Mac Mini Speakers?

[ubinko]

I'm looking to update my 2017 iMac, to either an M4 iMac or M4 Mac Mini.

Many monitors don't come with speakers.

My question is - how good are the speakers inside of the Mac Mini? Are they generally as good as the speakers in an iMac/Studio Display, or do people generally buy a set of dedicated speakers? This is relevant as it will affect the desk space and final cost of the setup for me.

 

[Grumpyman]

Logitech Z623 is affordable and the sound is astonishing.

 

[ubinko]

I just remembered, I actually have an amazon echo dot lying around that I could probably use.

 

[DeltaMac]

The mini has never had more than one, tiny speaker, more for sound effects, with little chance to claim anything musical. And, now in a much smaller case, even less chance of worthwhile audio. External of some type is the plan.
When I want a speaker, I usually listen with headphones, or a bluetooth speaker of some kind. That wireless speaker doesn't need to take up any desk space-- being wireless, it can sit anywhere. I have a small wall shelf, where the speaker shares space with my internet router. (There's a bracket under the shelf, where I hang my headphones)

 

[agregson]

I have tried various - now settled on Apple Studio Display. Speakers for general use, music, video are very good for what I want. I had tried pair of HomePod mini (very good), Q-Acoustics Bluetooth/optical/USB bookshelf speakers (superb, a little bulky and now on my turntable). Logitech tend to be good - I have a few packs of V20 USB (DAC, control and power) that are surprisingly good and a Logitech Boombox type thing with line and BT which is really very good.

 

[yalej]

Mac mini speakers are there for you to hear the boot up chime at best. Otherwise, completely unsuitable for anything else. I use either AirPod Pros for headphones or Bose Companion 2 Series III desktop speakers (they have 2 audio inputs, which is very handy when you want to switch between two different audio sources).

 

[hobowankenobi]

The question about dedicated speakers should be more like...

What dedicated speakers are good for [use case here]?

Gaming, general use, music in a cubicle, music in a big room, watching TV, or something else?

 

[hobowankenobi]

For basic built in speakers in a monitor, keep in mind that HDMI (and pretty sure USB C) will carry both audio and video, so one less cable to mess with. Most good USB monitors also include a USB hub (more ports), which can help with a clean desktop setup.

 

[ubinko]

The question about dedicated speakers should be more like...

What dedicated speakers are good for [use case here]?

Gaming, general use, music in a cubicle, music in a big room, watching TV, or something else?

I mostly use my airpod pros.. and the speakers will just be to share youtube videos and the like to family. I think the best option for me is just to ensure I have a monitor with speakers.

 

[Mr.Fox]

I'm looking to update my 2017 iMac, to either an M4 iMac or M4 Mac Mini.

Many monitors don't come with speakers.

My question is - how good are the speakers inside of the Mac Mini? Are they generally as good as the speakers in an iMac/Studio Display, or do people generally buy a set of dedicated speakers? This is relevant as it will affect the desk space and final cost of the setup for me.

The built in speakers are horrible and disgusting. Don't believe rumors and youtube reviews - they simply have nothing to compare them to. As for the quality of Apple Studio Display Pro, iMac, etc. - average, I've seen much better sounding systems. For those who will now shout at the whole city that apple is the best, and that I was stepped on the ear by a grizzly bear, no hearing, etc., I will disappoint you. To determine the quality I used professional binaural sensors of directional type, similar to the binaural head, as well as a licensed plug-in Voxengo SPANPlus.
Buy good speakers, you'll find your budget.