity bookshelfs in clarity AND imaging, yes, imaging. The soundstage is enourmous too. I am just sick of stupid morons saying "Bose sucks dude, $2 speakers sound better" : fall in a hole. They outperform MANY systems in their category. Heck, go find the review of the Acoustimass 6 at Audioholics, the first review, the dude went from tall Definitive towers to the Bose setup becuase he was moving into a smaller apartment, and he described how the Def Techs had better treble, mid-range, and bass, but only slightly, especially in the treble, he said the Bose was smoother and crystal clear, with very warm and smooth bass, albeit not as deep. Bose isn't the best, by far, and that's considereing the outrageous 5 grand towers B&W etc. make, but they make excellent speakers, some better than others. I personally think most of their systems are overpriced by about 20-25%, but you are getting some of the best customer service, great quality, and great sound.
Altec Lansign also makes awesome speakers, I still would prefer the Bose over the Altecs though, the Bose has much better bass response, and have have a smoother, clearer sound, especially with voices.

Bose isn't for all people, they have a very unique sound, that I find really pleasing, other people may not like Bose, but that's not to say they suck. Some people hate the Klipsch sound, but does Klipsch suck? Uhhh, no. Bose makes great speakers, end of story.

People, don't speak about things you have no idea about. It's sickening, and anoying.


Peace
Click to expand...

Anyone who actually takes the time to do some critical research on any forum or magazine that doesn't only cater only to the common herd (e.g. hi-fi.org, avsforum) will assert that Bose is all about marketing and has very little to do with quality sound reproduction.
 
Received the Logitech z2300's the other day. (ebay) for 104 shipped.

Watch the movie King Kong (the newer one) and you'll know what I'm talking about.
 
2. Altec Lansing FX6021 ($249)

I have these, they are very good, I have no faults with them!
 
ctsport said:
blah blah blah,

Bose is great for the masses such as yourself.

Anyone who actually takes the time to do some critical research on any forum or magazine that doesn't only cater only to the common herd (e.g. hi-fi.org, avsforum) will assert that Bose is all about marketing and has very little to do with quality sound reproduction.
Click to expand...
And that's another stereotype! The guy said that Bose is with some of its models overpriced by 25%, I second that, especially here in Europe. But have you ever listened to Bose speakers. They still surprise of how clean and pure the sound is, not to mention the soundstage. And sure, there are better brands and probably cheaper ones out there, but fortunately we don't have the same taste.
 
Dreadnought is dead on, ctsport, again, shut the hell up. People such as myself? Oh, you mean people who enjoy great sound, dynamics, imaging, transperency, and seperation of Apple Lossless music? Then right you are, Bose is great for me. It makes me laugh, honestly, if Bose wasn't so well accomplished, and possibly lowered their prices about 25%, then audiophiles and audiocritics alike would welcome Bose as a great speaker company. Let me also clarify that I don't find their Lifestyle systems, but I love their acoustimass 10 and down systems, as well as their computer/multimedia line of speakers. Damn right Bose isn't the best, I upgraded to the Klipsch Ifi, and can honestly say that the Bose holds it's own very well, easily up there with your shiny Altecs.

Peace
 
Tucom said:
Dreadnought is dead on, ctsport, again, shut the hell up.

<snip>

You don't know me, so don't ever talk like you do, moron.

Peace
Click to expand...

Wow, someone needs to grow up.

Just because you love Bose doesn't mean you have to force it down peoples throats. How do you like it when people use windows tell you mac's are no good? Cause that is how your acting. You are the one being pretty much an asshat, sorry, but don't know of any other way of describing your actions. ctsport brought up vaild points and you had no right to act like that. Just because you think highly of Bose do not mean it's true.
 
Dreadnought said:
And that's another stereotype! The guy said that Bose is with some of its models overpriced by 25%, I second that, especially here in Europe. But have you ever listened to Bose speakers. They still surprise of how clean and pure the sound is, not to mention the soundstage. And sure, there are better brands and probably cheaper ones out there, but fortunately we don't have the same taste.
Click to expand...

The higher priced Bose 901s are quite amazing in clarity and quality of sound.

They're not going to win any prizes for driver materials but the masses generally want big and new. How did we survive with the G4 processors all that time? They were technically inferior, too.

I certainly have even more respect for my 901s after buying a pair of Infinity speakers. However, the lower priced Bose speakers aren't all that great and I wouldn't suggest them.
 
I realize I am being a little harsh, but it's the fact of what ctsport is assuming about me, it pisses me off! I am simply saying what's true about Bose speakers, contradicting his opinion about them. I am simply sick of people bashing Bose when 70% of them have never heard them, or have heard them but improperly. Ctsport, don't assume that I am talking out of my hiney about this stuff, and don't assume that you "know what kind of person I am", that's what got me. Let's just move pass this, in short, Bose makes great speakers, they don't suck, but they are not the best, by far. I am enjoying my Klipsch as I happily type this =).

Hey ctsport, how would you rate the imaging and the mid-range sound of your FX6021s?

Anyone else with speakers they like and have opinions about them, please share, and I won't get overly defensive about Bose =P



Peace
 
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