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Gear / Technical Help => Playback Forum => Topic started by: deadahead93 on October 14, 2011, 01:44:43 PM

Title: Speaker Recommendations for a new iMac
Post by: deadahead93 on October 14, 2011, 01:44:43 PM
Hi there.

I just got a new iMac and have been using Audacity to do my post editing and tracking. I love the Mac, but the speakers just don't pull enough sound or quality of sound that I would like to have for editing.

I am on a budget, but wondering what you use for your editing on your computer. Or, if there is already a thread on this topic could you direct me to it?

Thanks guys. Much appreciated!
~Heath
Title: Re: Speaker Recommendations for a new iMac
Post by: twatts (pants are so over-rated...) on October 14, 2011, 01:59:26 PM
Hi there.

I just got a new iMac and have been using Audacity to do my post editing and tracking. I love the Mac, but the speakers just don't pull enough sound or quality of sound that I would like to have for editing.

I am on a budget, but wondering what you use for your editing on your computer. Or, if there is already a thread on this topic could you direct me to it?

Thanks guys. Much appreciated!
~Heath

I use a set of Sennheiser cans... 

If you want to use monitors, I would recommend a USB external DAC > Preamp > powered Monitors.  I've been looking at one of these for a while:  http://www.nuforce.com/hp/products/iconhdp/index.php

Terry
Title: Re: Speaker Recommendations for a new iMac
Post by: DigiGal on October 14, 2011, 04:57:17 PM
I have tried KRK VXT4's (http://www.krksys.com/krk-studio-monitor-speakers/vxt/vxt4.html) and they are a real nice monitor for their size and price range. 
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31RllDjDknL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)

Also made a special trip to audition a pair of Genelec 6010A's (http://www.genelec.com/products/2-way-monitors/6010a/) and was not impressed with them at all, 6010a's are underpowered and freq response does not go low enough.  Stepping up to the Genelec 8000 series (http://www.genelec.com/products/2-way-monitors/) 8020b's or 8030a's is a different story but much more expensive.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/510dXjYnrqL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)


Bowers & Wilkins MM-1 (http://www.bowers-wilkins.com/iPod_and_Computer_Speakers/iPod_and_Computer_Speakers/MM-1/MM-1.html) These are computer speakers and not designed as reference monitors but have come highly recommended from several listener sources but I've yet to audition them...
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41UL9GlHE9L._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Title: Re: Speaker Recommendations for a new iMac
Post by: deadahead93 on October 14, 2011, 05:50:24 PM
Thank you, to both of you! Good looking stuff  ;D
Title: Re: Speaker Recommendations for a new iMac
Post by: Gutbucket on October 14, 2011, 05:50:50 PM
Don't skimp out with wimpy computer speakers, go for impact.  More than one set is a good idea so you can choose between them depending on what you're listening to:

Great-for Dead-
(http://thankyouloveyoubye.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/grateful-dead-wall-of-sound-8.png?w=458&h=347)


Switch to this for 80s breakdance-
(http://thepit.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2008/05/30/wallofsound.jpg)

Stanley Kubrick film soundtracks-
(http://www.thecoolist.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/wall-of-sound-ipod-dock_1.jpg)

Propaganda broadcasts-
(http://www.douglas-self.com/ampins/failproj/korea1a.jpg)





If you end up going with some typically boring small box satelite speakers at least don't skimp on the subwoofer-
(http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQQ5ahTJ9Dnq8wdli26PePOr0oA1uOoJryBDbFYmDU-xuH8KTvv)
Title: Re: Speaker Recommendations for a new iMac
Post by: Jimna on October 14, 2011, 06:35:57 PM
 :coolguy: :yack:
Title: Re: Speaker Recommendations for a new iMac
Post by: OOK on October 14, 2011, 07:02:14 PM
KRK RP6 gen2.....They rock!  I bought a pair for my PC, I installed a good soundcard with balanced outs... and it smokes...

All KRK models will take either XLR, TRS or RCA inputs.

The RP6's can be had for 400$ for the pair....
Title: Re: Speaker Recommendations for a new iMac
Post by: Jimna on October 14, 2011, 07:11:58 PM
^^love them, excellent bang for the buck.
Title: Re: Speaker Recommendations for a new iMac
Post by: Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B) on October 14, 2011, 07:17:20 PM

I am on a budget

~Heath

As always, you need to clarify what you mean by "a budget." Computer speakers will run anywhere from $10-$1000+

FWIW I've been happy with the Audio Engine 2's. They come in around $200. I've generally been disappointed when I've tried anything less expensive.
Title: Re: Speaker Recommendations for a new iMac
Post by: deadahead93 on October 18, 2011, 02:32:32 PM
Thank you all for the great info... and the humor  ;)
Title: Re: Speaker Recommendations for a new iMac
Post by: Red Boink on October 21, 2011, 05:00:32 AM
I use genelec 1029s in my studio, and a set of m-audio AV 40 active monitors for remotes.  Nice balance and tone for the price of around $128 a pair at Amazon...  check em out