Headphone Jack vs External Speaker Jack - Are they really the same thing?

An iMac is a consumer computer. Having one sound output port is normal for a consumer computer. A Mac Pro, on the other hand, has a headphones jack in front, another in back, plus an audio optical digital output port.

However, you can add another audio output mini-jack using this $30 USB device, called an iMic by Griffin Tech.

http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/imic/

When connected, it becomes available as a another choice in System Preferences Sound pane Output tab, and you can switch the output there.

There are other USB-based audio devices, including speakers that connect directly to USB (and get digital audio) instead of to the analog mini-jack.

A more simple solution is to get a splitter made for iPod users, to make one output jack into two. Connect both at once. To use the external speakers, turn them ON. The headphones will still be connected, but that is fine (you can't hear them). To use the headphone, put on the headphones and turn the external speakers OFF.

Why is it hard to believe there is only one audio jack?
It is in the specs on the website, in the manual and listed on the box.

If you need headphones and speakers-try usb headphones or speakers(google search either).



Also-nowhere does Apple ever state that an imac is made for recording.

An iMac is perfectly capable of recording and editing audio, but the best way is to use a Firewire or USB audio interface, which expands audio input and output options to the computer - I recommend MOTU devices (http://www.motu.com/audio). Sweetwater.com has a pretty good introduction to audio interfaces at http://www.sweetwater.com/shop/computer-audio/audiointerfaces/buyingguide.php. You can find computer audio interfaces at most music stores (online and retail) - there is a good variety of devices and one that should fit within your budget.

Since you have professional speakers and professional headphones as well, you could run a stereo mini to RCA patch cord and plug into a decent amp/receiver. That will do a better job of running your speakers (maybe headphones too) than any computer will.

I picked up a 100-watt/channel amp for $100. Even though I love my iMac, I know the Technics makes it sound way better than my iMac could.

Well for having all this "pro" equipment, you sure don't seem to know jack about running pro audio on a computer. Why on earth would you want to use pro equipment without an outboard audio interface (USB or FW)?