External speakers to 27" Apple Cinema Display via USB?

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External speakers to 27" Apple Cinema Display via USB?

Just hooked up my new 27" Apple Cinema Display. Loving it! But now I'm getting greedy.

I have a set of Bose Companion 3 Speakers, which connect to my MacBook Pro via a 1/8 inch (3.5 mm) headphone type jack. My new cinema display has 3 USBs, but strangely no 1/8 inch audio out jack, even though the display has built in speakers that connect seamlessly with my MacBook Pro. So here's my question:

IF I buy an adaptor like this: http://amzn.to/AytaRw, could I hook up my Bose speakers with the 1/8 inch jack directly to my monitor? If this worked, then when I put my laptop on the desk, I'd only need to hook up the 3 cables from the monitor, not the Bose speakers. It only saves me a fraction of a second each morning, but also would make my desk less cluttered.

Unfortunately, I have no idea if this would require some sort of digital to analog conversion to work.

Posted on Mar 6, 2012 4:59 PM

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Answer 1

X423424X

Level 6

14,271 points

Mar 7, 2012 1:17 AM in response to Jeremy44805

It might work if the Sound system preferences recognized the USB as an audio out device. I am not sure it would. But if it does, you would still need to convert the digital USB to the analog stereo.

Why not just use your computer's 3.5mm audio out? I am not sure what you are trying to accomplish. You are already connecting 3 so what's one more?

Update:

Checkout Griffin iMic. It claims to handle audio out (and in).

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Answer 2

Jeremy44805 Author

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Mar 9, 2012 4:39 PM in response to X423424X

Thanks for the response. Whether the sound system preferences recognizes the USB as an audio out is really my bigger question I suppose. I'm going to pick up an adaptor to see if it works and report back.

But in the meantime, you asked why...

I frequently move my laptop from my desk to conference tables and other places in the office. Every time I plug/unplug those speaker cables, I get a loud crack / pop sound which is what happens when you touch the end of a 3.5mm (1/8 inch) audio plug. If it were always plugged into my monitor, I'd avoid that, which I worry is hard on the speakers. I could mute them everytime, but I never remember. It's really not a huge deal, but it would be nice if it works.

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Answer 3

X423424X

Level 6

14,271 points

Mar 9, 2012 5:04 PM in response to Jeremy44805

...which I worry is hard on the speakers.

When you first descibed what you wanted to do in your first post what went through my mind (although I didn't mention it but I am here in this context) is how hard it potentially is on the sockets in your MacBook Pro!

No matter what it is (computer or even a wall socket), I am always leary of repeated use of constant plugin and out into a socket. The connections can wear out or the sockets loosen in their mountings possibly causing breaks in connections to whatever the socket is attached to. So if it were me I would worry more about the wear and tear on the socket and its mouting in the MacBook Pro than the speakers.

As I said this is my own personal hang up, concern, whatever, but I thought I would share it anyhow.

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Answer 4

Jeremy44805 Author

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Mar 9, 2012 5:28 PM in response to Jeremy44805

The adaptor I linked to won't work. I was about to order when I noticed it was actually micro-usb! So I must first find the adaptor I'm envisioning, THEN I'll be able to test and report back.

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Answer 5

Jeremy44805 Author

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Mar 9, 2012 5:31 PM in response to X423424X

I agree. The magnetic power adaptor, and usb's don't concern me, but the 3.5mm jack, and the display port both seem fragile to me.

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Answer 6

Jun 19, 2012 8:46 PM in response to Jeremy44805

This will work - good name, not bad of price.

This oneis even cheaper @ $4.00.

One from Turtle Beach.

Sorry - just came across this looking for the same thing. My brain must be fried because I didn't even think of USB.

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