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Apple AppleDesign Powered Speakers vs Apple iPod Hi-Fi

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

AppleAppleDesign Powered SpeakersAppleiPod Hi-Fi
Overview
Released1993February 2006
Sound
TypeSpeakerPortable speaker
Channelsstereostereo
Dolby AtmosNoNo
DriversFull-range, tuned-port bass-reflex speakers. Magnetically shielded for use near CRT computer displays. Apple claims maximum 90 dB SPL at 0.5 m at 90 Hz; this is a qualified sound-pressure claim, not an acoustic wattage rating.Two wide-range drivers in isolated enclosures and a ported woofer; Macworld reports two 80 mm drivers and one 130 mm woofer
AmplifiersBuilt-in Class B amplifier and dual-input mixer. Maximum audio input 2 V peak-to-peak. External 15 V DC supply; the regional power-supply module determines 100–240 V AC mains compatibility, 50–60 Hz. Published 40 W maximum is electrical input, not speaker output.Built-in amplifier; Apple did not publish a power rating
Frequency response90–17,000 Hz ±3 dB (Apple additional technical specifications).53 Hz low-end figure reported by Macworld from Apple; no official full-range specification found
Connections
Wi-FiNoNo
BluetoothNoNo
AirPlayNoNo
Voice assistantsNoneNone
Wi-FiNo built-in Wi-Fi; analogue inputs only.No built-in Wi-Fi
BluetoothNo built-in Bluetooth; analogue inputs only.No built-in Bluetooth
PortsStereo 3.5 mm computer input; separate left/right RCA CD/audio input; front 3.5 mm stereo headphone output. Stripped/tinned two-conductor cable joins the main and satellite speakers through spring terminals. Only revision B has the output for a separately powered subwoofer; the pictured owner-guide rear panel is revision B. Headphones mute the speakers.30-pin iPod dock; 3.5 mm auxiliary input accepts analogue stereo or Mini-Toslink optical digital audio; no video output or computer sync port
StreamingPlays the audio output of a separately connected computer, CD player, cassette deck or television. No network player is built in.Plays music from a separately connected AirPort Express through the auxiliary input; no wireless receiver built in
Design
Battery life (maker's claim)–Up to 15 hours
Weight–6.6 kg
Battery life detailExternal mains-powered 15 V DC supply; no battery operation documented.Six D-cell batteries or mains power; Apple told Macworld up to 15 hours at normal listening levels and approximately five hours at maximum volume. Macworld measured just under 11 hours with alkaline cells
ControlsFront power button and green indicator, volume and left/right balance. Headphone volume and balance use the same controls. No bass or treble controls. Computer input includes noise-reduction circuitry; the CD input is separate.Touch-sensitive volume buttons on top and included infrared Apple Remote for volume, playback and track changes
SizeMaker technical specifications give 9.25 × 4.5 × 4.75 inches (height × width × depth), with rounded metric equivalents 23.1 × 11.2 × 11.9 cm. Published 4.8 lb (2.2 kg) weight is not identified as per-speaker versus pair, so no headline weight is assigned.17.0 × 6.6 × 6.9 inches and approximately 6.6 kg without batteries, measured by iLounge; approximately 7.6 kg with six D-cell batteries
ColoursPlatinum-grey enclosures with grey front grilles, as shown in the original maker catalogue.White enclosure with removable black fabric speaker grille
In the boxMain powered speaker, satellite speaker, external power supply, 3.5 mm computer interconnect cable, dual-RCA CD cable and two-conductor speaker cable. Revision B accepts an optional powered subwoofer, not supplied. The Fall 1993 Apple direct-sales catalogue offers the exact speaker pair for immediate ordering with overnight shipping; first on-sale month is unresolved, so the supported retail year is retained. Technical-library document creation on 16 March 1993 is not used as a sale date.Apple Remote, removable grille, AC power cord and ten Universal Dock adapters

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