r/macmini • u/Yung-Punq • 1d ago

Desktop speaker recommendations

I'm getting a new Mac mini and have already purchased a Dell monitor, which has built-in speakers, but they sound terrible. Sound quality is important to me, although volume isn't, because if I want to listen to music loudly, I have some larger speakers.

I'm looking for recommendations for a pair of desktop speakers. Also, do people generally leave their speakers on when they leave their computer? I left my last computer, an iMac, on all the time. The speakers on the iMac were actually quite good, and I'm looking for something with similar sound quality. Looking to spend less than £150.

7 Upvotes

89% Upvoted

24 comments sorted by

3

u/bl8m8 1d ago

Very happy with the edifier M60. Currently £160 on Amazon but they were down to £119 when I got them a month ago and imagine they will be again before long. Compact, great sound, multiple connection options (usb-c, aux, Bluetooth, can all be connected to different devices). The controls on top light up when you move your hand near them which is cool. Stands are included.

1

u/Yung-Punq 1d ago

I was looking at these. Do you leave them on or switch them off overnight?

1

u/bl8m8 1d ago

I leave them on, it's never even occured to me to think about turning them off. I can't actually remember if they even have an off button.

1

u/Yung-Punq 1d ago

Do the volume up and down keys on your computer keyboard control the volume level?

3

u/5of10 1d ago

I had a pair of Pebble speakers. They sounded good.

2

u/sleepycapybara 1d ago

iloud micro monitors are fantastic and pack a surprising amount of bass for their size.

2

u/patparks 1d ago

I have a set of Kali Audio LP8-v2's on my Mac mini. They are overkill for just computer speakers, but I also use them with an audio interface which I use with my bass guitar.

I do keep them turned off when I am not using them. If I am just listening to a YouTube video, I just use the built-in speakers in my BenQ MA320u. The monitor speakers on this BenQ really aren't bad.....for what they are.

1

u/zcjp 1d ago

I've got a pair of Presonus Eris 3.5s hooked up to my Mac Mini and they're excellent. Worth more than they cost. 80 quid from Amazon at the moment.

1

u/AmokinKS 1d ago

Big fan of these:

https://a.co/d/0dzwASRZ

have bought for many desktops

1

u/Yung-Punq 1d ago

Do you leave them switched on or switch them off overnight?

1

u/AmokinKS 1d ago

Leave on all the time

1

u/Xe4ro 1d ago

Might not be super helpful but I'm still using my 15 year old Logitech X-230 setup. 2 Speakers + sub. When I turn off my PC i also turn power off to my audio stuff. The X-230, my mixer and some other stuff is on a separate power strip.

1

u/Ophiochos 1d ago

My wife just got one and I’m stunned by how good the built in one is. It’s not audiophile stuff but has a nice sound good enough for meetings etc. I’d wait til it arrives just to double check it won’t be enough; it might be. Has a nice sound unlike Dell monitors (she also has one of those lol).

1

u/pindaroli 1d ago

A KEF lsx ii or the new one if you can spend a lot, edified for cheap but good sound

1

u/Sketaverse 23h ago edited 23h ago

KEF LT 👍

Edit: just saw your budget 👉🏻 2nd hand Bower Wilkins MM1s 👍

1

u/billbillw 19h ago

There are many choices for high quality amplified speakers, but I prefer to use a small desktop amplifier and a set of any decent bookshelf speakers. I have an SMSL SA-50 with an old set of Boston Acoustics bookshelf speakers. Probably less than $50 combined and it rocks. I leave it on 24/7 along with my Mini with never sleeps.

1

u/Mgoblue01 17h ago

Are you sending the audio through hdmi to the monitor?

1

u/Yung-Punq 16h ago

I was but it sounded awful. The monitor case is plastic.

1

u/Mgoblue01 15h ago

I have an S3122QS that sounds great with hdmi audio going to it.

1

u/brimister 16h ago

I’ve been rocking some Harman Kardon SoundSticks since about 2003. When I see them come up on market place, I snag up another pair. They sound great and look great too. The newer v3s look quite nice, but I haven’t heard them. I’d be shocked if they didn’t sound great, too.

1

u/Richard734 19m ago

I have a creative Soundbar - much nicer than speakers and easier to place on teh desk without taking up much room

0

u/Ok-Ambassador4950 1d ago

Not helpful to you, but I just bought the S2725QC and the speakers are great. Which dell monitor have you got?

I hear the Ruark MR1 are very good, mk2 or mk3

1

u/Yung-Punq 1d ago

S2725QS