Pro Speakers

 History

Introduced: January 9, 2001

Discontinued: ?

Original Retail Price: $59

Model Identifier: M8282ZM/A

Tech Specs

Frequency response: 70 Hz - 20 kHz

Connector: Apple speaker minijack

Condition & Notes

These speakers, known for both their aesthetic beauty and fantastic sound quality, were designed by Apple in conjunction with Harman/Kardon and were released in January 2001 alongside the ‘Digital Audio’ family of Power Mac G4s. They use the proprietary Apple speaker minijack connection.

The speakers were available with either white or black surrounds as a standalone purchase, but were also included (with white surrounds) with some models of the iMac G4 from 2002 - ‘04 (see my iMac G4 page for these). There was also an earlier version with black surrounds, an external amplifier unit, and a special USB connection that were exclusive to the Power Mac G4 Cube (see photos at bottom for comparison).

The speakers are in excellent shape, and are complete with the original box & packaging. However, the black speaker cones are prone to the same microbial degradation as the Cube’s speakers, and are thus cracked and brittle though they are still functional (models with white cones use a rubber material which is unaffected by this). It is possible to re-surround them with modern foam/rubber, which is something I plan to do in the future.

 Packaging

 
 
 
 

 Speakers

 
 
 
 

 Documentation

 
 

The speakers even came with a ‘lockable cable fastener’ - a small metal bracket that could be used to secure the speakers (and keyboard, if desired) from theft.

 Comparison with G4 Cube Speakers

 
 

The speakers for the G4 Cube (left) vs. the standalone Pro Speakers (right).

They are identical in design, but the G4 Cube speakers use a USB connection - and have a built-in amplifier - whereas the Pro Speakers use the proprietary Apple minijack, compatible with Power Mac G4 towers (Digital Audio and later) and the iMac G4.

These particular Pro Speakers (right) have a bit of yellowing in the acrylic, likely due to UV exposure. All of the black cones are afflicted with the same microbial degradation, and are brittle.