.....adding subwoofer to AL imac?

[eyephone]

Hello all, new member here, long time reader of these great forums.

I recently purchaced a 20" aluminum imac as my first apple computer after falling in love with the company that made my wonderful iphone.

I love the idea that the speakers are built in to the imac, but they provide no low end bass whatsoever, so I am looking into adding a subwoofer to the existing sound system. What I would like to know is if something like this is possible at all with the imac being that if I plug in an external powered sub to the headphone jack on the rear of the unit the built in speakers will shut off.

Is there anyway to actually integrate a subwoofer along side of the existing imac speakers? Any help will be greaty appreciated!

Thanks,
Eyephone

 

[eyephone]

Has anyone felt the need for a sub with the built in audio?

 

[xUKHCx]

I think people will think if you are going to use an external sub then why not just use an external 2.1 sound system which will provide better sound quality.

 

[Jimmdean]

You might try the SRS iWow iTunes plugin and use it instead of the iTunes equalizer. Unless you are listening to a lot of Hip-Hop/Rap, this should give you more of the low-end you're looking for. I'm pretty impressed with what it can do...

 

[wongulous]

Well, it's not an audio receiver, so there's no subwoofer out rca jack or stereo mini jack, obviously... but you could get a 2.1 system like a previous poster suggested, either USB or SPD/IF, like the Harmon-Kardon Soundsticks, Altec-Lansing VS2321 or FX6021 (personal fave, with a remote and head unit), or the JBL ones that have two satellite speakers and a subwoofer that look like UFOs or flowery things (I think they're hideous but they sound ok).

 

[SaSaSushi]

Well, it's not an audio receiver, so there's no subwoofer out rca jack or stereo mini jack, obviously... but you could get a 2.1 system like a previous poster suggested, either USB or SPD/IF, like the Harmon-Kardon Soundsticks, Altec-Lansing VS2321 or FX6021 (personal fave, with a remote and head unit), or the JBL ones that have two satellite speakers and a subwoofer that look like UFOs or flowery things (I think they're hideous but they sound ok).

I use a Sony 5.1 system connected to the optical digital input by S/PDIF cable. The built-in speakers, while very good quality, were never enough for me.

 

[RevToTheRedline]

During day I have the iMac running through my NAD preamp, during the night I use the built in speakers, to avoid bothering anyone else in the house, the iMac speakers are a more personal experience.

The internal speakers are alright at best. Get yourself a nice 2.1 system like suggested.