Harman Kardon ISUB2000 isub Subwoofer (Mac Only)
By: JBL Average Rating: 4.5 Total Reviews: 14
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 On: 2004-11-02
I have owned and greatly appreciated the sound quality of the HK iSub for about a year now. However, I recently purchased M-Audio StudioPro 4 speakers from the apple website. After plugging them into my iMac through the speaker jack on the side, I enjoyed the pleasant mixing of the speakers and the iSub. After some time, I decided to see what would happen if the iSub were to be disconnected from the computer...
The low-frequency mini subs of the StudioPro 4 speakers seemed to kick in as soon as the iSub was unplugged. This lead me to the conclusion that the iSub, being connected via USB, cuts off or redirects the lower-frequency sound from the external speakers.
Is there any way the iSub and the mini subs of the external speakers could work simultaneously? Having more speakers playing the lower frequencies would be very favorable and as of now i am leaving the iSub disconnected.
On: 2004-11-01
I have owned and greatly appreciated the sound quality of the HK iSub for about a year now. However, I recently purchased M-Audio StudioPro 4 speakers from the apple website. After plugging them into my iMac through the speaker jack on the side, I enjoyed the pleasant mixing of the speakers and the iSub. After some time, I decided to see what would happen if the iSub were to be disconnected from the computer...
The low-frequency mini subs of the StudioPro 4 speakers seemed to kick in as soon as the iSub was unplugged. This lead me to the conclusion that the iSub, being connected via USB, cuts off or redirects the lower-frequency sound from the external speakers.
Is there any way the iSub and the mini subs of the external speakers could work simultaneously? Having more speakers playing the lower frequencies would be very favorable and as of now i am leaving the iSub disconnected.
On: 2003-02-21
No complaints about the sound or looks here. Both are of course amazing. My one problem with the iSub however is its USB interface. Because of this, certain things do not work as expected. Pluging in headphones will not mute the subwoofer, and neither will pressing the mute button on the keyboard. To turn off the iSub I have to unplug it, or go specifically mute it in the system preferences. This is extremely annoying to me, as I often hit the mute button to answer phone calls, and plug in headphones so I can continue listening to music when my roommates are studying or going to bed.The problem is listed in apples support webpage as this:
Symptom : You connect headphones to your computer, but the iSub speakers volume does not mute as you may expect.
Solution : The iSub is a subwoofer-type speaker designed to be used in conjunction with a pair of speakers. Your computer does not distinguish between analog headphones and analog speakers when you connect either to the computers analog sound output port. Therefore it is the correct behavior for the iSub not to be muted. The iSub is muted if you connect USB headphones. Alternatively, disconnect the iSub when you do not wish to hear it. I own the PowerMac Dual 867 running 10.2.4. My iSub is working alongside the apple pro speakers. If this problem may annoy you as well I would suggest looking at the JBL Creature Speakers.
 On: 2003-01-04
Harman Kardon is selling this item for 25% less on its own website! buy it there!
 On: 2003-01-01
This is a great-sounding woofer and too attractive to leave on the floor. The sound coming from it completes the sound spectrum from the Apple Pro speakers you should already have had.However, be aware of the price. If you go to either the Apple web site or the Harman Kardon web site you will find the list price. For some strange reason JandR wishes to charge substantially more....
by: Anonymous On: 2002-12-24
I bought the iSub directly from Amazon about a month ago and I am well pleased with its performance as well as the service from Amazon. The addition of lower frequency sound, along with my Apple Pro speakers, makes listening a vastly richer experience and that brings up a real problem: the vendor who is presently selling the iSub on Amazon, JandR, has come up with a richer price that bears no relationship with reality, charging a c-note. The manufacturers own web site shows a list price of $$$for the iSub. I realize that Amazon cant always provide a deep discount on all merchandise, but the JandR pricing is a rip-off. http://www.harman-multimedia.com/shop_list.html?cart=HK1_1040673842218740&id1=1
by: Anonymous On: 2002-12-17
This subwoofer is a great product but much to my dimay, they have stopped shipping the subwoofer as a standalone product. Which does most of the mac users no good since the iMacs and eMacs come with the small speakers already. Now there are no options to buy a subwoofer with out additional speakers. Thanks alot...;(
by: Anonymous On: 2002-12-09
You have already proven that you are different by using a Mac. You have shown that you demand a higher standard for your computer quality. If you play music on your computer you need an iSub. An iSub truly brings out the treble and bass. You will question how you lived without it. You just plug it into an open USB port and boom, youre good to go. It works without drivers in OS9 and OSX. It just pops up in your sound system preference or control panel. From there you can control how loud your iSub is. I love this product and you will too.
On: 2002-12-08
This is nicer than my PC setup (HK speakers + subwoofer). The Apple Pro speakers and iSub on the 17" Flat Panel iMac I own combine to give me rich sounds that I can hear all through my home. Im running OS X 10.2, and I can control the volume of the iSub through the "Output" tab on the System Peferences Sound panel.
On: 2002-08-18
I bought one right after their release, direct from Apple for [money], and I consider it a good deal. Aside from greatly improved music playback, its also invaluable for gamers(though the hardcore crowd would likely get a tower case). The iSub shakes my desk in battles, either FPSs like Unreal Tournament when you feel the rockets blast you apart, or in games like Diablo II, where I can even feel the footsteps of major enemies like Andariel or Duriel. Granted, Id like more control over it in X, but the hardware is still working fine after two years, seven months. And yes, the green light is still on. Also, my internal iMac speakers are a little blown, but I usually cant tell while the iSub is working. They definitely buzz and pop without it.
On: 2002-07-29
Sure, its a little pricey, but what Apple product isnt? Of course we all agree it looks great, and the green light is a nice effect. It packs quite a punch, especially if you boot into OS9 and set the bass up a little. In OSX, there is no software adjustments availible, but it is set to a decent volume at default. I am using the iSub with the New iMac and Apple Pro Speakers, they put out a good amount of punch, and the Pro Speakers dont distort as much as they did without the sub. Only downside is no knob to adjust the bass and no OSX software support (although it plays fine in OSX) Oh, and quit complaining about using a USB port, you have 1 (after mouse) on your keyboard, and two/three on the back.
On: 2002-01-06
Normally I dismiss the teenage mentality that requires subwoofers to punch up its daily hip-hop diet. But the striking appearance, exacting technology, and rapidly dropping price of the Harmon Kardon iSub spoke above my misgivings.Six months later I couldnt be happier with my purchase. This is not a woofer that blows you away the instant you hook it up; rather it grows on you, much like sophisticated music. I love the total absence of any controls or switches, which reminds me of the audiophile purists who would never think of equalizing, altering, or doctoring the sounds on their vinyl records. And the sound is so pure and translucent--much like the units appearance--that it doesnt call attention to itself. In fact, I often wonder if the thing is working--until I disconnect it. Its contribution is subtle but significant. One small warning: the unit comes with a bulky, heavy power supply that needs to be factored into decor and installation schemes.
On: 2002-01-05
Normally I dismiss the teenage mentality that requires subwoofers to punch up its daily hip-hop diet. But the striking appearance, exacting technology, and rapidly dropping price of the Harmon Kardon iSub spoke above my misgivings.Six months later I couldnt be happier with my purchase. This is not a woofer that blows you away the instant you hook it up; rather it grows on you, much like sophisticated music. I love the total absence of any controls or switches, which reminds me of the audiophile purists who would never think of equalizing, altering, or doctoring the sounds on their vinyl records. And the sound is so pure and translucent--much like the units appearance--that it doesnt call attention to itself. In fact, I often wonder if the thing is working--until I disconnect it. Its contribution is subtle but significant. One small warning: the unit comes with a bulky, heavy power supply that needs to be factored into decor and installation schemes.
On: 2001-10-11
i first got this and thought, "well not bad.."
then i found the contral panel for it.
10 minutes later and 5 "noise" complaints later, i have fallen in love. i recomend this to everyone who feels that these little imac speakers arent giving the bass that your music deserves. its perfect, and wonderful, and wonderfully cheap. just awesome
On: 2001-07-11
My five stars go only for beauty, I havent heard it yet. But why??? must I pay for it something like ... in Italy? Why is it always so? Why does ... not ship the item to me in Italy? But I will buy it anyway, at the ridicolous price. It is too beautiful. Im talking of the iSub. Ciao.
On: 2000-12-07
This is a Subwoofer made for the new slot-loading iMacs. You must be running Mac OS 9 or above. If you are then this is built for you. It has great quality, and is designed for use with the iMacs built-in speakers. The intergration is seamless. This is the perfect product... only one problem....price
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