Pro speakers / Griffin iFire adapters

Question

Pro speakers / Griffin iFire adapters

I have a pair of the old pro speakers that came with an old iMac and I'd like to get them running again with another computer (also an iMac, but newer than the speakers). The computer doesn't have the same speaker socket so after a bit of judicious searching I find I might require a Griffin iFire adapter, which has long since been discontinued. Does anyone have one that they'd like to get rid of, or something else which might work?

Thanks if you do.

iMac 21.5", Mac OS X (10.6.3), WD MyBook external HD

Posted on Apr 16, 2010 8:53 AM

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Answer 1

Apr 19, 2010 7:23 AM in response to Andrew Blanchflower

You are correct. As far as I know the Griffin iFire adaptor is the only thing that will allow the Apple Pro speakers to work with your iMac. The problem is, the iFire can be hard to find. I did a quick search on eBay and found this. Best of luck!

http://cgi.ebay.com/Griffin-Technologies-iFire-Amplifier-AdapterW0QQitemZ260588606534QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAppleLaptops?hash=item3cac4a9446

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Answer 2

Apr 19, 2010 1:44 PM in response to Andrew Blanchflower

Had the same problem / issue with my MDD Pro Speakers when I started to use my new PMG5 as my main Mac (still working around to getting to my Mac Pro after 2 years).

Bottom line, it's not worth the effort, you can buy brand new, better speakers for less money than the adapter you are looking for. If you like the form factor of the Pro Speakers, Apple also did USB speakers (with a separate power supply / brick) that may be easier to find. These model speakers came with the G4 Cube, and may have come with other computers, and may have been sold separately.
It may mean you buy a Cube, keep the speakers and resell the Cube.

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Answer 3

ApMaX

Level 2

159 points

May 8, 2010 12:19 PM in response to Andrew Blanchflower

The Apple Pro Speakers are great looking:

http://www.synaptech.com/catalog/images/922-4682.gif

Since they only need an amplifier, I guess that it is technically possible to use them with the new Macs. Which amplifiers could work for that? Thanks.

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Answer 4

ApMaX

Level 2

159 points

May 8, 2010 12:45 PM in response to ApMaX

Update 1: indeed, it can be done:

Apple pro speakers. Make them work D.I.Y.
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1288519

Anyone knows of an adapter, so that the wires remain intact, as well as a good amplifier to take all the juice of the Apple Pro Speakers on the new Macs?

Update 2: example here:
AirDesk MacBook External Speaker Mount
http://area42.mwbrooks.com/index.php/tag/apple-pro-speakers

Anyone knows of an adapter and good amplifier for the full 20W of the Apple Pro Speakers? Thanks.

Message was edited by: ApMaX

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