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What desktop speakers would you get for your new iMac?
- Thread starter brooka
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I wonder where i'll be able to go listen to them at. If I find a place i'll update this thread.
I paid $350 for my 5s. They have a built-in amp. I don't have a sub. They kick out some impressive bass.
If I had the funds I think I'd audition the Magnepan "Mini-Maggie" 2.1 system.
![scaled_FrontStdSupports.JPG]()
At just a tick under $1500 for the speakers alone they have been called the "finest desktop speaker system" and listed as "Recommended 2011" by AV Guide. You'll need to add the cost of an amplifier or receiver to this.
Inner Fidelity called the Mini Maggies "as close to virtual reality as hi-fi ever gets" and "I felt like I was in the first row hearing Simon and Garfunkel directly".
Well regarded audio expert Steve Guttenberg (no, not the actor) is quoted as saying "Mini (Maggie) is, hands down, the best-sounding desktop speaker you can buy" in his December 2011 review.
Full size Magnepan planar ribbon speakers have always been highly reviewed and are a completely different technology than the typical cone based speaker. The advantages of planar speakers are a much larger surface area producing the sound with a lower mass which translates to a wider soundstage with a much faster response and accuracy.
Because of their design planar speakers are ultra thin and I think they would go perfect with the new "thin" iMac.
Check out the side view:
![MiniMaggies.jpg]()
My main home audio system speakers are Martin Logan electrostatics which are yet another variety of planar speaker. As such, I've always wanted to try a set of Magnepans.
A less expensive option would be the much larger floor standing Magnepan MMGs which come it at just around $600. Obviously they are not as convenient for use as computer speakers though...
![image.php]()
Right now, at my desk I'm using a pair of original Infinity Modulus speakers.
![post-12-1239224350.jpg]()
These are the ones with the Emit K ribbon tweeters (MSRP $3000), rated as a Stereophile Magazine Recommended Class B speaker, and sold at hifi boutiques. I have two sets of these, one purchased new and one used off of Audiogon. These are not to be confused with the later Modulus II 5.1 plastic home theater speakers (MSRP $1200).
At just a tick under $1500 for the speakers alone they have been called the "finest desktop speaker system" and listed as "Recommended 2011" by AV Guide. You'll need to add the cost of an amplifier or receiver to this.
Inner Fidelity called the Mini Maggies "as close to virtual reality as hi-fi ever gets" and "I felt like I was in the first row hearing Simon and Garfunkel directly".
Well regarded audio expert Steve Guttenberg (no, not the actor) is quoted as saying "Mini (Maggie) is, hands down, the best-sounding desktop speaker you can buy" in his December 2011 review.
Full size Magnepan planar ribbon speakers have always been highly reviewed and are a completely different technology than the typical cone based speaker. The advantages of planar speakers are a much larger surface area producing the sound with a lower mass which translates to a wider soundstage with a much faster response and accuracy.
Because of their design planar speakers are ultra thin and I think they would go perfect with the new "thin" iMac.
Check out the side view:
My main home audio system speakers are Martin Logan electrostatics which are yet another variety of planar speaker. As such, I've always wanted to try a set of Magnepans.
A less expensive option would be the much larger floor standing Magnepan MMGs which come it at just around $600. Obviously they are not as convenient for use as computer speakers though...
Right now, at my desk I'm using a pair of original Infinity Modulus speakers.
These are the ones with the Emit K ribbon tweeters (MSRP $3000), rated as a Stereophile Magazine Recommended Class B speaker, and sold at hifi boutiques. I have two sets of these, one purchased new and one used off of Audiogon. These are not to be confused with the later Modulus II 5.1 plastic home theater speakers (MSRP $1200).
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http://www.bowers-wilkins.com/Wireless-Music-Systems/Wireless-Music-Systems/A7/explore.htmlI'm still using my sound sticks, but I kind of like the Bowers & Wilkins speaker design. I haven't heard them yet, but may head to the local audiophile stereo store to check them out.
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If you're gonna go with Bowers & Wilkins then you should go for the MM-1:
http://www.bowers-wilkins.com/Speakers/iPod-and-Computer-Speakers/MM-1/product-details.html
The MM-1 are desktop stereo near-field speakers ideal for use with a computer. They have built-in D/A convertors and take USB input.
The A7 that you linked to would not be ideal for computer use as it would need to be placed on one side of your computer and would therefore not provide a centered stereo soundstage relative to your computer. Also the compact all-in-one design would severely hinder the overall width of the sound image. The A7 seems better suited for use as a ambient or background music speaker rather than for serious listening.
I always, always use headphones
I agree.
I absolutely love my SENNHEISER HD 518's.
And I don't wake up the family...
I'm surprised no one has suggested Audyssey Media Speakers yet. I snagged a pair off of woot.com for $80 but they're still easily worth their MSRP. And they've gotten great reviews.
Yeah, I was looking at the MM-1 speakers. The ones I linked to were the wireless ones that I was also looking at for use with Airplay. I could put those in the kitchen while I was making dinner and stream from my iMac or iPhone.
"What desktop speakers would you get for your new iMac?"
I will use my existing white Yamaha speakers in addition to the matching Yamaha sub-woofer.