Is there a way to switch to and from headphones without unplugging them?

[calsurfer18]

I have an iMac, and I don't like reaching behind it to plug/unplug my headphones.

 

[mad jew]

You can do it through System Preferences, under the Output tab of the Sound pane.

 

[nplima]

another victory for the headless iMac... if it weren't for the built-in speakers you could use something like this: http://www.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?ModuleNo=1221&doy=4m5

I have a similar splitter on my PC, it's different because it has no cable extension. When I want privacy (skype) I just switch off the external speakers.

 

[calsurfer18]

You can do it through System Preferences, under the Output tab of the Sound pane.

When I go to system preferences it just shows what I'm currently using, so there's nothing I can switch to.

 

[piltupso]

Was the device you wanted to switch to plugged when you looked in system preferences? I think it has to be plugged in to be able to "see" it.