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MacBook Speakers

Hello,

A slightly unusual question, I am changing from a Macbook Pro to a BlackBook. Before the MBP I had an iBook G4, and since the move to MBP, have really noticed a dramatic improvement in volume and sound quality from the speakers.

Is anyone able to comment on the quality of the sound on the new MB? Especially in comparison to the MBP?

Thanks in advance,
Alex.

Macbook Pro, Mac OS X (10.4.6)

Posted on May 18, 2006 3:16 PM

Reply
17 replies

May 18, 2006 3:59 PM in response to alexcwood

I am sorry I cannot compare with a MBP

I like the Macbook speakers. No bass of course, but good quality.

Some are complaining that they are too quiet. This is not the case for me at all. I use 50% volume for DVD's from 5 feet away. I could have the next room hear it if I wanted.

Please read my thread
"I LOVE my macbook"
for more details

Kalel

Jun 13, 2006 8:08 AM in response to Kalel

I've been extremely disappointed in the ultra-low volume of the speakers on my Macbook. This weekend I asked a neutral 3rd-party to judge the adequacy of the speaker output. I played a DVD for them with the volume control PEAKED. From about 3 feet in front of the computer she had to LEAN IN to hear it. Others have more or less related similar results.

So, yesterday I took the Macbook to the Apple store. They had to bring it into the back to hear the machine (the store is, to be fair, a loud environment). They returned 10 minutes later and said my system was 'normal' - all Macbooks have low speaker volume.

This is clearly unacceptable. I can't decide if I'm going to return this machine or not. Frankly, I love the performance. I don't have a heat problem, mooing, or any of the other issues commonly noted in these forums and, frankly, the machine is just plain fast. I don't want to get rid of it. But if I have to use earphones just to hear audio I may have to return it.

Nothing I've tried has affected the output volume in any meaningful way.

Jun 13, 2006 9:57 AM in response to alexcwood

I also think my MacBooks speakers are absurdly quiet. I put the volume up all the way and can hardly here it. Maybe it's due to trying to lie down and watch a movie on my MacBook, but I wouldn't expect this to cause much of a difference. I just can hardly here this machine without headphones. Of course I won't complain much because my absurdly quiet speakers are the loudest part about my MacBook.

Phil

Jun 13, 2006 11:42 PM in response to Michael Johnston4

I think it is difficult to judge with DVDs since movie sound is pretty finicky. Dialogue is always much lower than sound effects, especially when DVDs are primarily playing in 5.1 and are translated back into 2 channel sound. Even when I watch movies on my TV I fond it difficult to find a comfortable volume level.

Besides, who really buys laptops for their kickin' sound systems?

Jun 13, 2006 11:50 PM in response to philipgar

My last 3 machines were an iBook G3, iBook G4 and PowerBook G4 12" and now the MacBook. The MacBook has the worst speakers of all of those models, both in terms of frequency response and in raw volume. The iBook speakers weren't that great quality but could get pretty loud. The PB G4 12" had astoundingly great sound, especially for such a small machine. It had a midrange driver that added a surprising amount of fill and bass. I'm shocked at how bad the MacBook speakers are considering it should have more room to work with than the 12" PB. Not only are they bad quality, sounding very tinny, they aren't loud enough to be usable even in a quiet room.

Jun 14, 2006 3:57 AM in response to alexcwood

I have a Macbook, and my wife has a Macbook Pro. The Pro does have better speakers. While I can hear my Macbook OK if I'm not to far away, the speakers really aren't good for listning to music or a movie. I use powered external speakers at my desk, and carry earbuds in my computer case if I want hi fidelity, although I usually don't bother, and just use the internal speakers on the road.

MacBook Speakers

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