Speakers for Pro Display XDR?

[iamJoshRoth]

I bought a Pro XDR around 12 months ago... and stupidly didn't check whether or not it had speakers because, well, I assumed a $10,000 display would.

Anyway, I adore it so kept it.

This is my setup:

• Pro Display XDR
• 16" M1 Max MacBook Pro (95% in the drawer and hooked up to the display in clamshell mode)

I am (and please don't berate me 🥺🙈) NOT into photo editing, movie editing, sound production... I run a business from home and just like Apple and wanted the big screen and didn't want the hideous plastic displays you see Samsung and Dell make.

So my Q is:

1. Are there any SMALL, beautiful looking speakers that will function perfectly with the Pro XDR?
2. I HATE branding
3. Can the speakers be connected to the USB port on the back of the display or do I need to use a USB port on the MacBook itself?
4. Budget wise up to ~$1,250 AUD
5. USB C so they draw power and don't need a brick
6. I loved the G4 Cube speakers and found a few on eBay but apparently they only work with the Cube

I have Bang & Olufsen throughout my apartment but they don't seem to make USB speakers, and neither do Harmon Kardon (only the Bluetooth sound stick but then I need that hideous big subwoofer which I do not want)

My other - and least preferred option - is to sell the screen and buy a Studio for the built in speakers.

I have been looking solidly for the last 6 months so perhaps I am looking for something that doesn't exist?

 

[satcomer]

Maybe some like a audio Monitor for clean should on cheap like Maxie CR-X Series?

 

[MobiusTech]

Two Homepod mini's in stereo mode and call it a day.

 

[iamJoshRoth]

Maybe some like an audio Monitor for clean should on cheap like Maxie CR-X Series?

Thank you. I’m looking for something attractive. This is where the problem has been. They’re these ugly blocks without speaker grilles or horrible colour or logos all over them.

These are so ugly in my opinion.

I’m used to Apple and Bang & Olufsen. I wouldn’t want these in my house.

 

[iamJoshRoth]

Two Homepod mini's in stereo mode and call it a day.

They won’t do system sounds, though. Right?

So if get a text or email sound on Mac OS, all I can do with these is use them as output for audio via AirPlay?

I don’t think your solution works 😖😭

 

[iamJoshRoth]

Two Homepod mini's in stereo mode and call it a day.

Just checked. Doesn’t do system sounds. So this doesn’t fix the problem.

I want speakers - USB C or something else - to receive all audio from the XDR/MBP.

 

[tstafford]

OP: Whatever you do don't sell the screen and buy an ASD. While the ASD is great and the speakers are okay, that's all. I have multiple ASD and still use external speakers (Kanto).

 

[iamJoshRoth]

OP: Whatever you do don't sell the screen and buy an ASD. While the ASD is great and the speakers are okay, that's all. I have multiple ASD and still use external speakers (Kanto).

That would be my next move. I would want to trial it first as its significantly smaller. I was just hoping to find 2 cute little speakers for circa $1.25k and call it a day. The speakers in the ASD are actually really good in my opinion. I guess I could buy 2 of those screen instead of my one big one. Why didn't I think of that earlier.

 

[iamJoshRoth]

Does anyone know how I could hook two of these up?

GALLO ACOUSTICS A'DIVA Satellite Speaker Each

A’Diva is everything that made our Micro loudspeaker great, but with a little added oomph. Created by taking the key ingredients of our classic Micro speaker design and marrying them to a larger enclosure, creating a little loudspeaker with a surprisingly big sound.

www.apollohifi.com.au

 

[xraydoc]

That would be my next move. I would want to trial it first as its significantly smaller. I was just hoping to find 2 cute little speakers for circa $1.25k and call it a day. The speakers in the ASD are actually really good in my opinion. I guess I could buy 2 of those screen instead of my one big one. Why didn't I think of that earlier.

I'll trade you my two Studio Displays for your single XDR.


Edit: I've seen a lot of people post pictures of setups with these. Can't speak for audio quality, however.

Edit 2: Link isn't posting correctly for some reason. Will post separately. Appears that MR has a time limit on posting links? Anyway, in meantime, do an Amazon search for the following: Creative Pebble V3 Minimalistic 2.0 USB-C Desktop Speakers with USB Audio

 

[iamJoshRoth]

I'll trade you my two Studio Displays for your single XDR.


Edit: I've seen a lot of people post pictures of setups with these. Can't speak for audio quality, however.

Edit 2: Link isn't posting correctly for some reason. Will post separately. Appears that MR has a time limit on posting links? Anyway, in meantime, do an Amazon search for the following: Creative Pebble V3 Minimalistic 2.0 USB-C Desktop Speakers with USB Audio

Thank you. As I mentioned, I’m not into the creative ones. They’re cheap plastic with a logo emblazoned on the front. Not something I want next to a $18k setup. They’re the definition of naff. 🙈🙈

 

[xraydoc]

Does anyone know how I could hook two of these up?

GALLO ACOUSTICS A'DIVA Satellite Speaker Each

A’Diva is everything that made our Micro loudspeaker great, but with a little added oomph. Created by taking the key ingredients of our classic Micro speaker design and marrying them to a larger enclosure, creating a little loudspeaker with a surprisingly big sound.

www.apollohifi.com.au

Doesn't look like these have any amplification -- just a speaker with banana & bare wire terminals. You'd need two plus an amplifier. If the HK Sound Sticks are a no-go, then these with the extra required hardware likely would be the same.

 

[MikeDr206]

I really wish Apple or someone else offered a soundbar that clips onto the display. Kinda like what Dell does. I’d have to think Apple could make it sound good. And they could sell at $699 to boot.

 

[BeatCrazy]

Two Homepod mini's in stereo mode and call it a day.

Would a pair of HomePod minis actually work consistently as the default audio device of a Mac? What about after a reboot?

 

[iamJoshRoth]

Would a pair of HomePod minis actually work consistently as the default audio device of a Mac? What about after a reboot?

They don’t do system sounds. I want it for system sounds not AirPlay only.

 

[BeatCrazy]

@iamJoshRoth Hi again, did you ever find a solution? I'm looking for a small, quality speaker to find under the screen (not the sides).

 

[voyager77]

How about some Kef LSX II?
They do need power, but there's no brick, they take usb, line and a bunch of other inputs.
They come in different colors and nobody would find them a miss next to an 18K setup.

 

[iMad]

@iamJoshRoth Hi again, did you ever find a solution? I'm looking for a small, quality speaker to find under the screen (not the sides).

Hello, Same here, did you find anything good since then ?

 

[BeatCrazy]

Hello, Same here, did you find anything good since then ?

Unfortunately no.

 

[d___d]

I would recommend a pair of Genelec 8010A monitors. Amazing sound despite the compact size. They would need an audio interface, e.g. by Motu or Focusrite.

Spot a different Genelec unit in Steve Jobs' home office, for what it's worth...

 

[bdsmith63]

I am about to purchase the Pro Display XDR and will be doing some photo/video editing and sound production, however, all for personal use. I will most likely utilize a good set of bluetooth headphones with this system, however, would like to have some minimalistic speakers that would output audio and MacOS system sounds. Does anyone have any other suggestions since this thread started?

 

[michaelbeno]

I finally got my hands on a Pro Display XDR and quickly came to the same conclusion — needed/wanted some low-profile Apple-esque external speakers that performed well enough but weren’t an eyesore.

After doing a TON of research, I settled on the Audioengine A2+ speakers. While they don’t satisfy the power brick component of OP’s original criteria (they do, in fact, require one), they meet all the other requirements I was looking for (and the power brick is easily concealed in my desk’s cord management system).

• They are small but still sound decent (6x5x4 inches), and if you lay them on their side the fit perfectly flush on the left and right sides of the display’s stand laying on their side (and still fit when the display is in its lowest position).
• They are free of any branding, and come in a decent amount of colors (I chose black to match the Apple aesthetic).
• They have a bunch of different connection options (Bluetooth, wired via USB, wired via audio cable) easily bringing through systems sounds and media automatically, and allowing multiple other simultaneous connections (I have them wired to my MacBook Pro via headphone jack, and have my iPhone connected via Bluetooth).

Hope this helps — found this thread early in my research, so figured I’d report back now that I settled on a solution. For less than $300US, it’s the best one I’ve found (so far).

 

[fibercut]

I finally got my hands on a Pro Display XDR and quickly came to the same conclusion — needed/wanted some low-profile Apple-esque external speakers that performed well enough but weren’t an eyesore.

After doing a TON of research, I settled on the Audioengine A2+ speakers. While they don’t satisfy the power brick component of OP’s original criteria (they do, in fact, require one), they meet all the other requirements I was looking for (and the power brick is easily concealed in my desk’s cord management system).

• They are small but still sound decent (6x5x4 inches), and if you lay them on their side the fit perfectly flush on the left and right sides of the display’s stand laying on their side (and still fit when the display is in its lowest position).
• They are free of any branding, and come in a decent amount of colors (I chose black to match the Apple aesthetic).
• They have a bunch of different connection options (Bluetooth, wired via USB, wired via audio cable) easily bringing through systems sounds and media automatically, and allowing multiple other simultaneous connections (I have them wired to my MacBook Pro via headphone jack, and have my iPhone connected via Bluetooth).

Hope this helps — found this thread early in my research, so figured I’d report back now that I settled on a solution. For less than $300US, it’s the best one I’ve found (so far).

Take me as old radio guy you want 2.1 system at least! The sub is needed especially for movies, games and rap /classical music! Maybe something like Cyber Acoustics

 

[DaniTheFox]

1. Can the speakers be connected to the USB port on the back of the display or do I need to use a USB port on the MacBook itself?
2. USB C so they draw power and don't need a brick

I am afraid. Per standard USB-C you only get 7.5W. Optional 15W (USB-PD gives you more. But this is Power Deliver and not plain USB)

So for serious sound you always need separate power.

I would recommend the KEF LSX II LT. The LT version might suit you (price vise) and has a USB-C input (but not the Wireless II version) and comes in nice colours (I like the white color). You don't need the more expensive LX II version.

 

[DaniTheFox]

Does anyone know how I could hook two of these up?

With an amplifier with a USB-C input for the internal DAC. There are several small ones on the market. But I would not recommend them. Too much cable clutter and boxes.