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Thinking of Getting AppleDesign Powered Speakers: Advice?

Posted by: CC_333 on 2015-07-12 20:00:21 Hi, I'm thinking of getting a set, and I found one that's within my budget, but it doesn't include the power supply. How should I proceed? Is the PS relatively easy to replace? Can I use a generic thing with the right voltage/current/polarity, or is it some proprietary thing that only Apple made? And does anyone know the frequency response? Thanks, c

Posted by: Schmoburger on 2015-07-12 20:19:57 Ah you found them also! I was considering buying them from across the drink but then decided I have spent far too much on Mac's already this month!

Posted by: TheWhiteFalcon on 2015-07-12 20:45:02 150hz to 20kHz. 40W power brick providing 15VDC.

Posted by: CC_333 on 2015-07-12 22:47:36 Schmoburger: The ones for $37.50 w/ free shipping? It makes sense I'm not the only one around here looking at the things! Falcon: That's not too terrible. The bass is a bit lacking, but nothing a decent subwoofer can't fix 🙂 I'll look around for a 40 Watt, 15 Volt DC adapter. Is it tip positive? Most seem to be. I might ask in the Trading Post if I can't find anything suitable. Thanks! c

Posted by: Byrd on 2015-07-12 23:39:48 The DC jack for the Appledesign is fairly unique however (quite large barrel with odd two-pronged positive pin) - you might have to scrounge around for it or even make some sort of adapter to power the speakers.  I used a power brick from a Toshiba laptop before finally finding the correct Apple-branded adapter.

Posted by: CC_333 on 2015-07-13 00:01:51 Ugh... well, if it's that tricky, I might just get the proper adapter. I really like Apple, but I do loathe some of their seemingly cockeyed design choices sometimes. Why couldn't they have used a standard plug? Oh, well. Such is life, I s'pose. c

Posted by: PowerPup on 2015-07-13 17:35:10 The "AppleDesign Powered Speakers II" uses a standard (12v/1A/positive polarity) AC adapter. These speakers do not have a power switch so I leave them unplugged when not in use. Not sure if they'd be easier to find or not.   Btw, I came across this while looking for a picture of the v2 speakers: http://us.ebid.net/for-sale/apple-design-powered-speakers-model-m6082-audio-cable-139135722.htm   For the sake of reference, here's the back of the "AppleDesign Powered Speakers": (Courtesy of ramdom image search.)

Posted by: Paralel on 2015-07-14 05:56:24 Is there any big difference between the two versions as far as functionality, or is it just cosmetic?

Posted by: Trash80toHP_Mini on 2015-07-14 08:19:32 Good question, does anyone have both for a comparison? I have trouble imagining the smaller ones could match the performance of the larger version. But I'm old school size matters/build your own school of thought when it comes to speaker design. Mass and materials choice for the case used to be very important. Do modern dinky plastic form over function lookin' speakers outperform, match or fall short of the monsters of yesteryear? Most importantly, has anyone identified a suitable or improved performance driver for the AppleDesigns? Both of mine are rotted/blown. That would be a major concern for me. I saw the auction too, but don't recall if they tested good. Lack of an AC adapter shouts "untested" with a hint of the rot problem to me. I can't think of any other reason for the Power Supplies being available without the speakers. Parting out peripherals doesn't make a whole lot of sense otherwise.

Posted by: TheWhiteFalcon on 2015-07-14 08:22:04 Well, as you can tell from the pic, the first models do more with the extra jacks. JT, the high end speaker designs are still curved wood cabinets, not plastic. But you don't have to spend an arm and a leg for them, excellent speaker sets can be had for less than $200 (or even $100 in some cases).

Posted by: techknight on 2015-07-14 16:54:23 The one big big thing you got to watch out for on vintage speakers, is foam rot.  keep this in mind. I have to replace the woofers on my Marantz 12" stereo speakers.

Posted by: rsolberg on 2015-07-14 19:28:08 Techknight, I've had good success replacing the foam on vintage speakers in the 8-12" range. There are kits available to match standard diameters as well as specific speaker models. Just thought I'd mention if you hadn't come across it yet. I don't know if it would be of much use with these Appledesign speakers due to their small size and probably delicate cones and drivers, though.

Posted by: CC_333 on 2015-07-14 22:11:05 Yes, those crumbling foam surrounds are a problem. I recently got repaired a pair of Advent/9 speakers that sound absolutely WONDERFUL (good highs, nice, well defined lows) when they work. They were affected by surround rot, but the cones/voice coils were OK (even though the repair person recommended reconing, I said no because I read that it ruins the sound, as the Advent drivers are of a special design), so it was a fairly straightforward repair. The set I was going to get is no longer available, so I'll just back-burner this for now. As I will eventually get a pair, I'm not giving up. Thanks! c

Posted by: Trash80toHP_Mini on 2015-07-15 08:52:28 Saw that, was hoping you'd snagged 'em. Still, if you find a pair that says "untested" w/o adapter, beware speaker rot  .  .  . .  .  .  especially so if a power adapter is listed at around the same time by whomever  .  .  . .  .  .  just sayin' :🙂 Any suggestions for new driver replacements would be appreciated. IIRC, the drivers in the AD1s are pretty good sized as compared to the Altec-Lansings I have in almost identical packaging. I imagine adapting a two decades more modern design for a smaller driver might yield better sound than the originals?

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