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    Speaker System

    Discussion in 'Apple and Mac OS X' started by Brandinho, May 28, 2007.

  1. Brandinho

    Brandinho Notebook Consultant

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    I am in the market for a new notebook, and I believe I will be getting a fully loaded Black Macbook. I was wondering what type of speaker configeration I can have with my Macbook. Can it accept both 2.1 and 5.1 speaker systems? The two systems I am looking at are these:

    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836119101

    and

    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836121120

    I want to know whether I can use these as external speakers with the Macbook. Thanks in advance.
     
    Brandinho, May 28, 2007
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  2. TylerS23

    TylerS23 Notebook Consultant

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    the 2nd set of speakers sure is expensive..I also have a loaded macbook and also am wondering the same question..if it only works with 2.1 speakers i recommend the logitech z-2300..i had those for awhile when I had my old dell desktop
     
    TylerS23, May 28, 2007
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  3. Nicholie

    Nicholie Notebook Consultant NBR Reviewer

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    The MacBook has a full digital optical minjack in/out, and supports full 5.1 (possibly 7.1, never found anything saying so) surround sound.


    So any sound system supporting minijack optical will suffice.
     
    Nicholie, May 28, 2007
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  4. TedJ

    TedJ Asus fan in a can!

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    I'd go with the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 speakers myself... 5.1 speaker setups on notebooks/PCs are a pain. Running the cable can be tricky, and it's often difficult to get enough separation in your average den/study to make them shine.
     
    TedJ, May 28, 2007
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  5. circa86

    circa86 Notebook Virtuoso NBR Reviewer

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    circa86, May 28, 2007
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  6. Brandinho

    Brandinho Notebook Consultant

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    The Klipsch set is really slick looking, although, so is the Logitech set. But I can get the Logitech much cheaper than Newegg. I was wondering if anyone had any of these sets and how well each portray sound. I've heard a lot of great things about the Klipsch set and how it is THX certified, but I have heard little of the Logitech set. Also, I will be using one of these speaker systems to go with my XBox Elite and HD DVD Drive, that is, when I get one, which will be soon. So, when I'm not using the Macbook, I'm going to hook up the speaker system to my HD TV to play games and watch HD movies on the 360.
     
    Brandinho, May 28, 2007
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  7. CanadianDude

    CanadianDude Notebook Deity

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    I think it depends on your setup. Im not too sure if the macbook can accept the 5.1 if the Logitech 5500 does not have the right connection, otherwise, you will need to get an external 5.1 usb sound card to hook up the z5500s.

    I have the logitech 5500 connected to my PC laptop through a creative audigy 2 ZS notebook sound card that plugs in through the PCMCIA slot. Let me tell you, the sound is crisp and clear, even at max volume.

    If youre going to be connecting it to game systems then I highly suggest you get the z5500.
     
    CanadianDude, May 28, 2007
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  8. circa86

    circa86 Notebook Virtuoso NBR Reviewer

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    the Z-5500's have an optical out right? that you can run a TOSLINK cable from?

    so run a TOSLINK (connected to the 5500 reciever) to the macbook pro output with mini-toslink connector.
     
    circa86, May 28, 2007
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  9. Brandinho

    Brandinho Notebook Consultant

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    Don't you just stick the speaker system plug into the headphone jack, or am I missing something?
     
    Brandinho, May 28, 2007
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  10. circa86

    circa86 Notebook Virtuoso NBR Reviewer

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    for 2.1 yes, which will only have an analog output most likely, like headphones

    5.1 digital systems should have an optical out.
     
    circa86, May 28, 2007
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  11. Brandinho

    Brandinho Notebook Consultant

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    Is there a way for me to get Optical out on a Macbook. Do I need to buy an extra accessory. If so, how much would it be?
     
    Brandinho, May 28, 2007
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  12. KelchM

    KelchM Notebook Evangelist

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    It has an mini-optical out. You need a mini->toslink adapter most likely which costs a few dollars.
     
    KelchM, May 28, 2007
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  13. circa86

    circa86 Notebook Virtuoso NBR Reviewer

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    or you can just buy a TOSLINK to mini-TOSLINK cable.

    also not very much.
     
    circa86, May 29, 2007
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  14. Brandinho

    Brandinho Notebook Consultant

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    Does the Apple website sell these specific types of cables, or should I make a purchase somewhere else, like Best Buy or Newegg?
     
    Brandinho, May 29, 2007
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  15. circa86

    circa86 Notebook Virtuoso NBR Reviewer

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    -Included adapter connects any 3.5 mm optical digital audio jack to a Toslink jack—perfect for connecting Apple computers or AirPort Express to AV receivers or TV

    http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wa/RSLID?mco=6C04E07A&nplm=TL955LL/A

    this TOSLINK cable looks like it comes with the correct 3.5mm adapter so this should work like you need it too.

    I am sure there are cheaper one's available however. but this should definitely work fine, and should be available at your local Apple store.

    here it is on newegg.com for a few dollars cheaper

    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812998020

    here is a Belkin version

    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812123063
     
    circa86, May 29, 2007
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