You can have a lot of good gear in your computer setup but still feel it falls short somehow. Like with today’s featured setup, you could have a recent MacBook Pro and an Xbox Series X gaming console. You could have a sweet curved gaming monitor. You might even have a kick-ass Lego Technic McLaren Formula 1 Race Car mounted on the wall.
But do you have stellar audio or just OK audio? That’s the issue our setup’s owner faces.
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Playful MacBook Pro and Xbox rig seeks beefier sound system
Redditor Winnisterr (“Win”) put her setup on display in a post entitled, “My MacBook Pro and Xbox set up.”
She described her not-exactly-new-but-still-formidable MacBook Pro as an Intel i9 machine. It has a 2.9GHz, 6-core processor and 16GB of DDR4 RAM as well as a Radeon Pro 55X 4GB graphics card.
Photo: Winnisterr@Reddit.com
The MBP and an Xbox Series X gaming console pair with a 27-inch Gigabyte G27QC Curved Gaming Monitor. It has 2560 x 1440 pixel resolution and runs at a gaming-ready 165Hz refresh rate with a speedy 1ms response rate. It features adaptive-sync technology and DisplayPort connectivity.
Input devices in play include a Keychron K3 v2 mechanical keyboard with RGB lighting and Gateron brown optical switches. It’s an ultra-slim design with a 75% layout. Win uses it with a Logitech MX Master 3 wireless mouse.
Photo: Winnisterr@Reddit.com
Creative Pebble speakers
The setup’s audio is the domain of a set of Creative Pebble Powered Desktop Speakers. A commenter asked if they’re any good.
“They’re not amazing,” Win admitted, “but they’re a lot better than any monitors built in speakers, I’d say. They’re what I plan on upgrading next.”
Another commenter said they’d been considering getting the Monoprice MM-3 Powered Multimedia Speakers. But they ended up with Bose speakers, “which are fine, but if you’re going for a true upgrade maybe that’s an option for you.”
Photo: Winnisterr@Reddit.com
“I’ll have to give them a look, I was leaning towards the Audioengine A2’s but I’m still undecided so far,” Win said.
Another commenter made a suggestion of another sort. Stick with the Creative Pebbles, but beef them up with a subwoofer.
“I have the Creative Pebble Plus, which is pretty much the same thing but with a small [subwoofer],” they said. “I would say the extra for the sub is worth it.”
Of all of those choices, the Creative Pebbles are the least expensive, at less than $50 even with the down-firing subwoofer. Another somewhat affordable option would be Edifier powered monitors.
Photo: Winnisterr@Reddit.com
Killer Lego McLaren racer
We’ve seen some fun setups recently with remarkably complex and interesting Lego models — space exploration and race cars, mainly. But there are new, affordable Star Wars dioramas out there, too.
Win has herself a Lego Technic Formula 1 Race Car mounted on the wall to the left of her desk.
A commenter asked: “How did you hang the Lego?”
“Exactly like in this video but the other way round on the big base part,” Win replied.
The car itself is something of a marvel. It’s a detailed replica of McLaren’s 2022 F1 race car, developed in collaboration with McLaren Racing.
It includes features like a V6 engine with moving pistons, steering, suspension and differential for precision cornering. It’s also more than 2 feet long, which Win said took her by surprise.
Shop these items now:
Computers:
Display:
Input devices:
Audio, furniture and accessories:
- Creative Pebble Powered Desktop Speakers
- Arki Designs Mountain by Night desk pad
- LEGO Technic McLaren Formula 1 Race Car
- Ikea Alex drawer units
If you would like to see your setup featured on Cult of Mac, send some high-res pictures to info+setups@cultofmac.com. Please provide a detailed list of your equipment. Tell us what you like or dislike about your setup, and fill us in on any special touches or challenges.
