Blown Speaker?

Question

Blown Speaker?

The left speaker has begun buzzing and rattling. I can actually see in vibrating through the cover. Is it blown, and can it be replaced? I know it's an old iMac, but it still runs well 10 years after I bought it!

Powerbook G4, Mac OS X (10.4.11), iMac G3 (10.4.11), iPod Touch 3rd Gen

Posted on Apr 3, 2011 2:57 PM

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Answer 1

Best reply

TeenTitan

Level 4

2,640 points

Apr 3, 2011 3:27 PM in response to Cynthia Dorminey

That would be a great question to ask an Apple Authorized Service Provider; they could probable tell you if they can replace the speaker, and if so, for how much.

Have you considered purchasing an external set of speakers? It may be cheaper then getting the speaker replaced. And they can be used not only with your computer, but an ipod, or another computer if you ever do chose to replace the computer.

For instance:
Harman Kardon SoundSticks III 2.1 Channel Sound System 169, I had a pair they lasted almost 8 years, and they sounded amazing.
Bose® Companion® 2 Series II Multimedia Speaker System 99, they sound great and take up very little space.

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Answer 2

Allan Jones

Level 9

68,924 points

Apr 3, 2011 7:17 PM in response to Cynthia Dorminey

As the cost of replacing the original speaker is likely more than a complete iMac G3 would bring on the used computer market, TeenTitan's suggestion of getting external speakers is excellent. Even cheap, "no-name" externals would probably deliver better sound that the originals.

Part of the problem iMac G3 owners face is a shortage of new parts. You'd be looking for a used/pulled speaker pair, and then finding someone to do the work if it is something you choose not to attempt yourself.

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Answer 3

Apr 3, 2011 7:38 PM in response to Allan Jones

That's kind of what I figured. A quick Google showed an iMac G3 for a mere $125, and all the replacement speakers for sale were pulled. Of course it's an old system so naturally no one will have new parts for it. I was really hoping that the symptoms weren't actually a blown speaker but a problem someone could give me a fix for. Thanks for the suggestions.

P.S. I see you're from Lewiston. I went to grad school at WSU and did a lot of work for my thesis in Lewiston. The folks at Nez Perce NHP helped me in getting a career with the NPS. Great place!

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Answer 4

Allan Jones

Level 9

68,924 points

Apr 4, 2011 8:03 AM in response to Cynthia Dorminey

Hey Cynthia! Small world. I'm a transplanted Texan (40 years in the Dallas area) who moved north in 1987. I figure that, in another 50 years, they'll consider me a native! Wonderful place here. We have thrived here in a way that would have never been possible had we stayed in Dallas.

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