What are my options (locally available) for portable usb speakers? I want a single cable that connects to usb (usb audio) rather than two- power and speaker jack. Sound quality is clarity of vocals for watching movies. Preferably one that is filtered so it doesn't distort with bassy material. I tried the Philips clip-ons at Digital Walker and there was heavy distortion. Plus they were too thick. This looks great:
the X-mini looks nice for a mac. but i still have my altec atp3 (not actually portable) which is now more than 4yrs old.
@Mad Mac.....sure you want to be lugging around those ugly, portable speakers when you're out? I'd recommend, as an alternative, to just get some good earphones, preferably with noise cancellation feature to enable you to enjoy your movies while you're out. Less istorbo pa with neighbors......
If your not on a tight budget I prefer Bose Computer Monitor. http://www.bose.com/controller?url=/shop_online/speakers/computer_speakers/music_monitor/index.jsp
Our producer bought these Philips USB speakers from PowerMac Greenbelt for around 2k. They're loud for their size. http://www.consumer.philips.com/con..._PH_CONSUMER/Notebook-USB-speakers+SPA5200-97
I heard those Philips clip-ons at Trinoma and they distorted heavily. I don't know if the vendor's mp3 rip was bad but it certainly didn't leave a good impression. No song sounded decent. Mind you, I am not expecting audiophile grade sound. I just want a clean midrange for clear vocals that don't sound tinny. The Philips had what I was looking for in concept..clip-on, single usb power/audio cable. Too bad it did not deliver. Where is Senco in Tomas Morato?
I use this: Logitech v10 http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-V10-Notebook-Speakers-970194-0403/dp/B000G0JD0C http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/notebook_products/speakers/devices/200&cl=us,en Opted for these instead of the Philips clip-ons due to sleekness as well as excellent performance. I use them for watching movies and since I personally don't need a very loud system, these do great. For the non-portable route, you can go for the cheaper s150. Silicon Valley carries the v10 for around 2k ish. USB powered only but you can split the other speaker and use it as an nonpowered speaker if you want.
Nope, plug and play to USB which both powers the device and delivers the audio. I've found that for the cheaper portable speakers, a USB speaker often outperforms one which uses the audio jack, maybe because it has it's own sound card thingy. So just one cable to plug into your Mac, nothing else.
try the apple reseller near Listening in Style Shangrila. i was able to try the xmini2 there a couple of months ago. the xmini is already good but the xmini2 is even better, i wish i waited for the xmini2
Looked like Senco Morato was on holiday too. No one was answering their phones. So I went to The Pod Digital Walker at Trinoma and auditioned the X-mini 2nd Generation and the X-Mini Max. True to comments above, the X-Mini 2 sounded better but the X-Mini Max was louder. I am very pleased with the midrange clarity of the X-Mini 2. What was surprising was there was semblance of bass coming from this tiny speaker. Well low mids probably. Fabulous. Enough thump to feel the rhythm. I loved the X-Mini 2's feel. The matt finish had a rubbery feel and the relatively heavy weight for its size gave an impression of quality. This is not our average China made speaker. On the way home I hooked the X-Mini 2 to my iPod Touch 1G. The all male vocal podcast came out very clear. The sound was richer and louder when I lay it on my dashboard. Covered the iPod with my cap and it was in action. The road noise of EDSA didn't bother the podcast at all. I was entertained til I got home. When I got home I tested it on my MacBook. Same results. My movies were audible enough to watch at a distance. Interesting that it did since the speakers were projected upward. Hmmm. I suspect the plastic accordion resonates some sound to do this. Compared to my Genius i200 portable speakers ( see pic) the X-Mini 2 was a tick or two shy of its of volume. It was shy in overall fidelity and presentation but nothing I will miss. One speaker vs 2 (with a usb powered amp!) If I wanted more fidelty, I'd use my Head Direct RE2 in-ear monitors. If I want more volume, I can daisy chain another X-mini 2 on my 1st one. I think I might do this. I believe two will beat my Genius i200. But all that was on battery power and short cable. When I connected the usb cable & audio jack to my MacBook things opened up. Headroom was raised. Lovely. I'm one very happy camper. Thanks for all the suggestions. My apprehension with the all positive reviews was unfounded. Oh, The Genius i200 speakers are now for sale LOL.
And you may also want to wait for XminiMax II, eye-catching design and is perfect for white macbooks.. http://asia.cnet.com/crave/2009/04/24/x-mini-max-ii-gets-a-design-makeover/
I am a self proclaimed audiophile with a dedicated music room and appropriate all tube gear and single full range drivers. I am not kidding myself attaining "stereo" imaging from 1 inch speakers 2 feet apart. From my typical viewing distance, even the X-Mini Max will sound mono. Not a problem, psycho acoustics brings the sound over to what you see on the screen. If I wanted good imaging, I'll watch in my music room. I've heard the X-Mini Max and it is really short on fidelity vs the X-Mini 2nd Generation. X-Mini 2 sounds better simply because it has a larger driver. But that is me. "Better" is what sounds better to you.
