How can I use internal AND the external speakers simultaneously

You've found nothing, because you can't use both the internal and external simultaneously.

Most receivers have an 'A' 'B' switch to run multiple sets of speakers so that you can switch from one to the other or both sets. There is no 'A' 'B' switch on your Mac.

edit: On second thought, I guess there is. But it's built into the port to auto switch between internal and external speakers. There is no combo switch. It is similar to the headphone jack on many receivers. Once you plug in a set of headphones, it cuts the speakers. You want speakers, you have to unplug the headset.

How can I use internal AND the external speakers SIMULTANEOUSLY ?

I have the current iMac which has the standard built in speakers and also some old PC speakers. The iMac speakers are fairly clear and can produce a decent volume, although they don't have much of a bass range. So if I'm playing music louder, I use the old PC speakers as they have a bass woofer but don't have a clear treble range. So if i combine the powers, it'll be like a scene from power rangers! And I'll be a very happy man...

I have trawled the internet several times to find a solution to this and have been really surprised to find nothing.. and no-one else having the same dilemma.

I have faith in you people. Make me proud! ;D

yeah sorry, i realised that after posting although i didn't know how to move/remove it...

Yeah this occured to me as the external speakers are on a standard mini jack. Just wondered if there was a way of overriding... Maybe i should just buy some decent desktop speakers!!

Thanks for the reply.

Cheers, Ed

eddy-pizzle said:

the external speakers are on a standard mini jack. Just wondered if there was a way of overriding.

Click to expand...

Yes, there is, if you're good at:
1) partly dismantling your iMac,
2) understanding the audio wire polarity, and
3) soldering.

You can 'patch' an audio socket via a length of two-core wire through the iMac casing and soldered to the internal audio socket terminals.

But do you really want to do that? Just how well the iMac amplifier would drive an extra set of speakers remains the great unknown, but I suspect you would be disappointed with the result. I suggest you live with the either/or scenario, or go with just external audio (better quality).

I stand corrected.


(lol - I'm just not geeky enough for that workaround)