In the battle over who offers the best 5K display, Apple doesn’t always win, even with Mac users. And it’s usually because of price.
Today’s featured Mac Studio setup relies on a 40-inch LG 5K2K curved ultra-wide monitor — picked over a pair of Studio Displays that would cost twice as much — and the user more-or-less said they they couldn’t be happier.
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Mac Studio drives LG 5K2K curved ultra-wide display in audio production setup
Redditor steffengious showcased the handsome, audio-centric setup in a post entitled, “Mac Studio and LG Ultrawide Setup.” They use FocusRite Clarett audio gear with a Rode microphone for podcasting and recording music.
In the main setup, Stef primarily runs a Mac Studio and a PlayStation 5 along with a prime alternative to Apple’s Pro Display XDR or Studio Display — the 40-inch LG 40WP95C curved ultra-wide 5K2K display.
And that’s what most commenters asked about.
“I love it!” Stef said. “It was a bit of an upgrade from my 2011 27-inch iMac!”
They added, “I was debating between two Studio Displays or an ultra-wide for the longest time. Watched a million reviews and obviously ended up settling on this. Would still love a Studio Display as a second screen but just can’t afford the crazy price tag.”
They noted they also considered the nearly square LG DualUp display before making his choice.
LG 40WP95C display specs
Check out the big display’s specifications:
- 40-inch curved WUHD (5120 x 2160p) nano IPS display
- Aspect ratio:21:9
- Viewing angle: 178.0 degrees
- Response time:5.0 milliseconds
- Thunderbolt 4 connectivity with 96W power delivery
- DCI-P3 98% with HDR10
- 10W x 2 built-in speakers
- 3-side virtually borderless design
- Tilt/height/swivel stand included
Resolution not a problem
Several commenters asked how the LG’s resolution looked, particularly regarding crispness of text. One commenter said that’s why they switched from a 34-inch LG 5K2K monitor to a dual-display rig with a Studio Display in landscape orientation and a the LG in portrait.
But Stef hasn’t faced any issues.
“I personally don’t find the resolution a problem and can read the text nicely,” Stef said. “It’s little but really crispy. But at the same time I could see how someone might not like how small it is. When it’s scaled it’s just as sharp but it’s a lot bigger so I only use it natively.”
Stef added that text on the display looked “terrible” on his iMac but “looks great” using the Mac Studio.
Another commenter added a little pro tip: “You could use the small size, then if you use a Mac, hit the ctrl-+ key and it will enlarge the size w/out screwing up the resolution.”
And another person recommended the Better Display tool to address visual issues with monitors.
And Stef added this: “I definitely haven’t noticed any refresh rate issues. I love this monitor and can’t imagine how I did life without it.”
The 40-inch, curved ultra-wide display, by the way, is marked down 10% to $1,799.99 $1624.95 right now on Amazon. That’s similar to the price of the flat, 27-inch Studio Display.
Shop these items now:
Photo: steffengious@Reddit.com
Computers:
Display:
Input devices:
Audio:
- Rode NT1 condenser microphone
- RKR Classic Studio Monitor speakers
- FocusRite Clarett 8 Pre preamp/instrument panel
- Akai MPK Mini MK3 MIDI Keyboard Controller
If you would like to see your setup featured on Cult of Mac, send some high-res pictures to info+setups@cultofmac.com. Please provide a detailed list of your equipment. Tell us what you like or dislike about your setup, and fill us in on any special touches, challenges and plans for new additions.
