I don't know much about speakers and I haven't had my iMac very long so is it just me or do iMacs have good quality speakers. The sound pretty damn good to me. 
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iMac 2011 Speakers
- Thread starter goopyspooge
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I'm a big fan of the Harmon Kardon Soundstix II. Their looks are not for everyone, but for $150, they beat the pants off of a lot more expensive speaker systems. Great for basic gaming, movies, music. May not fill an entire 2 story house, but will fill a 2-bdrm apt no problem.
i bought a 2011 imac too, should arrive this week & i'm looking for a standalone speaker system for it too. i'm not sure what to go for, a 2.1 or a 5.1, im interested in the Bose companion 3, 2.1 speakers (with the woofer), they look clean & amazing, but i haven't heard them yet, & its not a 5.1 so will it have a nice effect while watching movies ? im not sure.
I have Companion 3's which are currently hooked up to both my TV and laptop. I like the little touch device that allows for volume control and easy mute. You might bump up to the Companion 5's since they're supposed to emulate a bigger system and you can use the USB input instead of 3.5mm.
Perhaps, but if i'd go for companion5's, its immidiatly about 400, & the imac on its own wasnt very cheap so.. ^^
I guess I remember them being in the 200's...I think I found a refurbished set. The Companion 3's aren't bad by any means though, they work perfectly for me.
I'd also like to point out that I'm not an expert in audio and there are probably other great options for less...
I'd also like to point out that I'm not an expert in audio and there are probably other great options for less...
I use Logitech X-240s on my MacBook Pro and they sound really good. I am planning on using them as my iMac's speakers once I get it.
For the amount of space they take on the desk, the built-in speakers are simply amazing! By far the best sounding built-in speakers anyone could get. For day to day work, youtubing or radio etc, they are brilliant. For everything else, I have a pair of modded Sennheiser HD558 which make the Z5500 (now in storage) sound like cheap imitations.
lol I don't think the Swans hold a candle to the oldschool Klipsch 2.1s.
*Runs away in flame proof suit*
Honestly I think you're the same dude that used to regular some of the PC building boards and fanatically rave about the Swans M200s. It was always that one dude that kept on raving about them being the best thing on earth XD
Seriously though, iMac speakers have always been pretty darn good for built-in speakers on a machine that thin. I'm surprised Apple ditched iSub support because it still would've been a great add-on.
I don't think the Swans hold a candle to the oldschool Klipsch 2.1s. *Runs away in flame proof suit*
Honestly I think you're the same dude that used to regular some of the PC building boards and fanatically rave about the Swans M200s. It was always that one dude that kept on raving about them being the best thing on earth XD
Seriously though, iMac speakers have always been pretty darn good for built-in speakers on a machine that thin. I'm surprised Apple ditched iSub support because it still would've been a great add-on.
Hi again,
personally I'm using the Audioengine A2 (black) + Yamaha 8" Sub with my Mac.
(and AudioEngine A5 + Velodyne 12" Sub with my gaming PC { hexa-core, too})...
And Hi, JoeG4, if you meant me about the Swans ➨ never posted there...
personally I'm using the Audioengine A2 (black) + Yamaha 8" Sub with my Mac.
(and AudioEngine A5 + Velodyne 12" Sub with my gaming PC { hexa-core, too})...
And Hi, JoeG4, if you meant me about the Swans ➨ never posted there...
The internal speakers are good, but you would definitely benefit from external speakers - the sound is much fuller and clearer with better bass.
I use the Soundstix III - sound great and look funky.
Edit: And of course I can just use Airplay to pipe my music to the hifi or home theatre system... or indeed all of them for "house party" mode
I use the Soundstix III - sound great and look funky.
Edit: And of course I can just use Airplay to pipe my music to the hifi or home theatre system... or indeed all of them for "house party" mode
lol
Quoted for truth.
I agree.
No doubt BOSE Companion speakers are really quite good. But the built-in speakers are very good for me already.
I agree.
My desk can get cluttered enough with just a day of work.
Sure don't need any help by being cluttered with more boxes and wires, and that is what externals bring you ..... space grabbing boxes and dust collecting wires! LOL LOL
I've tested many and not heard better than the Audio Engine at their price. Really great speakers. If you're a huge bass head maybe they'll lack very slightly compared to others, but I'm amazed at how loud they get and stay clean and how well they perform (and not just at their price).
Paul
Paul
This is a disappointing revelation, that the iMac speakers are not sufficient for a quality music and movies audio experience.
I was really hoping to get rid of "clutter" on my desk, including speakers and their respective wires/plugs. Isn't that the whole point of an all in one? I suppose there are tradeoffs...
I was really hoping to get rid of "clutter" on my desk, including speakers and their respective wires/plugs. Isn't that the whole point of an all in one? I suppose there are tradeoffs...
