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What speakers will work with iMac?

L

Lastmboy

macrumors regular
Original poster
Jan 16, 2012
125
0
I have a mid-2011 27" iMac, and I have connected a set of Logitech Z-5500 5.1 speakers to it via digital optical cable. Although it doesn't compete with my home stereo system, the sound is quite impressive. In particular, when playing music, they provide a form of "surround" that is quite nice.

I have a buddy that has almost the same iMac. He likes my speakers and wants to setup something similar. However, Z-5500's, even though no longer in production, sell at a premium price. I got mine for under $200 many years ago, but I've seen them online now going for anywhere from $500 to $1,000.

Does anyone know of any other 5.1 speaker system that will work with the iMac (since I'm assuming the only way to connect them is with the mini toslink cable)? I'm assuming that the Logitech Z906 speakers will, but they're a bit out of his price range, too. I'm wondering if any of the cheaper models would work. Would they work as long as they have an optical digital input and have built in DTS/Dolby decoding?

Thanks for any suggestions.
 
Lastmboy said:
I have a mid-2011 27" iMac, and I have connected a set of Logitech Z-5500 5.1 speakers to it via digital optical cable. Although it doesn't compete with my home stereo system, the sound is quite impressive. In particular, when playing music, they provide a form of "surround" that is quite nice.

I have a buddy that has almost the same iMac. He likes my speakers and wants to setup something similar. However, Z-5500's, even though no longer in production, sell at a premium price. I got mine for under $200 many years ago, but I've seen them online now going for anywhere from $500 to $1,000.

Does anyone know of any other 5.1 speaker system that will work with the iMac (since I'm assuming the only way to connect them is with the mini toslink cable)? I'm assuming that the Logitech Z906 speakers will, but they're a bit out of his price range, too. I'm wondering if any of the cheaper models would work. Would they work as long as they have an optical digital input and have built in DTS/Dolby decoding?

Thanks for any suggestions.
Click to expand...

harmon kardon soundsticks 3, I've got them on my setup and for the price (around 170) they absolutely can't be beat.
 

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Tanax said:
Ugly to many people. Everyone have different opinions :p
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I will say in all fairness i thought they were hideous at first myself until i go them set up and positioned on my desk and hid all the wiring and then i loved them.
 
Solomani said:
The translucent Jellyfish blob speakers? Those ones? Yeah, I have them too. Sound is nice. But why does the neon glow-light have to be always on? Oh well, at least it's "Energy Compliant"

Image
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yes those, right, don't they sound great? 170 bux, Ive had sets that cost almost 1000 and these sound better. I know the lights annoying, i usually just push the button on the bass to turn it off at night before i go to bed
 
Bl0ckHe1d said:
Audioengine A2 and DAC are a sweet combo!
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Yes they are.Best sounding computer speakers unless you go to their big brother the A5+ which will fill a room with amazing sound.I own both,A2 for the computer and A5+ for my living room.Both connected to Itunes.
 
mattg3 said:
Yes they are.Best sounding computer speakers unless you go to their big brother the A5+ which will fill a room with amazing sound.I own both,A2 for the computer and A5+ for my living room.Both connected to Itunes.
Click to expand...

Yep I have A5+ sub woofer.......brilliant.
 
Your friend could also buy a USB sound card equipped with 5.1 analog outputs that would allow him to use the cheaper PC surround systems such as the Logitech Z506 that don't have a digital input.
 
Deepdragon said:
These are exactly the same speakers as I have. They are by far the best looking computer speakers in my opinion. Of course they are quite expensive, but they look so good next to my iMac 27" 2013 model. :D
I love them :)
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they sound excellent too!
 
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