The iMac G5 and optical audio out - opinions needed

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Level 2

360 points

The iMac G5 and optical audio out - opinions needed

Hello to all!

In the weeks to come I will be purchasing a brand new iMac G5 20" (2.1GHz) yummy and will get an additional 1GB RAM module to make it beefier. I saw that the iMac now comes with "optical audio out".

I currently own as you can see in my stats a G4 iMac and use the Altec Lansing 621 speaker set http://www.alteclansing.com/product_details.asp?pID=621&sID=2 and I find them pretty good.

1- What I would like to know is, does the "optical audio out" have a repercussion on the type of external speakers we use?

2- Will the new iMac G5 accept this external speaker set or would I be better off buying a new set because of the quality of sound? If the latter, what do you suggest? I have no intention of going for the JBL speakers: I've heard them and find they sound horrible.

I heard some Edirol speakers http://www.rolandus.com/products/subcategory.asp?catid=9&subcatid=0 in a store and thought the sound was fabulous. I read good reviews on the Samson Resolv 65a speakers http://www.omnimedia.ca/Resolv65A.html as well. I was tempted to get to hear M-Audio speakers somewhere in a store too, just to see how they sound.

3- On a last note, I would like to know what you guys think of this article a friend of mine wrote about the iMac G5 and "Optical Output": http://www.macfora.com/forums/Utilizingthe_G5_iMac_OpticalOutput-t17923.html

In the article he offers suggestions for speakers that would go well with this audio feature. I would like to know what you guys think of them... I find the article a bit confusing though.

Thank you all for your time. Let's talk audio! :^D

Cheers!

Diane

Posted on Nov 10, 2005 11:31 AM

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Answer 1

ThomasG

Level 5

6,745 points

Nov 10, 2005 12:14 PM in response to Diane Benoît

Excellent article on that linked page.

Your Altec Lansing speakers appear to be of very good quality. If you like how they sound then I say keep them even though they don't have an optical audio input. Personally, I would only bother with the optical link if I was wanting to connect to a 5.1 speaker system and used my iMac to watch video DVDs. Otherwise, connecting the analog output via a quality amplifier to great-sounding loudspeakers is heavenly.

That doesn't mean I wouldn't choose optical over analog if I was buying new gear and the price was similar. The optical connection is technically superior but it is questionable that I could hear the difference.

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Answer 2

Nov 10, 2005 12:39 PM in response to ThomasG

I have been listening to my iMac via my Onkyo TSX-500 and a 3.5mm RCA patch cable for a while until I could find an optical adaptor to fit the iMac. Once I plugged my optical cable in I was blown away by the difference, and this is with a low-end receiver. I had to change back and forth to really believe the difference. I can't suggest going optical if you have the capability enough!

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Answer 3

ThomasG

Level 5

6,745 points

Nov 10, 2005 12:53 PM in response to Alan Peabody

Thanks Alan. I retract my earlier position and now advocate for selling off the analog amp/speaker system and buying a new system with optical link.

My optical/analog sound comparison hasn't been with the iMac but with my home entertainment system. With that I have not heard a meaningful difference between analog and optical, except when wanting to hear the 5.1 sound from my HD TV channels or video DVDs.

But it is very possible that the digital-to-analog converter included in the iMac's sound circuitry is of so-so audio quality, which makes the optical connection sound far superior. I'll have to connect the iMac to my home entertainment system and give this a tryout some time.

I might also check using the Griffin iMic between the iMac and my stereo system. Giffin claims the sound card in the iMic is superior to Apple's, so it might sound better than the iMac's analog audio out.

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Answer 4

Nov 10, 2005 12:59 PM in response to ThomasG

Hi Thomas. Here is the cable that I bought - Recoton ADC902 - from Amazon. I bought this because it is long (12'), cheap ($14) and has two adaptors with it to fit the plug. Enjoy!!

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Answer 5

Diane Benoît Author

Level 2

360 points

Nov 10, 2005 1:14 PM in response to Alan Peabody

Thank you for your replies, guys! Very interesting topic. This is the way I want it to go because I want to have a clear picture in my mind of the alternatives that are open to me! :^)

I was wondering where (or if) the Griffin FireWave fits in this topic or not... http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/firewave/

If only I had unlimited funds I would go with the JM Lab iCub http://playlistmag.com/reviews/2005/07/icub/index.php and some bookshelf speakers like the JM Lab Chorus 705 S, 706 S or 707 S or something equivalent. LOL

I am bookmarking the Recoton ADC902, Alan. Thank you very much for this tip!

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Answer 6

Nov 10, 2005 1:21 PM in response to Diane Benoît

I had never heard of the new Griffin FireWave but it looks interesting although it is Firewire, not optical. If it were me, I'd buy a low-end optical ready 5.1 reciever so I'd have the flexibility of listening to the tuner if I wanted. But, this is me. Here is a pretty powerful Sony reciever - Sony STR-DE598 Black - that is on sale at Crutchfield for $169.

Sorry, didn't mean to hijack the focus. Good luck!

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Answer 7

Diane Benoît Author

Level 2

360 points

Nov 10, 2005 1:29 PM in response to Alan Peabody

Oh but please go on! I appreciate all of your input. This will help me decide, in the end.

I thought that since the FireWave was a sound card, somehow it could fit in the scheme of things. I am obviously mixed up about this. :^)

Any alternatives to the Sony receiver around a similar price?

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Answer 8

Nov 10, 2005 3:32 PM in response to Diane Benoît

Diane, I have had Macs for many years, also I have been a hi-fi enthusiast. I just got my new G5 and one of the most impressive features to me is the sound it produces. Sitting in front, I am amazed at the quality and "experience" of the sound. The image is fantastic. Now clearly this can be improved by using the signal, more power etc and I read what the guys below say but I have to say that I have played some tunes, sat here and been really taken aback by what I heard. The speakers must be tiny and can't possibly produce great sound ...

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