Can you plug any speakers in an imac?

[234412]

Can you use any speakers with the imac? Just so I know what speakers to buy if I get one?

 

[TheNightPhoenix]

Can you use any speakers with the imac? Just so I know what speakers to buy if I get one?

If they use a standard line out or headphone jack then yes.

If it USB then just check the system requirements, some speaker systems are not mac compatible, while others are.

 

[Ubundows]

I have a similar question. Is it worth getting speakers? Or are the ones on the imac screen loud enough and of high enough quality to do without them?

 

[G5power]

In my opinion the built in speakers in an iMac are only slightly better then a decent stereo clock radio. They will work fine for things like hearing the audio with a video.

You will want either a decent set of amplified computer speakers. Or what I do is use a audio Y cable (1/8" male to two RCA male) and connect to a nearby stereo receiver and speakers. Much more volume and quality especially for listening to music.

 

[Berlepsch]

I have a similar question. Is it worth getting speakers? Or are the ones on the imac screen loud enough and of high enough quality to do without them?

The built-in speakers work very well when you are working at your iMac - but their power is limited. Whether it is enough for your purposes, you have to decide yourself.

 

[hughvane]

Is it worth getting speakers? Or are the ones on the imac screen loud enough and of high enough quality to do without them?

If you're an audiophile (like me), the answers are:
1. Yes, get external speakers, either self-powered or via an amplifier. It does NOT cost a lot, 2-hand gear is often perfectly adequate. I have a good setup in my small computer room. It cost me about US$25 for 2-hand Technics speakers, and I was lucky to find a discarded Aiwa amp at the recycle centre. A plain 3.5 mm to RCA audio cable from Mac > Aiwa, speaker wire to Technics, total cost US$35.
2. No, they're not loud enough nor do they handle the wide range of frequencies to be found, for example, in classical symphonic music. For speech, and lower-level music, they're fine.

Audio quality is a pretty subjective issue, so what I've opined may well be contradicted by someone else. That's fine, you do what is best for you.

 

[Fonzijr1964]

If you're an audiophile (like me), the answers are:
1. Yes, get external speakers, either self-powered or via an amplifier. It does NOT cost a lot, 2-hand gear is often perfectly adequate. I have a good setup in my small computer room. It cost me about US$25 for 2-hand Technics speakers, and I was lucky to find a discarded Aiwa amp at the recycle centre. A plain 3.5 mm to RCA audio cable from Mac > Aiwa, speaker wire to Technics, total cost US$35.
2. No, they're not loud enough nor do they handle the wide range of frequencies to be found, for example, in classical symphonic music. For speech, and lower-level music, they're fine.

Audio quality is a pretty subjective issue, so what I've opined may well be contradicted by someone else. That's fine, you do what is best for you.

Yeah its personal preference

I know i too am an audiophile and i find them adequate for casual listening but as said above listening to a symphony no. I am in a semi-permanent set up i.e. for the next few months i will be at a desk on my first floor but i will be moving up stairs and at that point i will reconsider the speaker situation. Personally i prefer a good set of headphones

(the Harmon kardon Sound sticks 2 are what i use for my iPod and are very nice for a 2.1 system)