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Which speakers for new iMac?

KentuckyApple

KentuckyApple

macrumors regular
Original poster
Jul 2, 2003
165
68
Chicago, IL
I am very happy with my new 27-inch iMac. However, the built-in speakers are not as good as my old Late 2009 iMac. Does anyone have any recommendations for small desktop speakers that will sit below the iMac? I want something that looks decent and is unobtrusive.
 
No specific brand in mind, (I own a set of Bose that are really nice and sit to each side), but you might try heading to one of your local Fry's and taking a look at some desktop sound bars for PC's. The sound out of them is pretty darned good, but you really have to choose by listening or getting hands on with them. If you do go to Fry's, or just want to look at their site online to see if they have a sound bar for you, sign up for their daily deals and promo codes for additional savings on sale items.
 
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Still using a very old set of Logitech Z-2300 speakers they were THX certified and have a great sound and a glorious bass drive, sadly they stopped making them many years back (2006) they beat the Harmon Kardon sound sticks back then in reviews too.
 
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CWallace said:
Super happy with my harman kardon® SoundSticks III.
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Designed by iMac designer, Jony Ive and on permanent display at the Museum of Modern Art. I love mine too.

While they don't sit under a Mac, I think they look great on either side of one. More importantly they sound great too.
 
killhippie said:
Still using a very old set of Logitech Z-2300 speakers they were THX certified and have a great sound and a glorious bass drive, sadly they stopped making them many years back (2006) they beat the Harmon Kardon sound sticks back then in reviews too.
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Logitech is really good for the price you pay. I have the X-230 that include a subwoofer connected to my 2011 iMac. Don't know how old those are. Found them unused under my brother's desk in his old room at my parent's house. But there a newer similar versions.

There had been also very good non expensive speakers from Creative, what I used for more than 10 years and purchased maybe 15 or even more years ago.
I would still use those, but they somehow disappeared after moving a few times. Don't know if Creative (Labs) is still the same company as back then. I mainly remember them for making Sound Blaster cards in the 90s.
 
jerwin said:
Is that an absolute requirement?
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Not an absolute requirement, but I have limited desk space. Hard drives on one side of the iMac and pens, pencils, paper on the other. So, I don't have much room for speakers / wires. Below the screen was the obvious place.
 
killhippie said:
Still using a very old set of Logitech Z-2300 speakers they were THX certified and have a great sound and a glorious bass drive, sadly they stopped making them many years back (2006) they beat the Harmon Kardon sound sticks back then in reviews too.
Click to expand...

Man I thought I was the only one. My z2300s still rock and the subwoofer is awesome. Hard to believe a 13ish year old piece of hardware still does that.
 
Have you considered bookshelf speakers mounted on a wall? (use bluetooth to connect to mac, if wires are a problem)
 
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I also have limited space, so I went with the Audioengine A2+, as well as a separate subwoofer. The A2s sound good but don't have much bass - difficult to overcome in the size. The combo with the sub (which obviously doesn't take up any desk space) is great for me. Light years better than the built in speakers.
 
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Glideslope said:
Sound is subjective, as is ones budget. I'm a huge BOSE fan going wayyyy back. I also will not use wireless audio, period. With that said, my
pick would be the Companion 5. I had a Companion 2, and 3 systems. I just upgraded to this not too long ago. IMO, it's the best wired desktop audio available. :apple:

https://www.bose.com/en_us/products...dia-speaker-system.html#v=companion5_graphite
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I love the Companion 5s, but they may not fit the request for under the screen and unobtrusive. However, being able to put the sub-woofer on the floor is very convenient.
 
JoeSixPack said:
I love the Companion 5s, but they may not fit the request for under the screen and unobtrusive. However, being able to put the sub-woofer on the floor is very convenient.
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Yikes!!! I missed that about 'Under the iMac.' I'd have to go with a sound bar then. I have no experience with sound bars. :eek:
 
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