5.1 Speakers for iMac

**armel** · 12-12-2010, 08:13 PM

Will 5.1 soeakers work on an iMac? If they do, would you guys have a recommendation on what 5.1 speakers are good to buy for an iMac? I use my iMac to watch movies and listen to music.

**ijingo** · 12-12-2010, 08:51 PM

I don't know with others but I would recommend Bose Companion 5 Series.

You can actually view the thread here. as well for reference.

**armel** · 12-12-2010, 09:04 PM

@ijingo. i found that thread using the search function. the speakers recommended there are 2.1. I did consider Bose Companion 5 but it is extremely expensive for a 2.1 that simulates 5.1. Thanks for the heads up though.

**alistair** · 12-12-2010, 09:30 PM

If you want the best quality 5.1, your best bet is to connect your iMac to a dedicated HT receiver or a home-theatre in a box (HTIB) with optical in. You'll need a mini-plug to TOSLINK adapter or cable like this one.

Logitech also makes or used to make 5.1 computer speakers that accepted optical in and featured a built-in DD or DTS decoder.

Of course, sound quality is all up to the listener.

**armel** · 12-13-2010, 07:07 AM

@alistair thanks for the input. Do you happen to be familiar with the Logitech Z560? Any thoughts on this? I am not an audiophile, really, so a basic system would do at least for now that I am starting.

**tabsweet** · 12-16-2010, 07:53 PM

armel, I recommend you take time choosing and try listening to other brands. there are actually a lot to mention, but my choice will be from top to bottom .
top being the highest.

1. BOSE companion series 5 - for quality listening with sleek design. not because i have one but from my experience. superb high definition sound produce by the system.
2. Harman Kardon 5.1 - tried this in showroom! sound great but a bit pricey.
3. Klipch 5.1 - high definition sound with a bit reasonable price
4. Altec Lansing 5.1 but you have to check the specs. ask for the single jack insert - low budget with good quality
5. Logitech- sounds great in computers

Orchestra is one good way to check if the quality is good. crisp and base must match.

its for you to experience.
good luck!

**alistair** · 12-16-2010, 09:22 PM

Originally Posted by tabsweet

1. BOSE companion series 5
2. Harman Kardon 5.1
3. Klipch 5.1
4. Altec Lansing 5.1
5. Logitech

Except for putting BOSE up on top, I'd agree with your list 100%.

@armel This is why I said sound quality is all up to the listener.

Some people (like myself), like how Harman Kardon components sound. Some people would find them overly 'warm' and lacking in bass 'punch'.

Other people would find Klipsch too 'sharp' and 'bright', with a little more punch. Others like 'bright'.

Same goes for any other brand: Altec Lansing, Logitech, etc. Each speaker (or component) brand will exhibit some characteristic 'coloring' or personality.

The best way to decide is to audition them personally to see which one fits your taste. Otherwise, you'll just have to rely on reviews from the Web.

All else being equal, though, personally I'd go for Harman Kardon or Altec Lansing.

But since like you said you're not an audiophile (and neither am I, I just like to read and pretend), then seriously, if you find a good deal on a Logitech 5.1 system then you'll probably be happy! Just don't go reading any negative reviews about it (or any glowing reviews about more expensive systems) after buying.

**v8designstudio** · 12-16-2010, 11:02 PM

It might interest you to try Focal XS. Its a 2.1, but mannn... you'v gotta hear it to believe it.
And add to its glorious sound is a glorious look.

**tabsweet** · 12-17-2010, 12:49 AM

I totally agree with alistair on harman kardon thing. that is the reason for me to use Harman Kardon receiver together with acoustimass system for my home theater. but given a chance to burn more bucks, I'll be shifting to a more dynamic sound produced by Bang. but that will remain a dream for now.

yah! maybe for a start you can go for logitech. me during collage days for my PC I started with Altec, until i tried searching for my taste and budget. never realized that there are a lot that are missing, so the moment i started using Bose, I can actually close my eyes and listen to concert CD and almost feel you are near them. even in my Bose Ipod dock that I use in my Imac. and when I go to bed and still wanted to listen to ambient music, I use my Bose Noise reduction headphone.

Try to check and listen very well to the sound quality of every speaker. don't just rely on how much volume it can reach.
its for you to check and choose the best that fits your needs and budget.

Originally Posted by v8designstudio

It might interest you to try Focal XS. Its a 2.1, but mannn... you'v gotta hear it to believe it.
And add to its glorious sound is a glorious look.

Focal? is that Focal well known for Car Competition series?
if yes, big chance! coz they are really good in high definition sound also.
A bit pricey I guess. Don't really know the price of this. just tried listening from a cuz's car.

**armel** · 12-19-2010, 07:25 PM

Thank you very much for your input guys. I have been auditioning a bunch of speakers lately. Yes I am not going to rush buying. :-) I just wish that the sales people in the stores I visit are a little bit more knowledgeable about their products. It's frustrating talking to them! The search is not yet over for me. I am also considering 2.1 speakers as I have discovered awesome sounding ones along the way.