Improving Sound on iMac 24"

[ryanflucas]

I have a Intel based iMac 24" (latest release). The sound is clear and crisp, but without knowing much about acoustics, it just doesn't feel like it has the oomph that my previous Windows based PC had using external speakers.

So I'm contemplating an upgrade. Which would be better?

1.) Adding a external 2.1/2.0 sound system.
2.) Installing software enhancement like Joesoft's Hear.
3.) Combination of both
4.) Do nothing, this is the way it is.

I'm open to suggestion and recommendations here. I listen to music and play games 75% of the time, and use this as a home based business machine 25% of the time. I like the simplicity and size of small speakers like 2.0/2.1 systems and don't really want to look at anything much bigger. I've seen a nice 2.0 Bose system at stores for $99.

 

[Richard.John]

Harmon Kardon Soundsticks II are simple, elegant and sound great.

 

[carlosbutler]

yeah there is a ok 2.0 system from bose. but the real deal (which is still compact and good sound) are bose companion 3 or 5. i went for 5 and they sound great. they are nearly as loud as my parents $2000 home cinema, but more importantly, sound just as good if not better. all for £200

 

[skunk]

Harmon Kardon Soundsticks II are simple, elegant and sound great.

I second this. I have two sets, and find them surprisingly adequate for most purposes.

 

[alphacourt]

Forget computer speakers... spend some money on a nice hi-fi set-up.

http://www.hagtech.com/ripper.html

http://www.rotel.com/UK/products/ProductDetails.htm?Id=43

http://www.bowers-wilkins.com/display.aspx?infid=2311

Sounds fantastic.

 

[kevkev]

Buy some JBL Creature II speakers.
Got them for £38, and the sound quality is impressive.

kev.

 

[richardsim7]

Forget computer speakers... spend some money on a nice hi-fi set-up.

http://www.hagtech.com/ripper.html

http://www.rotel.com/UK/products/ProductDetails.htm?Id=43

http://www.bowers-wilkins.com/display.aspx?infid=2311

Sounds fantastic.

He's got a lovely optical port sitting there in his iMac, why would he wanna waste that?

However I agree that amp is very good

-Rich-

 

[ryanflucas]

He's got a lovely optical port sitting there in his iMac, why would he wanna waste that?

Optical? I see the headphone port, but is that the next port that over that looks like a minijack but has a circle/2 triangles as the symbol?

What exactly can I use that for?

 

[taylorwilsdon]

Optical? I see the headphone port, but is that the next port that over that looks like a minijack but has a circle/2 triangles as the symbol?

What exactly can I use that for?

Optical, or Toslink, is built into your iMac through the regular "headphone" jack. You need an adapter like this (comes with most optical cables) to use it.

 

[Moriarty]

Take a look at the Audioengine A2 and A5 models... have a very good reputation. They're both 2.0 bookshelf speakers with internal amplifiers (basically made for computers), the A2's are quite a bit smaller than the A5 model though.

And the Audioengine A5 even has a dedicated power outlet on the back of one of the speakers for the Airport Express to stream your music over WiFi, and a USB port for iPod charging

 

[Big-TDI-Guy]

Have not regretted this - had them running over 2 years now. EXCELLENT sound, and nothing like 5.1 coming from my iMac.

The additional inputs are also nice, hooked up to my PS3, TV.... You get the idea.

Dollar for dollar - can't beat it with a stick.