What is the sound system you are using with your Mac Mini Setups?

[WizardHunt]

Hi Everybody,
I would like to see and hear all about those of you who hooked up sound, with speakers not just headphones, and tell me the brand names and the setup. Pictures are always welcomed and encouraged. Don't be shy, show off your system.

 

[jesteraver]

I don't have a Man mini, I'll still say mine that I am using for my iMac.

- Denon AVR-1601
- Wharfedale Diamond 8.1 (4)
- Wharfedale Diamond Center 8

All I am missing is a subwoofer, probably set me back $500-600. I might change the receiver in a couple of years, seeing it is pretty old now, soon going to be 8 years old. Hopefully get another Denon or might go with Panasonic.

 

[WizardHunt]

I don't have a Man mini, I'll still say mine that I am using for my iMac.

- Denon AVR-1601
- Wharfedale Diamond 8.1 (4)
- Wharfedale Diamond Center 8

All I am missing is a subwoofer, probably set me back $500-600. I might change the receiver in a couple of years, seeing it is pretty old now, soon going to be 8 years old.

What did that setup cost you if you don;t mind telling me?

 

[l33r0y]

I'll be using optical out from the Mac to a Panasonic SA-XR15 5.1 amp I found on eBay:

I'll be using a pair of full range Monitor Audio speakers.

Depending on the weight, the iMac may be perched on top of the amp to save desk space.

 

[Cave Man]

My HT Mini has an Onkyo 5.1 system connected by optical cable. My desktop Mini has JBL's Creatures.

 

[l33r0y]

Onkyo 5.1

Nice receiver

 

[Jim Campbell]

Hi Everybody,
I would like to see and hear all about those of you who hooked up sound, with speakers not just headphones, and tell me the brand names and the setup. Pictures are always welcomed and encouraged. Don't be shy, show off your system.

Harmon Kardon Soundsticks. Sound great ... look great. Highly recommended.

Cheers!

Jim

 

[steamboat26]

JBL Creature IIs. $100 about two years ago, but you can get them for like $50 these days. Decent sound for a good price. They have really good bass, but the treble is nothing great.

 

[mac-in-touch]

Harmon Kardon Sound Sticks

We get great sound, great looks with the Harmon Kardon Soundsticks.

 

[zap2]

JBL Creature II...I love em, look great. Have some problem with hissing, but its stopped bothing me.

 

[ryannel2003]

When I receive my Mini I will be using my Red JBL Creature 2.1 set. Bought them about 2 years ago for $100, and they have been great! Eventually I want to upgrade to the Harmon Kardon Soundsticks.

 

[jesteraver]

What did that setup cost you if you don;t mind telling me?

Free. Got the whole setup from my parents old home theater system

 

[kellen]

Mac mini is hooked up to my 6.1 surround and HDTV. Have a Harman kardon receiver and sony surrounds, with a velodyne 10"sub. Sounds great. Upstairs the computerbis hooked up to a set of m-audio speakers (cant remember the model number). Sound good enough for me.

 

[tuxtpenguin]

Don't have a Mini, but I have Harman Kardon Soundsticks on a PMG5.

 

[FatSweatyBlldog]

For a set of 2.1 speakers, I don't think you'll find a better pair than these (soundwise, and price/perofrmance):

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=4148283&type=product&id=1051384267922

If you can do w/o THX and want something that looks cooler, you can try these:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836119105

While the JBL Ceatures may look nice, I find them craptastic as far as audio quality goes (comparing them to a Boston Acoustics 2.1)...ymmv

 

[WizardHunt]

Impressive systems Guys! Thanks for all the input. I am using a Creative GigaWorks G500 5.1 system.

 

[kammron]

logitech z4
it pumps!

 

[danielhayter]

My hifi setup

I have my iBook or iPod connected to a Denon PMA 255-UK amplifier and a pair of Eltax Monitor 3s, which sit on sand-filled stands. Great sound from inexpensive gear.

 

[shikimo]

JBL Creature IIs. $100 about two years ago, but you can get them for like $50 these days. Decent sound for a good price. They have really good bass, but the treble is nothing great.

Totally correct review. I love mine, and for the money you can't get the quality range that is missing. Room-filling sound (for a small room, anyway), and they look cool without being in the way at all.

 

[roker]

I really love my H/K soundsticks (II, I might add )

Very clear sound, rich bass, great design, what more could you want from a 2.1 system?

 

[Jim Campbell]

Totally correct review. I love mine, and for the money you can't get the quality range that is missing. Room-filling sound (for a small room, anyway), and they look cool without being in the way at all.

I also have a set of Creatures hooked up to the iMac in a different room. These, too are fantastic. I don't require as much 'oomph' from them, and I have to say that I find the sound they produce very pleasing ...

Cheers!

Jim

 

[EvanLugh]

I have 7.1 surround sound, how would I go about putting that with mac mini?
Thanks and sorry for the bump.

 

[rainydays]

I've got

- Focusrite Saffire LE
- KRK Rokit 8

Not exactly the budget or space saving solution. But it sounds great

EDIT: oops. I missed the "Mac Mini" in the topic. That setup is for my iMac.

 

[mBurns]

I don't have a Mini but I use the Harmon Kardon Soundsticks 2. They rock!

 

[swisspolo]

iMac goes to:

NAD C340 amplifier
Mordaunt-short 902i speakers

Mini goes to:

JVC RX-5042VSL
Yamaha NSP-116 5.1 speakers