[Macworld]

Post your comments for Bowers & Wilkins MM-1 desktop speakers here

[Maxer]

Wow, awesome. Just what I was looking for to replace the also great Apple Pro Speakers that are useless now because Griffin no longer sells the iFire to connect them to the new Macs.

Actually, I prefer the Apple Pro Speakers because they are quite powerful (2x10W) for what I want on my desk, but most importantly because they are so tiny and easy to clean from dust. I wish Apple or Harman Kardon would release them again for the new Macs.

But this Bowers & Wilkins (B&W) MM-1 is the second in the list. Thanks for the information.

[flybynight]

I love B&W stuff, but this is ridiculous. For the price of these, you could get a pair of their very nice bookshelf speakers. Sure, they need an amp or receiver to power them, but still... It would still be worth it for the clear sound you get from them.

[JackR]

Even more ridiculous... in the UK (their place of manufacture) their price = $615
Global market eh?

[markf3lton]

I'd like to see a head to head comparison against the Focal XS speakers
http://store.apple.c...oduct/TV282LL/A

These seem really nice and I like that there is no bulky subwoofer. Having used Apple Pro Speakers with Griffin iFire for many years I know that a subwoofer is NOT necessary for good computer sound. (My Griffin iFire broke and I'd love to get decent speakers again.)

[OkeiAwjr]

Too bad there's no optical digital audio input (TOSLINK), since that's present on most recent Macs, as well as the Airport Express. On my Mac Pro, I'd rather use that built-in, hardware-based, digital audio path (designed specifically for this application), than relying on USB, which is CPU-intensive, and takes up an additional port. On my Airport Express, I'd rather use TOSLINK than being forced to use the analog audio port.

[PhoneGui]

Chris, how do the MM-1s sound compared to the AudioEngine A5s?

I have the A2s and am looking to upgrade.

[Chris Breen]

PhoneGui, on 18 April 2010 - 11:45 AM, said:

Chris, how do the MM-1s sound compared to the AudioEngine A5s?

I have the A2s and am looking to upgrade.

I love the sound of each, but they're intended for different listening experiences. The A5s are meant to fill a room with sound and do their best when you're several feet away from them. I think the A2s, even with their size, also sound better from a few feet away. While the MM-1s are decent from across the room, they're intended for near-field listening.

As for the tonal character, the A5s have a lot more oomph in the low end. And they're louder.

[kenstee]

Tried them. Personally, I was quite disappointed - especially given their $500 price - and I sent them back. I have a pretty good ear and I listen to lots of music. I didn't find that they sounded any better than my Klipsch THX 2.1 Pro speakers. In fact, the often sounded worse. Sound not as well-defined. Tried them with both compressed and non-compressed music of several genres. Next I'm going to try the Audioengine A2. The MM-1's were beautiful and very well-made. But, that did not compensate for their deficiencies. I had them attached to a 2010 MPB 15" i7. As always YMMV.....