What do you think about iMac sound quality?

[iSayuSay]

I plan to get myself an iMac 27" .. maybe the one with i5 and Radeon 5750.

Problem is, i kinda like listening to music ...now along with iMac purchase, of course I want to make it my music library.

My question is now about sound quality. I don't care too much about built in speaker, maybe i'll use them when i want to preview/testing my works which sometimes involve audio

But for my music/movie time, I'll hook my iMac to separated sound system (Yamaha stereo with B&W floorstand). Does iMac has excellent sound if i connect it using line out to coaxial?

And i wanna know if that S/PDIF in iMac does Dolby Digital/DTS 5.1 with propietary movie source?
How is it doing compared to dedicated sound card for PC, such as Onkyo, X-Fi etc?

Please give your advice, mainly if you ever compare SQ of an iMac vs. PC using dedicated sound card? And connected through digital out (coaxial or optical)

 

[flipster]

Personally, I like music too (probably don't know nearly as much as you about sound quality though) but the speakers in my 24" imac are extremely loud and actually sound pretty good. I heard with the 27" there louder and better too.

 

[leman]

I don't really understand the question... What do you mean by "excellent sound"? The iMac has an integrated sound card, and integrated sound cards are all "excellent" nowadays, meaning that any distortion they produce are inaudible to human ear. Just make sure you have decent speakers.

 

[Fishrrman]

"But for my music/movie time, I'll hook my iMac to separated sound system (Yamaha stereo with B&W floorstand). Does iMac has excellent sound if i connect it using line out to coaxial?"

What you might be interested in is a usb digital/analog converter (also referred to as USB/DAC's):
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=usb+dac&x=0&y=0
(various items shown from amazon.com)

 

[HvyMtlPlyr]

I use the audio out port (1/8" stereo jack) to RCA, into an older Kenwood receiver and out to my Bose Acoustimass 5 speakers (also old), and it sounds great. The sub is on the floor under my desk and the cube speakers are on either side of my iMac. I wouldn't necessarily call myself an audiophile, however, I am picky about my music (and sound - I play guitar).

When I play songs on iTunes or recordings from Garageband my friends will comment on the sound quality.

 

[easepease]

just get an optical audio cable with a 1/8 adapter. Then on your receiver plug in the optical cord, that will get you the best sound , surround as well for movies. Just fyi though you can no longer control the volume from your mac

 

[TMRaven]

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You can always spend 1200usd and get an iDecco.