iMac : using internal speakers without unplugging headphones

[wassal43]

has any one tried Bluetooth or USB headphone ?

it may solve the problem

 

[allfunkedup]

I was also hoping to find a way to do this, I'm really disappointing that it seems impossible in Mac OS X.

Even worse I've just been playing a game in Windows 7 in Bootcamp on my early 2011 iMac and was able to plug a headset into the mic and headphone sockets and use the headset for vent chat AND use the speakers for game sound so its not hardware (at least on the latest iMac).

I reboot to OSX and I cant even flick between the two outputs without unplugging

Now if only i could get my bluetooth headset to work in Windows as easily as in OSX I could have one setup for both and it wouldn't matter!

 

[Rodan52]

System Preferences -> Sound -> Sound output -> Select internal speakers or headphones

I'm afraid that's not true. In Mavericks/Yosemite plugging an external device into the headphone jack removes Internal Speakers from the options in the Sound Preferences pane.

 

[steve62388]

I'm afraid that's not true. In Mavericks/Yosemite plugging an external device into the headphone jack removes Internal Speakers from the options in the Sound Preferences pane.

Pretty harsh calling somebody out for advice they gave when the latest OS X release was Snow Leopard.

Unless you're from the past writing in the future? I have to know, can you tell me who shot JR?

 

[nkarafo]

After one year, I am wondering if there is any progress to this problem...

 

[milaszewski]

After one year, I am wondering if there is any progress to this problem...

And almost another year after, I am asking the same as well

 

[al404]

me to

 

[keithdoc]

After one year, I am wondering if there is any progress to this problem...

I had same issue with an avionics headset.
My solution was to get a USB headset/microphone.
I have powered speakers running from my headphone out, but I could easily use my built in speakers instead.

This allows me to have certain conversations on the headset, while listening to music/system sounds through external (or built in) speakers.

Depending on the application, MOST will honor the pref to chose input/output WHEN they are started.
Some will change on the fly, some will not.
You can then change it back after application launches.

TLDR:
Spend $10 for a USB adapter available from any online mega retailer. Just search "Plugable USB Audio Adapter with 3.5mm Speaker/Headphone and Microphone Jacks".