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MP 7,1 Speakers for Mac Pro and Pro Display XDR combo
- Thread starter paulchiu
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KEF LSX? With airplay 2 / Bluetooth / aux/ optical input. Less space occupied , sound quality above average.
USB -A directly into each of these stereo pairs for a direct connection? Would that ensure no time delay?
LSX without usb input while ls50x does. Bluetooth and aux no delay
IMHO: You've just spent at least $11000US, don't skimp out on sound. Buy an external USB DAC and an amp. Or buy a combo box that does both. Then your audio world opens up to all sorts of speakers. Don't use ScrewTooth for audio, and don't use the built-in 3.5" trashy connector.
You went big with the computer and video; go big with the audio.
You went big with the computer and video; go big with the audio.
I am in the same boat, Just bought a mid range Mac Pro and XDR Nano and wondering what speakers to get!? Thing is they would be on my desk right near my head so surely I don't need huge and amazing? What do you guys think about these.. Ruark MR1 MkII speakers?
Those seem fine, they certainly will sound a lot better than my small UE Boom. (under the Dell 27", waiting for my XDR Display Pro......)
I am using a UE Boom hard wired to the audio jack of my Mac Pro.
This sounds far better than the internal Mac Pro speakers.
I tried to connect via USB to my full office stereo but this wastes too much electricity for 16/7/365 use.
FWIW, the higher end models from Edifier sound fantastic. The models that begin with "S" on this page are a good place to start looking:
www.edifier.com
There is another "computer" model called S880DB that would be a decent choice for someone on a tight budget or really short on available space. (Note: I have NOT had an opportunity to test their USB DAC with Catalina yet, so buy at own risk or somewhere with good return policy.)
These are NOT reference monitors. Some have a monitor mode (which is basically an EQ setting on the remote) and does a decent enough job for many people. A lot of people choose Genelec's for monitors. Personally think there are better options for the cost/value, but if you're buying reference monitors you're likely doing professional mixing and often "need" them on hand for certain clients, even if you're not using all the time.
Edifier USA - Online Shop
Find speakers, headphones, headphones or portable devices, as well as cables, remote controls, and more for your favorite Edifier products.
There is another "computer" model called S880DB that would be a decent choice for someone on a tight budget or really short on available space. (Note: I have NOT had an opportunity to test their USB DAC with Catalina yet, so buy at own risk or somewhere with good return policy.)
These are NOT reference monitors. Some have a monitor mode (which is basically an EQ setting on the remote) and does a decent enough job for many people. A lot of people choose Genelec's for monitors. Personally think there are better options for the cost/value, but if you're buying reference monitors you're likely doing professional mixing and often "need" them on hand for certain clients, even if you're not using all the time.
I've a pair of Audioengine A2+'s that I'm going to mount on their side under the (dual) XDR's to keep them from being too far away from me and sideways so they fit under the displays in their lowest position. I've the audio foam on order for it (MP 7.1 is also still on order).
The A2+'s are small, and sound OK for what I need from them. If I need more, I'll use headphones or so.
The A2+'s are small, and sound OK for what I need from them. If I need more, I'll use headphones or so.
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I have a SoundBlaster X7 that I'm using for my work laptop (Macbook Pro), so I decided to get a USB switch and add it to the Mac Pro as well. I like the X7 because it's identical to SoundBlaster's most excellent ZxR internal card which I've used for years in my PC. The X7 has speaker outputs, so it's technically a combo DAC/amp. I'm not using it in that fashion, however, as I have a big stage mixer under my desk. The SB outputs via RCA to the mixer, and the mixer then feeds powered studio monitors spread all over my office.
But, the option is there with the X7 to power speakers directly if you want.
KEF LS50 Wireless Powered Music System (Black, Pair)
The LS50W is a complete, high-fidelity music system that will cost you far less than you’d spend putting together the separate components necessary to match the performance of the LS50W. LS50W gives you all of the connectivity options you’ll need to get the most out of your music, including 2.4GH...
www.amazon.com
There is no substitute. Best USB speakers you can get IMO. If you get them, remember to go to Midi.app and change the output to be 192khz/24bit.
Old thread, but timely for Cyber Monday:
iLoud MTMs are 20% off today, from a number of sources (Amazon, B&H, Sweetwater). I bought these three weeks ago (B&H is price matching me for today's price). They aren't small, but are narrower than the competition, they work around the XDR pretty well. Another advantage is they come with adjustable stands to aim them at your ears (they could also go on their sides, those stand included as well, but that's not what you want to do—they are better vertically, and you want the tweeters pointed directly at you ears, not your chest. You can also mount them on mic-style stands, as they are pre-threaded for that.
These are designed for accuracy, I intend to mix and reference with them (along with my bigger studio monitors). I'm very happy with the choice so far. They come with a calibration mic and build-it room correction software, no computer needed.
Shortly after getting them, I decided it would be more convenient to run it directly from a DAC off the Mac Pro instead of from my digital mixer (interfaced to the MP via firewire 800), and bought the Topping DX7 Pro. It's a perfect match—sleeps and wakes with the Mac, a nice digital volume knob right in front of me, headphone amp, balanced outs and good variety of i/o in addition to USB. (Not on sale today, but was -15% last week—I bought the week before, but I rebought and will return this one with Amazon's return policy.)
iLoud MTMs are 20% off today, from a number of sources (Amazon, B&H, Sweetwater). I bought these three weeks ago (B&H is price matching me for today's price). They aren't small, but are narrower than the competition, they work around the XDR pretty well. Another advantage is they come with adjustable stands to aim them at your ears (they could also go on their sides, those stand included as well, but that's not what you want to do—they are better vertically, and you want the tweeters pointed directly at you ears, not your chest. You can also mount them on mic-style stands, as they are pre-threaded for that.
These are designed for accuracy, I intend to mix and reference with them (along with my bigger studio monitors). I'm very happy with the choice so far. They come with a calibration mic and build-it room correction software, no computer needed.
Shortly after getting them, I decided it would be more convenient to run it directly from a DAC off the Mac Pro instead of from my digital mixer (interfaced to the MP via firewire 800), and bought the Topping DX7 Pro. It's a perfect match—sleeps and wakes with the Mac, a nice digital volume knob right in front of me, headphone amp, balanced outs and good variety of i/o in addition to USB. (Not on sale today, but was -15% last week—I bought the week before, but I rebought and will return this one with Amazon's return policy.)
KEF LS50 Wireless Powered Music System (Black, Pair)
The LS50W is a complete, high-fidelity music system that will cost you far less than you’d spend putting together the separate components necessary to match the performance of the LS50W. LS50W gives you all of the connectivity options you’ll need to get the most out of your music, including 2.4GH...www.amazon.com
There is no substitute. Best USB speakers you can get IMO. If you get them, remember to go to Midi.app and change the output to be 192khz/24bit.
The new LS50Wireless 2 are out and they are pretty incredible (and pricey). Never listen to these, they will ruin you. They are the SSD of speakers. Once you have this, there is no going back.
LS50 Wireless II | KEF
The Ultimate Wireless HiFi Speakers LS50 Wireless II is more than a high-performance loudspeaker; it’s the perfect all-in-one speaker system, streaming from any source thanks to wireless compatibility with AirPlay 2, Chromecast and more, plus wired connections for your TV, games console and...
Also, I hear the LSX are on sale right now for 799, which is a crazy good price for these, they rarely go on sale.
LSX Wireless Music System
The convenience and connectivity of wireless. The emotion and detail of true high-resolution stereo. And all from a compact system designed to fit almost anywhere. LSX is the speaker system for the way we listen today. Promotion available through February 7th or while supplies last! Promotion...
Reiyin DA-03 USB-C DAC Audio Converter 192kHz 24bit Toslink Optical 3.5mm AUX Output External Sound Card
DA-03 is a audio converter with USB 2.0 High-Speed audio codec, it doesn’t need to install driver and license, plug and play. This converter supports up to 192kHz 24bit digital audio, supports USB digital audio input, supports analog and optical digital audio output.
www.amazon.com
I have a pair of these speakers as well. Due to the small size of the woofers, their low frequency response is quite poor. If you use Chesky audio setup disc to perform a frequency sweep, you can notice a drop starting around 200Hz. So I added a 8" subwoofer from Audioengine to boost the low frequency response. I think this setup is okay and good enough for work area music.
It is fair to point that it all depends on what you compare it with. I have a main music system with (NOS) vacuum tubes and stuff. So my comments on Audioengine may be too critical.
I've noticed my bluetooth headphones are no good for editing work due to latency, so I'm looking to get some Dyanaudio Lyd monitors running through an Apogee Symphony Desktop. They make different sizes depending on your space/loudness requirements.
Basically copying Jonathan Morrison on this one
I'm waiting to move though before I had to route a bunch more cables.
Basically copying Jonathan Morrison on this one
I'm waiting to move though before I had to route a bunch more cables.
If you like wireless headphones that have no delay (they do exist - marketed to e.g. gamers), I can recommend these: Steelseries Arctis Pro Wireless [ https://steelseries.com/gaming-headsets/arctis-pro-wireless ] - comfortable to wear for prolonged times, no delay at all on the wireless part (the basestation hooks up to USB), charges a battery while using the other one, ...
Really happy about these, only drawback for some: they're probably not "audiophile" enough for the most demanding users - but for what I use them, they're more than good enough in audio quality.
Oh and most importantly: they need no driver or software at all, just plug in the USB cable and go.
While they do have a microphone (and a pretty good one too), they allow muting it in hardware and push it in so it's off and out of your field of vision when not used.
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