Macbook Pro looking for 2.1

[jzhang1013]

So I got a Macbook Pro this August new and it's lonely. The music I usually listen to ranges from highly vocalized, Daft Punk, very little hip hop, and maybe even classical. So I have down the Logitech z2300 or the Swan M10 I'm open to any suggestions that fit this price range and I'm more concerned about what peoples' opinions are on these specific speakers.

Please HELP ME UN-LONELY-IFY my Macbook Pro. Thanks!

-John

 

[jzhang1013]

No one has any suggestions for my MBP?

 

[Spookykinkajou]

i've posted this a few times so i'm probably starting to look like I have ties to the company but I don't.

you will not find better (say less than $500) than audioengine usa speakers for a computer. 350 bucks though, but worth every penny. i use mine with an EMU 0404 usb DAC and they sound very satisfying.

 

[solvexyz]

According to your music genre, I think you better off going for a Swan M10. The z-2300 probably only good for the hip-hop due to its big powerful sub woofer, but other than that, I feel the highs is heavily rolled off due to its lack of tweeter.

My currently setup source is also a macbook pro, and using its digital line out.

 

[jzhang1013]

So the logi is good for bumping and the swan is good for vocal?

 

[umcloud]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jzhang1013 /img/forum/go_quote.gif So the logi is good for bumping and the swan is good for vocal?

Sounds about right to me.

 

[jzhang1013]

So would I need anything like the Creative Xmod? Since the MBP sound is integrated...

 

[reemixx]

You'd need an external DAC for any half decent quality, yeah (though Macs have better onboard sound than most, but not anywhere near audiophile quality). Dunno about the Xmod. I'm planning on getting one but for movies only (for the headphone surround) definitely not for music listening. Spooky mentioned the EMU 0404. They're pretty popular with a portable setup. But there's also plenty of others, and many of them are quite affordable and also portable.

 

[Spookykinkajou]

Quote:

Originally Posted by reemixx /img/forum/go_quote.gif You'd need an external DAC for any half decent quality, yeah (though Macs have better onboard sound than most, but not anywhere near audiophile quality). Dunno about the Xmod. I'm planning on getting one but for movies only (for the headphone surround) definitely not for music listening. Spooky mentioned the EMU 0404. They're pretty popular with a portable setup. But there's also plenty of others, and many of them are quite affordable and also portable.

IMO, if the OP is going to spend 150+ on a something like the 0404 as well as 90 for the Swans he'd be better getting better speakers and no DAC.

In my experience, I doubt the speakers would be revealing enough to take much advantage of the 0404. Yeah, it might sound a tiny bit better, but the mac's output is quite acceptable.

 

[jzhang1013]

Ok, that's more reassuring, don't have to spend too much money YET..

 

[jzhang1013]

So I noticed that even though the Swans are consumer based they don't have that convenient control dock where one can plug in their head phones, are there any solutions to this?

 

[JonathanHF]

sorry for interrupting, but I'm also deciding which speaker to get.
How does swan M200MKII compare to Audioengine5 ?
Or better choice under $500

 

[illkemist]

as an owner of the logitechs, i can recommend them. however, lately, i've been considering the audioengine a5. it looks pretty sweet and has a sub-out. good for upgrading and incredibly flexible considering you can run a line out from your amp.

 

[ozz]

klipsch pro media 2.1 not to bad for the money.

 

[MusicallySilent]

You can also probably take a look at some of the M-audio studio monitors (all price ranges) that have a built in amp.


Alien DAC or some other cheap DAC possibly to upgrade the source.