Pro Speakers on intel mac mini?

Question

Level 1

30 points

Pro Speakers on intel mac mini?

I was recently given a set of mac pro speakers but they were originaly for a Power Mac G4 system which means the plug is too small for my intel mac mini. Does anyone know where or who offers an adapter that would allow me to do something about the pathetic sound that comes out of an intel mac mini?

eMac, Intel 1.5 solo mini, Mac OS X (10.4.6), 1999 Blueberry DVD iMac

Posted on Dec 2, 2006 2:41 PM

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Answer 1

J. Davis

Level 4

1,249 points

Dec 2, 2006 7:38 PM in response to taxicab6109

I think someone makes (or used to make) and adapter that would convert the Pro speakers to Firewire. Sorry, but I can't remember the manufacturer right now. It was a few years ago when the G4 was still in production, so I don't know if it's still available.

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Answer 2

P'Boy

Level 1

0 points

Dec 3, 2006 4:51 AM in response to taxicab6109

Try Griffin Technology. ( www.griffintechnology.com ) I use PowerWave to connect the Apple Pro speakers to the Mini via USB. And I think they also have another product called iFire or something that also allows you to connect Apple Pro speakers to any Mac via USB. I'm not sure whether they still make them as I bought the PowerWave a few years ago. Hope this helps.

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Answer 3

taxicab6109 Author

Level 1

30 points

Dec 3, 2006 10:49 AM in response to P'Boy

What about a direct connect using a 3/32 female 1/8 male stereo adapter to plug directly into my intel mac mini's audio out?
I didn't turn it on of course, but I did find that the male end of the speakers fit my telephone's female out and I believe that uses a 3/34 miniture ear piece.
I also so something when I entered Pro Speakers on google which stated NOT to plug it into something that isn't apple because of rom chips that look for an apple product.

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Answer 4

Dec 5, 2006 12:39 PM in response to taxicab6109

The Apple Pro Speaker cable is not a standard audio cable. You won't be able to use any kind of standard adapter. You will need a FireWave or iFire adapter if you want to use those speakers. Personally, if you want some cool looking speakers, I'd recommend the Harman/Kardon SoundSticks II (Harman/Kardon designed the Apple Pro Speakers as well). They look cool, don't cost much more than the FireWave adapter to begin with and they sound great.

-Doug

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Answer 5

taxicab6109 Author

Level 1

30 points

Jan 5, 2007 10:26 PM in response to Douglas McLaughlin

I already have the speakers and when pluged into a 2.5mm female adapter with 3.5 male for the computer only one speaker works because the male on the speaker end is too short.

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Answer 6

taxicab6109 Author

Level 1

30 points

Feb 8, 2009 9:09 AM in response to taxicab6109

There is only one solution, put up for sale on ebay to anyone who owns an older flat panel iMac and his speakers don't work.

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