I need speakers for my Mac Studio - Need advice please.

[RVC1]

I've been using my JBL Flip4 bluetooth speaker for sound (via 3.5mm aux) with my Mac Studio. The sound is good, but I need a better and more permanent solution and I don't know what direction to go in. I've only just started looking into this and need some direction.

I'm not looking for super high end. But something better than the speakers on my monitor. And not some dinky computer speakers (Logitech etc). I'll be listening to music, podcasts, videos (Youtube, TV, etc), and desktop sounds. I already have a Sonos system set up throughout my house for music and main TV, so this will be specific to my desktop computer.

Do I get a receiver and speakers? Or just speakers that can connect to the aux? Or a pair of bluetooth speakers?

Thanks for any advice or examples of what you're using and happy with.

 

[Lifeisabeach]

I have Harman Kardon's SoundSticks and they sound GREAT! I have an older version that plugs into the headphone jack. The subwoofer is plugged into an electrical outlet and contains the amp. This would be all you'd need (no receiver). They have a bluetooth version now if you want to connect to your Mac wirelessly. The left and right speakers do still connect by wire to the subwoofer.

 

[newbutter]

Based on your needs, I'd say you might not need a full-on receiver and speakers set up. A good pair of powered speakers (ones that have an amp built-in) could give you the audio boost you're looking for. You could connect these directly to your Mac Studio via the AUX port or opt for a Bluetooth pair for a wireless setup.

One option could be the Harman Kardon SoundSticks as mentioned by @Lifeisabeach , they've got solid reviews and are pretty versatile. Another one to check out could be the Audioengine A2+ speakers, which come in both wired and wireless versions.

Remember, it's all about finding something that works for your personal taste and your space.

 

[RVC1]

Thanks guys, that's exactly what I'd like to get then – powered speakers, possibly with Bluetooth. And I suppose I can always add a receiver later, if I choose to expand the setup. Or a subwoofer.

I don't think the SoundSticks are the look I'm going for (thanks though, they look nice). The Audioengine A2+ speakers look perfect. Love those. They are a bit pricey. I'll keep them on my list. What would be a more affordable option that is similar? I'm seeing some Presonus options in the $100-$150 range.

There are obviously endless options, I'm sure. I'll read up on some and see what works. Any tips welcome.

Thanks a bunch guys.

 

[Lifeisabeach]

Thanks guys, that's exactly what I'd like to get then – powered speakers, possibly with Bluetooth. And I suppose I can always add a receiver later, if I choose to expand the setup. Or a subwoofer.

I don't think the SoundSticks are the look I'm going for (thanks though, they look nice). The Audioengine A2+ speakers look perfect. Love those. They are a bit pricey. I'll keep them on my list. What would be a more affordable option that is similar? I'm seeing some Presonus options in the $100-$150 range.

There are obviously endless options, I'm sure. I'll read up on some and see what works. Any tips welcome.

Take a look at Edifier’s products. I don’t use them myself, but I had read they sound great and easy on the wallet.

 

[RVC1]

YES, that's what I'm seeing. Edifier is a quality product at a great price. So is Presonus. People differ on preference. So far, the two I'm considering are the Edifier MR4 or the Presonus Eris E3.5.

 

[nickyr]

I've been using a pair of these for just over a year now:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08CMJ2YZX/

I had the HK Soundsticks (1st generation) for a long time, but when I tidied my desk I wanted something more minimalist and without a sub under the desk, and these fit the bill. I use their bluetooth connection which is fine, but my Mac Mini does lose them but only when not in use.

Sound wise they are absolutely fine for listening to a bit of music while working, or watching stuff on YouTube, etc. They're not reference quality though so if you need something for accurate sound then look elsewhere. But for the money (I paid less than £50 for mine) they are great little speakers

 

[krs]

Thanks guys, that's exactly what I'd like to get then – powered speakers, possibly with Bluetooth. And I suppose I can always add a receiver later, if I choose to expand the setup. Or a subwoofer.

Since you have a full audio set up in your house already and this is specifically for your desktop, have you considered using head phones instead of speakers?
That's what I decided to use with my Mac desktop.
Sound quality is great (depending on head hones of course), I can play it as loud as I want at any time, day or night, without disturbing anybody, and I don't need to find an AC outlet to power anything.

 

[RVC1]

Since you have a full audio set up in your house already and this is specifically for your desktop, have you considered using head phones instead of speakers?
That's what I decided to use with my Mac desktop.
Sound quality is great (depending on head hones of course), I can play it as loud as I want at any time, day or night, without disturbing anybody, and I don't need to find an AC outlet to power anything.

HA! It's a good suggestion, however problematic. My wife will surely complain that I'm trying to shut her out.

 

[krs]

HA! It's a good suggestion, however problematic. My wife will surely complain that I'm trying to shut her out.

Well.........
Get her a head phone as well and one of these

 

[RVC1]

Well.........
Get her a head phone as well and one of these

Well.... Then we'd have to agree on content. And.... we don't

 

[RVC1]

I have a simple question – If I did want to connect a TT to these speakers, I was expecting to have to purchase a pre-amp. Though some speakers do have power. For instance, between the two I am considering – the Edifier MR4 or the Presonus Eris E3.5, only the Edifiers say "Powered". So those can use a TT without additional equipment? And the Presonus can't? Is that right?

 

[Lifeisabeach]

I have a simple question – If I did want to connect a TT to these speakers, I was expecting to have to purchase a pre-amp. Though some speakers do have power. For instance, between the two I am considering – the Edifier MR4 or the Presonus Eris E3.5, only the Edifiers say "Powered". So those can use a TT without additional equipment? And the Presonus can't? Is that right?

What is a TT?

 

[RVC1]

What is a TT?

Oh sorry – a turntable.

 

[krs]

Well.... Then we'd have to agree on content. And.... we don't

I'll drop the hread phone suggestion. but with a speaker, powered or not, you will also only get one "content" ata time.

 

[krs]

I have a simple question – If I did want to connect a TT to these speakers, I was expecting to have to purchase a pre-amp. Though some speakers do have power. For instance, between the two I am considering – the Edifier MR4 or the Presonus Eris E3.5, only the Edifiers say "Powered". So those can use a TT without additional equipment? And the Presonus can't? Is that right?

Depends on the Turntable.
The audio signal fron a turntable cartridge is very low level, so needs a pre-amp to boost the level, but that signal also requires equalization, ie "frequency shaping" which the pre-amp provides as well.
Many of today's turntables, especially the cheaper ones, have that equalization pre-amp built into the turntables, for those a powered speaker will work.
Sounds like you are not too familiar how various audio components work and work together.
I would suggesr post the items and model numbers you want to use/buy here along with what type of set up you would like and get some feedback before buying.

 

[RVC1]

Thanks for breaking that down. It's an older turntable and doesn't have a preamp built into it. I do have a small preamp that I have used for a similar setup in the past (Recoton SP-2). But I may be better off upgrading with something new.

So the question is really about whether I can achieve this with the speakers alone (depending on model), or just expect to purchase a separate preamp.

I prefer the Presonus Eris E3.5 speakers, however the Edifier MR4s are nice and I'd go with them (or other) if they will power my turntable. And just for clarity, it's an old B&O Beogram RX2.

Thanks krs.

 

[krs]

Thanks for breaking that down. It's an older turntable and doesn't have a preamp built into it. I do have a small preamp that I have used for a similar setup in the past (Recoton SP-2). But I may be better off upgrading with something new.

As far as I can see, that Recoton SP-2 pre-amp will work just fine. Older audio equipment is often built better than the more recent one.
I would hold off buying another pre-amp until you try the one you have.

So the question is really about whether I can achieve this with the speakers alone (depending on model), or just expect to purchase a separate preamp.

I prefer the Presonus Eris E3.5 speakers, however the Edifier MR4s are nice and I'd go with them (or other) if they will power my turntable. And just for clarity, it's an old B&O Beogram RX2.

These Presonus Eris E3.5 speakers require a "line" input.
That means you need a pre-amp with RIAA equalization between the turntable and the input to shape the frequency response and boost the output of the turntable cartridge to the line level required by the speakers.
I took a quick look at the speaker description and specs - on paper they seem to be excellent speakers, especially for the money.
One thing I don't think you mentioned - are you planning to be able to switch the speakers from turntable input to computer input and back on the fly? ie without replugging the audio cables.

BTW - As far as inputs are concerned, those are essentially the same for the two speakers you are considering.
One difference that stood out is that one unit uses a class D amplifier, the other a class AB amplifier.
I would try to find a few comparison reviews to see what the comments are.

 

[RVC1]

As far as I can see, that Recoton SP-2 pre-amp will work just fine. Older audio equipment is often built better than the more recent one.
I would hold off buying another pre-amp until you try the one you have.

I agree, sounds good. It worked fine for a long time and I'm sure it will now. I'm glad I held on to it.

These Presonus Eris E3.5 speakers require a "line" input.
That means you need a pre-amp with RIAA equalization between the turntable and the input to shape the frequency response and boost the output of the turntable cartridge to the line level required by the speakers.
I took a quick look at the speaker description and specs - on paper they seem to be excellent speakers, especially for the money.

Great. I do like those speakers. And the preamp I have should work then, considering the requirements you mentioned?

One thing I don't think you mentioned - are you planning to be able to switch the speakers from turntable input to computer input and back on the fly? ie without replugging the audio cables.

OH, hmmm... I was expecting to be able to hook them up to both, but I'll have to think about how to do that, technically. I'll be using them for the computer 99% of the time, however it would be nice to not have to swap cables. Though not a deal breaker, the computer output is the most important.

BTW - As far as inputs are concerned, those are essentially the same for the two speakers you are considering.
One difference that stood out is that one unit uses a class D amplifier, the other a class AB amplifier.
I would try to find a few comparison reviews to see what the comments are.

I'll look into the different classes and see if that makes a difference to me.

Thanks for the detailed response.

 

[krs]

I agree, sounds good. It worked fine for a long time and I'm sure it will now. I'm glad I held on to it.

Do you still have the AC adapter for the pre-amp?
That's usually what I misplace.

Great. I do like those speakers. And the preamp I have should work then, considering the requirements you mentioned?

The pre-amp will work with either one of the speakers.
The MR4's have a bit lower bass response because they have a slightly bigger woofer, but for a bit more money you can also get the Eris E3.5 speakers with a larger woofer.
The Eris woofers come with a software package which might be useful, but it doesn;t say if that is Mac compatible.

OH, hmmm... I was expecting to be able to hook them up to both, but I'll have to think about how to do that, technically. I'll be using them for the computer 99% of the time, however it would be nice to not have to swap cables. Though not a deal breaker, the computer output is the most important.

Unfortunately neither manufacturer provides any details on the way the inputs are configured.
Are the RCA inputs and 3.5mm inputs just bridged (most likely) or are they insulated from each other?
If insulated you may be able to plug the computer into the 3.5mm jack and the pre-amp into the RCA jacks.
A long shot.

I'll look into the different classes and see if that makes a difference to me.

A class D amplifier is more efficient and generates less heat than class AB, but in this application that makes no difference.