external speakers

That all depends on your budget ... do you want to best sound for $200, $2,000, or $20,000?

I have a low end audiophile system connected to my computer that truly sounds amazing and costs around $2k. However, it's all relative as my home two channel system costs over $25k.

Nonetheless ... awesome $2k system for iMac Pro:

- Audioquest Dragonfly USB DAC

- Velodyne Sub or comparable powered sub with RCA inputs and active crossover

- Dynaudio LYD 8 Active Powered Speakers

The quality will blow your mind ... trust me ;-)

https://www.reddit.com/r/macsetups/comments/7t62zl/new_imac_pro_setup_dialed_in/

"Maybe you want to take a look at this video. The only difference between near-field and far-field is how far away the speakers are from the listener. No switch required." ~CountryGirl56

Lol ... sorry CountryGirl, but you obviously have no idea what you are talking about. "Nearfield" is a reference to the range of frequencies that the speaker is capable of replicating. Nearfield monitors are typically distinguished by their largest drivers not being that large and, thereby, display limited low-end frequency down to about 50-75Hz. Their strength is that the are extremely adept a replicating the frequencies to which we are most sensitive and great at displaying a deeper soundstage and precise imaging at close range. The Dynaudio LYD series that I recommended are designed primarily as nearfield studio monitors, perfect for adding to an iMac Pro at close range and in a compact space. However, they also employ advanced digital signal processing to allow the lister to move the speakers to a more open area and change the speakers' acoustic qualities to match the new location through the flip of a switch. I also recommend a complimentary sub should he wish to supplement to lower end of the sound spectrum. Easy peasy ...

Why don't you read up on my recommendations a bit ;-)

https://www.dynaudio.com/professional-audio/lyd/lyd-5

Smokerz wrote:

who knows. I use audioEngine D3 USB DAC, they are small powered speakers with a very clear and robust sound to my music.

Could you clarify this? The Audioengine D3 USB DAC is well… a DAC, not small powered speakers. Audioengine does make "small powered speakers" such as the A2+ and A5+.

Thanks.

Absolutely ... and, if I could only choose one of the three items I listed, it would be the Dynaudio speakers. They are the #1 speaker used in professional recording studios for nearfield monitors. And, these have the ability to flip a switch a change from nearfield monitors to regular open air speakers depending upon their placement. If cost is an issue, get the Dynaudios first, the Dragonfly (or comparable) DAC second, and then add the sub at the end ;-)

I have the discontinued Definitive Technology Incline which can be still bought online at places....they have built in DAC and have sub out and are bipolar with rear firing drivers...there soundstage is pretty amazing plus the look classy.

who knows. I use audioEngine D3 USB DAC, they are small powered speakers with a very clear and robust sound to my music. DAC is connected by USB to Mac. Cable about 6 feet. I bought a 9 foot cable yesterday gold plated as the default. Cost about $150.00 look on amazon or Ebay.

Maybe you want to take a look at this video. The only difference between near-field and far-field is how far away the speakers are from the listener. No switch required.

Near-field and Far-field Monitors - YouTube

don't recall how I bought the hardware. Maybe the speakers were bought separately from the USB DAC. Anyway I connect the DAC to the speakers and then usb to iMac pro.

LOL

https://www.acousticfields.com/near-field-vs-far-field/

I should know better than to discuss audio with someone that thinks how much they spend is important.

rehctelf wrote:

advanced digital signal processing

😁

CountryGirl: you're going full potato. Never go full potato ...

However, it's all relative as my home two channel system costs over $25k.

😁

FWIW, I'm not the original poster. 😎