How to Connect Speakers to an iMac

By Stephen Lilley

Updated February 10, 2017

You can't connect just any speakers to your iMac.
i golden speakers image by Nicemonkey from Fotolia.com

The type of iMac you own will influence which type of speakers you can connect to your computer. Certain models of Apple's iMac only have a proprietary input that can be used to connect Apple's own "Pro" line of computer speakers. Other models in the iMac line have an "Audio Line IN" input which can be used to connect any kind of speakers you'd like. You will use one of these inputs (whichever is present) to connect your speakers to your iMac.

Apple Pro Speakers

Turn your iMac around so that the back is facing you. On the bottom panel of the iMac you will see a wide variety of inputs, including Apple's "Pro" speaker jack (which will be towards the left side of the unit).

Connect the audio cable that runs off of your Apple Pro Speakers to the Apple Pro Speaker input jack on your iMac. This jack will be immediately to the right of the standard headphone jack.

Press the "Power" button to turn on your iMac. You will now hear audio from your computer through your attached Apple Pro Speakers.

Regular Speakers

Turn your iMac around so that the back is facing you. On the bottom panel of the iMac you will see a wide variety of inputs, including one labeled "Audio Line IN."

Connect the audio cable that runs off of your regular computer speakers to the "Audio Line IN" input jack on your iMac. This jack will be on the right side of the row of inputs (though it is only present on certain models of iMac computers).

Press the "Power" button to turn on your iMac. You will now hear audio from your computer through your attached computer speakers.

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