HomePod HomePod, should I get one?

[iJohnnyG]

Hey,

So I've just ordered a Mac mini, I need some speakers to listen to music whilst I'm working and watch the occasional film on it. I also use YouTube quite often to view videos.

I've come across several videos where the HomePod is connected to a Mac, however during video playback there seems to be a delay of 1-3 seconds of the actual sound. Has this been fixed by apple? Or is it an issue with the users wifi?

Could anyone recommend some other speakers? I've got a Bose SoundLink which is pretty decent but I use that around the house at the moment.

Thanks,

 

[bbednarz]

There is definitely lag in the playback from the mac. It is the only device that has such a large delay. If you are only going to be using it to connect to the mac then its probably not the best bet.

 

[firewire9000]

If you are planning to use it solely for a computer speaker I think that you have better and cheaper options.

 

[BlankStar]

Latest OS X update supports stereo playback, which wasn't the case before. So maybe the lag is gone now? Currently not at home, so can't test.

 

[cynics]

I don't think its a good fit for a computer speaker. The thing that makes the HomePod shine for me versus its competitors is its ability to fill a room with sounds, specifically music.

With a computer the listeners position is stationary and fancy omnidirectional speaker can not only be unnecessary but it can be unwanted.

Your particular use case will vary but a good set speakers gears for a computer might serve you better.
[doublepost=1554254202][/doublepost]Video audio sync (lag) has been intermittent for me in the past, currently there is non perceivable for me (using youtube audio video sync test) from my iMac. However I would need to test it for a bit to determine for sure.

 

[labyrinth153]

HomePod isn't a good experience on Mac yet. Anything you play on iTunes will work fine, and support stereo pair. I have found youtube videos and the like work/sync fine, but don't support stereo pair. The "lag" is absolutely normal and it should have a few second delay. It's not meant for real time audio. Video apps that don't support it you will need to sync up manually which is a pain.

 

[davidec]

It’s a good Bluetooth speaker. You could buy active monitors for the same money that are louder, flatter, cleaner and stereo! Not at all worth the money for a Mac speaker - literally thousands of better options out there.

 

[gazwas]

Until AirPlay 2 goes system wide on MacOS or Apple opens up the Bluetooth capabilities on HomePod it’s not the best computer speaker which is a shame.

However, I have two stereo paired HomePods on my computer desk that I listen to Apple Music while working and they sound mind blowing good. Much better by a long, long stretch than any other computer speaker playing music I’ve ever listened to.

 

[Shanghaichica]

Lag issues Aside, if you only want it as a speaker for you Mac then I don't think it's worth getting. There are better and cheaper Bluetooth speakers available. However if you have an Apple music subscription and would use it as a speaker even when not connected to your mac and will use the siri integration then it's not a bad option.