Desktop speakers and connections

[magicshaunson]

Little help please,

I'd like some decent desktop speakers (the B&W award winners from this month's ish for example??) to go with my Mac in the study. All my music is ripped from CD @ 320kbps or higher.

The iMac only has a 3.5mm/ optical thingy. I think it's probably unfair to ask said speakers to sound as good as they can through this connection.

Question is, do I need an external DAC? External sound card??

I need enlightening

 

[chebby]

I'm currently looking into getting these...

http://www.whathifi.com/review/frankenspiel-fs-1

 

[chebby]

The iMac only has a 3.5mm/ optical thingy. I think it's probably unfair to ask said speakers to sound as good as they can through this connection.

The B&W MM-1s also have a USB connection. (Internal DAC and DSP)

http://www.bowers-wilkins.com/iPod_and_Computer_Speakers/iPod_and_Computer_Speakers/MM-1/Product-Details.html

(Check under 'specifications' in that B&W link.)

 

[MajorFubar]

The iMac only has a 3.5mm/ optical thingy. I think it's probably unfair to ask said speakers to sound as good as they can through this connection.

Actually, and I know I've said this before, but the SQ from the Mac's 3.5mm line-out/headphone socket is surprisingly good