2.1 speakers on ibook g4?

mcsenerd said:

I don't see why not...2.1 is not true surround sound ala DTS or Dolby Digital...it's more like sound divied up by crossovers and sent to the appropriate speakers for reproduction.

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bfx said:

I suspect the 2.1 scheme he's referring is the one where the + and - leads for each channel from the headphone adaptor go to the left and right speakers. Those speakers also have a second set of connections that, thru an isolation pad built into each speaker (so the speaker's signal isn't weakened) are then connected to appropriate input connections on the subwoofer which filters out the higher frequencies and sums the bass signal from both channels.

The subwoofer should also be self powered, in most instances, when being driven from the relatively low level signal headphone jacks are normally able to produce. Often the sub will have the power supply to power it and the satellite speakers.

And a volume comtrol on the sub is definitely a plus for adjusting overall sound balance.

Such a system should work fine.

Only other thing really is to observe polarity when connecting everything. The + signal should always connect to the + terminals and the - to the -. Seems obvious but crossed wires happen more than one might think - which causes the signals delivered to the sub to be out of phase and effectively cancel out except for the minute differences between channels. That effectively kills the sub volume.

Check out the 2.1 speaker set you plan to buy and most likely you'll find it works this way.

bfx

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bfx said:

Getting an 'Object not found' browser message from the link.

bfx

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bfx said:

Looks like it should.

But check with the folks at the Apple Store before ordering.

No way for me to be certain as I don't have that setup.

bfx

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Any 2.1 computer speakers I have ever worked with have one mini stereo jack and that will work perfectally with your iBook. Those JBL's are made for use with even iPods so yes, they will work. I have an iBook and use it sometimes with my Klipsch Promedia 2.1's. Plugs right into the headphone jack and sounds great. Just do not get 4.1 or other surround sound speakers as most have multiple inputs.

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mangoSharingan said:

2.1 isn't surround sound. It's simply stereo speakers and a subwoofer. I have used my Creative Labs 2.1 Inspire speakers fine with my iBook before with no problems.

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