Well, the UPS man gave me a visit today after school.
I had to run to Radio Shack and pick up a stereo miniplug 'Y' cable so I could distribute my single output to both front and rear channels, but now I've got everything set up and I'm amazed. <img src="graemlins/surprised.gif" border="0" alt="[Surprised]" />
The Klipsch ProMedia 4.1 setup that I got today is the best sounding computer speaker setup that I've ever heard. And it's so SMALL! The satellites are normal sized (and they have these great metal stands), and the sub pumps great solid bass, but isn't thumpy like many other systems.
Also, they seem to have a blowout prevention system that cuts power to the speaker if it gets overloaded. Pretty great. (oh, and if you are sitting in front of your computer, you won't be able to tolerate the volume at which it starts to cut out. Unless you are deaf.)
Great buy, I'd recommend it to anyone looking for high quality audio.
Congratulations on your speaker purchase! Sounds like you are very happy with them. Great to hear.
I just purchased a set of Harman Kardon SoundSticks to go with my LCD iMac. I drooled over them enough at a friend's place, and finally decided to get them.
While they probably don't have the power yours do, I think they're fine for most people. I assume no one really has delusions that they could replace a home stereo system - but for computer speakers, they are more than adequate. I wouldn't want to sit in front of my iMac with music blasting any louder than the SoundSticks could handle anyhow - I would like to be able to hear when I'm older...
Yeah, my replacement speakers arrived on Monday. The sub was bad on the old set and this sub is WAY better. No part of this system will distort at any volume (including volumes way too painful to listen at).
To answer your question about the miniplug: yes, the headphone jack is what you need to use for 2 channel sound. That is what I am using for my 4.1 system and I am just splitting the left/right signals to both front and rear speakers. Kind of too bad, but until Macs get a decent 4 channel soundcard, that's all we can do. I plan on getting the first adequately supported 4.1 channel soundcard available for OS X.
You will not go wrong with the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 system. It uses the same technology as the 4.1 system, but with 2 less satellites and less power in the sub (to compensate for not having the extra sound in the satellites).
Well, I went through <a href="http://www.vanns.com"; target="_blank">www.vanns.com</a> (free shipping on all Klipsch models, which is otherwise about $20-$40). I don't remember the links off-hand for Klipsch itself, but a quick google search would dig that up.
Vanns has all the info on the Klipsch models that you need to make an informed decision, I can't speak for any other speaker brands though. My experience with the others is a brief trial at Best Buy (and AIS Computers for the SoundSticks/iSub). I still say that the Klipsch has the best, fullest, and most accurate sound of all of them (really, I'm quite serious... you've got to hear these speakers if you can get the chance).
Comments
I had to run to Radio Shack and pick up a stereo miniplug 'Y' cable so I could distribute my single output to both front and rear channels, but now I've got everything set up and I'm amazed. <img src="graemlins/surprised.gif" border="0" alt="[Surprised]" />
The Klipsch ProMedia 4.1 setup that I got today is the best sounding computer speaker setup that I've ever heard. And it's so SMALL! The satellites are normal sized (and they have these great metal stands), and the sub pumps great solid bass, but isn't thumpy like many other systems.
Also, they seem to have a blowout prevention system that cuts power to the speaker if it gets overloaded. Pretty great. (oh, and if you are sitting in front of your computer, you won't be able to tolerate the volume at which it starts to cut out. Unless you are deaf.)
Great buy, I'd recommend it to anyone looking for high quality audio.
-Ender
Is a "two-channel soundplug minicard" input compatible with a Rev B iBook (no Firewire)? Is that just a headphone plug?
I want to get those Klipsch 2.1 speakers, but need to make sure they work with my computer.
Thanks.
- Pook
I just purchased a set of Harman Kardon SoundSticks to go with my LCD iMac. I drooled over them enough at a friend's place, and finally decided to get them.
While they probably don't have the power yours do, I think they're fine for most people. I assume no one really has delusions that they could replace a home stereo system - but for computer speakers, they are more than adequate. I wouldn't want to sit in front of my iMac with music blasting any louder than the SoundSticks could handle anyhow - I would like to be able to hear when I'm older...
Have they arrived yet?
And anyone else feel like chiming in? I'm still in the market for new speakers, as I couldn't quite justify the Klipsch 2.1s.
To answer your question about the miniplug: yes, the headphone jack is what you need to use for 2 channel sound. That is what I am using for my 4.1 system and I am just splitting the left/right signals to both front and rear speakers. Kind of too bad, but until Macs get a decent 4 channel soundcard, that's all we can do. I plan on getting the first adequately supported 4.1 channel soundcard available for OS X.
You will not go wrong with the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 system. It uses the same technology as the 4.1 system, but with 2 less satellites and less power in the sub (to compensate for not having the extra sound in the satellites).
Anything else?
-Ender
Vanns has all the info on the Klipsch models that you need to make an informed decision, I can't speak for any other speaker brands though. My experience with the others is a brief trial at Best Buy (and AIS Computers for the SoundSticks/iSub). I still say that the Klipsch has the best, fullest, and most accurate sound of all of them (really, I'm quite serious... you've got to hear these speakers if you can get the chance).
-Ender
only two satellites (and a subwoofer), but the music really sounds great and the system costs just 80$.
[ 02-07-2002: Message edited by: freeman ]</p>