iMac Audio Out Jack

[uptownnyc]

Though I'm not in the market for the smaller iMac, I expect that the larger sized iMac will adhere to the same design cues introduced by this model. I'm curious what my options are regarding audio-out. The jack on the left-side of the screen seems to be in a problem-spot for anyone who uses an iMac with other screen adjacent to the iMac. Is there a way to get audio-out using the thunderbolt or USB-C ports on the back without a high-priced converter?

 

[NT1440]

Though I'm not in the market for the smaller iMac, I expect that the larger sized iMac will adhere to the same design cues introduced by this model. I'm curious what my options are regarding audio-out. The jack on the left-side of the screen seems to be in a problem-spot for anyone who uses an iMac with other screen adjacent to the iMac. Is there a way to get audio-out using the thunderbolt ports on the back without a high-priced converter?

Apples usb c to 3.5 audio adapter is often praised as being one of the best on the market, and it’s only $9.

Apple Audio Adapter Review - The One To Beat • Music For The Masses

A thorough review of the Apple audio adapter (both Lightning and USB-C versions) by Jürgen Kraus.

www.audioreviews.org

USB-C to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter

Apple

Apple Store Search Results

store.apple.com

 

[Nguyen Duc Hieu]

Though I'm not in the market for the smaller iMac, I expect that the larger sized iMac will adhere to the same design cues introduced by this model. I'm curious what my options are regarding audio-out. The jack on the left-side of the screen seems to be in a problem-spot for anyone who uses an iMac with other screen adjacent to the iMac. Is there a way to get audio-out using the thunderbolt or USB-C ports on the back without a high-priced converter?

You can try wireless option. (Bluetooth)

 

[DeltaMac]

Another possibility is to use that left side headphone jack, with a short, right-angle extension cable.
Such as this:

CableCreation 3.5mm Headphone Extension Cable 3FT/0.9M, Right Angle 3.5mm Male to Female Audio Stereo Cable with Silver-Plating Copper for iPhones, iPad, Beats, PS4 Headset, Home/Car Stereos, Black

Brand Guarantee CableCreation focuses on the ideal design of all super quality cables. CableCreation is a brand that has a creative team and manufacturing factory . CableCreation is confident to provide all buyers lifetime consumer service. Specifications Side 1: 3.5mm stereo male gold plated ang...

www.amazon.com

Maybe that will give you enough clearance.

And, we don't know if Apple will put a headphone jack in the same location on a larger iMac (?)

I'm going to guess the screen will be significantly larger (31/32-inch) (A little off-thread, but still an unknown that may affect the placement of the I/O connections.

 

[uptownnyc]

You can try wireless option. (Bluetooth)

Won't work with my speakers without some type of wireless receiver to translate the bluetooth audio.

 

[4sallypat]

I use the SoundBlaster DAC (USB to 3.5mm) on my M1 Mini and love it.
Better quality output than the analog 3.5mm on the Mac.
And since it's a USB-A, the iMac will have a dock.

 

[Nguyen Duc Hieu]

Won't work with my speakers without some type of wireless receiver to translate the bluetooth audio.

Of course a bluetooth receiver is needed on the Amplifier side.