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Good speakers for Mac Mini?

patseguin

patseguin

macrumors 68000
Original poster
Aug 28, 2003
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I just got a 2020 Mac Mini. I'm using some Logitech speakers connected to the headphone port. I've been noticing a little crackling sometimes and it's really annoying. I do quite a bit of stuff in Logic pro, so I was thinking about some good quality USB speakers. Any recommendations? I was looking at some Bose ones on Amazon that are $249 but they don't have a subwoofer. Will I want a subwoofer?
 
patseguin said:
I just got a 2020 Mac Mini. I'm using some Logitech speakers connected to the headphone port. I've been noticing a little crackling sometimes and it's really annoying. I do quite a bit of stuff in Logic pro, so I was thinking about some good quality USB speakers. Any recommendations? I was looking at some Bose ones on Amazon that are $249 but they don't have a subwoofer. Will I want a subwoofer?
Click to expand...

I think the new Mac mini is also equipped with Bluetooth, you may buy a speaker with Bluetooth receiver to help reduce the crackling.
 
Hope it's not a dodgy headphone port as I've just bought a pre-owned set of Edirol mini studio monitors for my Mini. Only cost £40 ($50?) - and they were to replace the digital versions I used to have on my 3,1 MacPro (newer Macs don't have the optical audio out).

I'd definitely recommend this sort of speaker over a bluetooth one as you'll get a much nicer, fuller sound out of them.

But in theory you should also be able to use any powered/active speakers with a USB to 3.5mm adapter.

s-l1600.jpg


Looks like the equivalent in the US might be harder to find/more expensive...
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s-l1600.jpg
 
It should be pointed out that Bluetooth Audio is lossy.

If you are using a high-quality lossless audio source, it will be transcoded to lossy AAC on the fly to the Bluetooth destination device regardless whether it is earpods, headphones, speakers, etc.

Just something to consider when you purchase these speakers for your Mac.
 
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If you do a lot of things in Logic Pro and is serious about sound, I suggest you to go with something way above 249$....

Good sound worths a lot more.

I have a Schiit Gungnir DAC + Schiit Asgard 2 AMP for my Audeze LCD-2. For speakers, I have an Onkyo AMP (which takes Gugnir's analog signal) with a pair of Kef Q150.
 
Erehy Dobon said:
It should be pointed out that Bluetooth Audio is lossy.

If you are using a high-quality lossless audio source, it will be transcoded to lossy AAC on the fly to the Bluetooth destination device regardless whether it is earpods, headphones, speakers, etc.

Just something to consider when you purchase these speakers for your Mac.
Click to expand...
a

Are you saying there will be a delay from the screen to the Bose speaker?
 
This is definitely over my head lol. I was hoping to get good sounding speakers for the Mac that would also connect to my other Bose speakers for a full home sound.
 
The Soundbar is great for movies and sports. And I know you can group them together, so with the computer in the basement, I could have the music play on both. The real question is how the sound would be coming from the Mac using Airplay2.
 
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pldelisle said:
Not sure too 😕
Wired setup not possible ?

Bose is extremely pricey for what they offer. In the audiophile work we call them the amateurs, really.
Click to expand...

i could do wired. I was just looking for something that could work for the Mac and connect to what’s playing in the house when I’m not on the computer.
 
Hitman1717 said:
i could do wired. I was just looking for something that could work for the Mac and connect to what’s playing in the house when I’m not on the computer.
Click to expand...
I do this via Spotify. Spotify let you connect from my iPhone and control the music that is playing on my mac. But I understand you want to bring the sound near you.
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patseguin said:
I just got a 2020 Mac Mini. I'm using one of the top speakers recommended by SD connected to the headphone port. I've been noticing a little crackling sometimes and it's really annoying. I do quite a bit of stuff in Logic pro, so I was thinking about some good quality USB speakers. Any recommendations? I was looking at some Bose ones on Amazon that are $249 but they don't have a subwoofer. Will I want a subwoofer?
Click to expand...

Have been using JBL charge 3 and worked perfectly fine with all Apple devices, had to reset once tho.
1595780015387.png
 
Last edited:
patseguin said:
I just got a 2020 Mac Mini. I'm using some Logitech speakers connected to the headphone port. I've been noticing a little crackling sometimes and it's really annoying. I do quite a bit of stuff in Logic pro, so I was thinking about some good quality USB speakers. Any recommendations? I was looking at some Bose ones on Amazon that are $249 but they don't have a subwoofer. Will I want a subwoofer?
Click to expand...

I have the same Mini as you, the 2018 Mac Mini.

On my desk, connected to the Mini's headphone jack, are a pair of M-Audio av40 monitors. Very nice desktop speakers.

Connected via Wifi/AirPlay -> Airport Express -> Denon AVR-3801 -> Vandersteen Model 2 floor standing speakers. These are what I listen to music with in my home office.

Do you already have an audio system in the same room as your Mini? If so, I suggest routing the audio through your system and use the speakers you already have.
 
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jagooch said:
I don't know if it's Airplay 1 or 2, but Airfoil says it can stream to HomePods. It doesn't say if that included grouped HomePods - https://rogueamoeba.com/airfoil/satellite/mac/.
Click to expand...

I use Airfoil with my Mini. In the house I have the aforementioned Airport Express, two Home Pods, a Grace Digital Encore internet radio, and a Cobblestone WiFi receiver connected to an stereo receiver in my bedroom. I can stream to any or all at the same time.

In the before times, when we would have people over, I'd have music playing throughout that house.

Good times then. Good times.
 
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