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. Their design is identical to that of the speakers which shipped with the Power Mac G4 Cube starting in mid-2000, but do not feature the external amplifier box or USB connection that were exclusive to the Cube system (see photos at the bottom of this page for comparison).

The speakers were available with either white or black surrounds as a standalone purchase. The white version were also included with higher-end models of the iMac.

These 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.