MP 7,1 Speakers for Mac Pro and Pro Display XDR combo

[s66]

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.

Anything as small as the Audioengine 2+ would indeed need to do "miracles" to get good low frequency output.
But as you said: a paired subwoofer can fix that. This for me is more to get low key background music, see a short video or something like that at normal volume or so. I too, would not recommend them to replace an audiophile setup.
But that said: for their size and cost they do perform more than decent:
- they fit sideways under my XDRs in their lowest position (anything next to a dual set of XDRs would get a far too wide stereo effect IMHO at normal viewing distance)
- they have no (noticable) lag when connected via USB
- the sound quality is OK for my needs (I know that's always subjective to what one is used to - I have B&W and Denon gear in the living room ...)

 

[Prorege1]

❤️

 

[Gr1f]

I went numerous ways over the years trying to get the best sound I could from my work area.

Best sound I have ever managed to get to date is the following:

Amp: Allo Volt+ D.
A D Class Amp with 2 60W channels and costs $129. Don't let the price fool you. This little amp blows apart just about everything I have tried under $600 or more

Volt+ D (Double) 2x60W

Volt+ D (Double) 2x60W

allo.com

DAC: Khadas Tone Board - this little DAC is fantastic and beats most up to 5 times it's price. About $90 with a case.

Tone Board | Khadas

Outstanding Performance: XMOS XU208-128-QF48: 8 xCores up to 500MIPS, fully compliant with USB 2.0 specifications. Very Quiet Power Supply: Ultra-low noise, high PSRR LDO for powering Hi-Fi applications. RCA Connectors: High-quality RCA to deliver audio with tiny, clear, powerful and rich sound...

www.khadas.com

Then you can add speakers of your choice. I'd recommend a used pair of really good small bookshelf speakers. Best bang for your buck as you don't really need any features other than being able to plug the cables in. I went with a pair of Bowers & Wilkins 686 S1. But any decent brand in the last 10 years will do.

Lastly a Sub. You'll need a Hi-level input and again, best value is used. I picked up a great Rel Quake for $200.

So all-in I spent about $750 and I couldn't ask for better.

That or you could grab yourself a pair of Genelecs and be done with it