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| Apple Design Speakers |
Posted by: CMW85 on 2024-06-06 02:22:56
Has anyone used both the M6082 and M2497 Apple Design speaker sets? Which set has better sound quality? Is there much of a difference between the two? |
Posted by: ArmorAlley on 2024-06-06 03:21:46
Is the sound coming out a 1990's Mac so good that one can tell the difference? |
Posted by: Durosity on 2024-06-06 03:27:46
I have a set of the Apple Design Speakers II but not the originals (although I did have them back in the day). Can't say that either sound particularly great, but I remember the reviews at the time saying the original ones were a bit better. The one thing I did like about them was the fact you could have 2 simultaneous sound inputs into them, designed so you could have a Mac and an external CD drive connected. |
Posted by: aeberbach on 2024-06-06 15:02:15
The speakers have a big impact on sound, whether the source is an old AM radio or something far more expensive. M6082 are really good speakers for the size, they are solid and really stood out when there were so many rattly thin plastic options for desktops. Mine aren't in use but they are put away because I could see using them again. I have heard but have not owned M2947 and I didn't think they were better at all. |
Posted by: CMW85 on 2024-06-07 16:57:57
Is the sound coming out a 1990's Mac so good that one can tell the difference?
I was hoping that the II model would at least sound similar, but apparently not. It seems to be easier to find boxed sets of the II. 🙂
I have a set of the Apple Design Speakers II but not the originals (although I did have them back in the day). Can't say that either sound particularly great, but I remember the reviews at the time saying the original ones were a bit better. The one thing I did like about them was the fact you could have 2 simultaneous sound inputs into them, designed so you could have a Mac and an external CD drive connected.
Cool. Was wondering why the original models had two knobs on them. 🙂
The speakers have a big impact on sound, whether the source is an old AM radio or something far more expensive. M6082 are really good speakers for the size, they are solid and really stood out when there were so many rattly thin plastic options for desktops. Mine aren't in use but they are put away because I could see using them again. I have heard but have not owned M2947 and I didn't think they were better at all.
Thanks for the info. I guess I'll go for the M6082 set. I had a feeling that the II model wasn't as good. 🙂 |
Posted by: aeberbach on 2024-06-07 17:27:33
I was hoping that the II model would at least sound similar, but apparently not. It seems to be easier to find boxed sets of the II. 🙂
Cool. Was wondering why the original models had two knobs on them. 🙂
Thanks for the info. I guess I'll go for the M6082 set. I had a feeling that the II model wasn't as good. 🙂 Be sure to open them up to check if you can (preferably before paying top dollar) - the foam surrounds of the speaker suspension are prone to perishing and flaking away. They will still work without but not as well. You might be able to find a replacement kit but more likely you will be able to find replacement drivers, though they are not cheap. |
Posted by: Durosity on 2024-06-08 00:14:42
Cool. Was wondering why the original models had two knobs on them. 🙂 Ah so the two knobs aren’t actually related to that, one is for volume, the other for balance!
Oddly enough though last night someone posted some in box AD Speakers 1 for a low low price so I grabbed them, so I’ll be able to compare how different the 1s and 2s are! |
Posted by: joshc on 2024-06-08 01:28:03
I used to use M2497 speakers with G3/G4 Macs (when those were current) and they were fine but I think these days any decent modern speakers would probably sound better. My memory is vague but I seem to recall they are quite bassy and have a rather boomy deep sound, depends what you are looking for I guess. Sound is very subjective. |
Posted by: CMW85 on 2024-07-03 06:19:47
Ah so the two knobs aren’t actually related to that, one is for volume, the other for balance!
Oddly enough though last night someone posted some in box AD Speakers 1 for a low low price so I grabbed them, so I’ll be able to compare how different the 1s and 2s are!
Cool! How were they different? |
Posted by: pizzigri on 2024-07-03 08:58:53
I have a pair of the original speakers, and I went the easy way and just replaced the drivers. They sound great for what they are. The internal stereo amp is a dual 5w.
the drivers that are comparable to the originals for sound quality and more or less the same size (some modding is needed) are the Visaton FRS8 4ohm drivers.
they're like 14 euro each at Reichelt.de |
Posted by: pizzigri on 2024-07-03 09:03:02
Some pics. And video! As said, the audio is great for how they‘re built. I was listening at 3/4 max volume, and the source was the tiny blue mp3 player next to the right speakers. |
Posted by: Trash80toHP_Mini on 2024-07-03 09:38:19
I loved the first version, got 'em for my son as part of his HomeWork/AV setup. He gave them back to me, but the cones are blown. There was a thread about re-coning them long time back. Thinking such would be better than finding replacement speakers unless newer drivers are significantly better? |
Posted by: pizzigri on 2024-07-03 09:57:06
I had ordered the replacement foams but in the end it’s almost as expensive. And difficult to do. And these are full range speakers anyway, it’s not like theres a xover, so as long as the bass reflex load is similar…. |
Posted by: pizzigri on 2024-07-03 09:58:07
I e done extensive research before using these drivers, and am. Ot the first to use them. |
Posted by: Durosity on 2024-09-04 07:40:04
So I’ve sat and tried both my sets of 1 and 2 speakers.. and honestly I can’t tell that much of a difference. I’d say the 1s maybe sound ever so slightly warmer.. but it’s negligible. I’m hardly an audiophile so perhaps others would be able to hear a difference, but the average person I don’t think would.
I’d argue the IIs are the better option because of the adjustable angle. But that’s it really. |
Posted by: LaPorta on 2024-09-04 09:14:17
My experience with Macs and speakers of this era comes down to: what makes the sound of the engines in Hellcats or F/A-18 Hornet sound the best? |
Posted by: Durosity on 2024-09-04 11:13:30
Oddly enough I actually did play F/A-18 hornet with them! I’d go for the IIs 😉 |
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