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RayF
22210
Dec 30, 2017
From a Mac-user's point of view: Prior to ordering, I spent a few hours reading as many online reviews as I could find, and then watched a couple hours worth of Youtube reviews. The conclusions were nearly unanimous, everyone raves about these speakers. However, I didn't come across anyone using the exact setup I intended for mine--connecting them a 27" iMac. Several reviews mentioned the use of an external DAC (digital to analog converter). In it's simplest form, a DAC serves as an external amplifier between the computer and the speakers. Researching external DACs could easily turn into a career! There are many types, many brands, many functions--and just as many opinions about which one you might need. Fortunately, I eventually came across a thread that suggested iMac's already have a built-in DAC. I didn't (and still don't) know if that's true (maybe all computers have some kind of DAC installed?), but it was enough to decide to order the speakers and try them without an external DAC, first. If it didn't work out, I could always add one later, right? So, moment of truth: the speakers arrived (with the necessary break-out cable), I unpacked them (they are very attractive, by the way), placed them on my desk (about six feet apart), used the "Y" cable to connect to my iMac's headphone port, and then connected the two speakers. Next, I fired up iTunes and started going through my collection of tunes--and I didn't move for the next THREE HOURS! Holy cow, these speakers are incredible--everything and more than the reviews had lead me to expect. All of my music sounded better than I'd ever heard it sound before (I'm typically a headphone guy). I'm still not sure if my Mac had a built-in DAC or not, but it powers these speakers perfectly--lots of volume, no hum or distortion. I did come across a nice tip in one of the reviews, a software add-on called BitPerfect. It adds another level of clarity and punch (nothing over the top) to the already great sound I'm getting from this butt-simple, plug and play set up. So, if you're a Mac guy, have no fear, these speakers need nothing more than the included cables, and the computer and music you already have. I still can't get over how good they sound; even music on Youtube will blows me away!
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Update: Well it's be a year since I wrote the above and I have made a few adjustment/additions. First off I ended up putting a Jotunheim between the Mac and the speakers (provides a headphone amp and controls speaker volume, but not power). I also upgraded to balanced cables from the Jot to the JBLs. Later I moved the JBLs to a set of floor stands (same general area, just off the desk). End result: overall sound improvement is modest if at all--I can certainly get louder with the Jot, and the speakers are isolated from vibration in theory. Bottom line is, for a modestly priced system I'm happy with features and utility it provides--definitely wanted a headphone amp for the 6XX and 4XXs I had coming and the Jot drives both quite well. On the other hand, if not for the headphones, I think I could have skipped the Jot and been fine with the Mac and JBLs alone ;- )
(Edited)
yurithespy
1
Dec 30, 2017
RayFWhen did you receive the speakers and cable? My cable was apparently shipped separately from the speakers. I received the speakers yesterday and am still waiting on the cable to arrive.
RayF
22210
Dec 30, 2017
yurithespyThey arrived together--in separate boxes, no less. I wasn't aware the cable was included, so I ordered one from Amazon (2-day Prime). Needless to say, that cable arrived long before the speakers. So, now I have a spare set. Guess I have a backup plan incase I wear out the others?
RayF
22210
Dec 30, 2017
yurithespySorry, they arrived on the 28th.
mpenton
1
Dec 31, 2017
RayFRaising the speakers so that the tweeters are at ear height will make them even better. Rather than falling in the pit I'd suggest yoga blocks (hard foam, black and cheap) for use as risers. I run my iMac into a M8 Dac and a Schitt pre/volume control then to the speakers. I bought the Massdrop versions for the finish but have had the regular JBLs for about a year. Yes, they are that good.
nicdub
74
Dec 31, 2017
RayFThe iMac does have a built in DAC, but it is not powering the speakers as they have built-in amplifiers. Most everything that plays digital music files has a DAC, unless it is something like a CD transport that only sends the digital signal to an external DAC. I've been using a Dragonfly v1.2 for "higher fidelity", but I suspect the DAC in the iMac, which I have a 21" model, is also better than your average computer DAC.
RayF
22210
Dec 31, 2017
mpentonI do have a set of angle, foam risers on order. The speakers aren't too far from ear-level as I sit (slouch) while listening to them now, but I think angling them will do the trick.
VinS
145
Jan 1, 2018
RayFThank you for the good review, I want to try JBL LSR30X speakers someday.
Every computer has an internal DAC. DAC makes digital signals to analog signals like its own name. Computers handle digital signals, speakers handle analog signals. That's why we need DACs when listening to music with our computers.
In contrast, Amplifier makes small analogue signals to big analogue signals. Some products have both features, we call them DAC Amplifiers.
But when you are listening through the internal DAC, you have to hear some noises computer parts make. If you add a good external DAC to your system, you can hear more clear sound especially when you want to turn the volume up. That's one reason we use external DACs.
Try some DAC under $100 at first, you will find out why audiophiles use external DACs.
Oh, I forgot to mention something, Happy New Year!
VinSThanks for taking the time to summarize that.
A few ~$100 DACs (to use with these JBL speakers) do exist, but I'd recommend spending more. Check out the $200 iFi nano iDSD Black Label, which will sound much better.
Donkimo
8
Jan 2, 2018
RayFThat picture is aesthetically pleasing. May I ask, what pen holder is that?
ld100
181
Jan 7, 2018
RayFMacs have pretty good dacs comparing to other computers. But you still might benefit from external dac unit.
RayF
22210
Jan 8, 2018
DonkimoSorry, didn't notice your question until this AM. That pen holder is actually a set of 60ml test tubes in a black wooden holder that supports them. Interestingly they were supposed to be used for drinks (shooters, to be more precise). I know--sounded barbaric to me too, so I put a cotton ball in the bottom of each for shock absorption/protection and repurposed them for something a little more civilized. You can find a set here: https://retail.libbey.com/product/7-pc-chemistry-bar-shooter-set/
RayF
22210
Jan 8, 2018
VinSGood advice. So far I'm pretty satisfied with the speakers and the straight through iMac connection but I'm keeping the SMSL AD18 in my Amazon shopping cart, just in case.
RayF
22210
Jan 8, 2018
mattrisHow do you feel about the SMSL AD18 ?
Donkimo
8
Jan 10, 2018
RayFThanks so much, already ordered it XD
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