A big upgrade is a special occasion for any computer setup. And today’s featured M2 Max Mac Studio rig saw major changes recently, including a boost to audio quality courtesy of a legendary audio brand. Bowers & Wilkins MM-1 speakers joined the desktop mix.
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Bowers & Wilkins MM-1 speakers power M2 Max Mac Studio setup’s sound
Portugal-based Redditor PBRarq showcased the much-upgraded setup in a post entitled, “My new setup.” From the sound of it, the rejuventated setup advanced by more than a decade in computing power, visual splendor and even sound quality.
We wrote about PBR’s big leap from 2012 Mac mini to M2 Max Mac Studio and 4K displays in December 2023. But we thought we’d loop back and visit their rarely seen Bowers & Wilkins MM-1 speakers.
Bowers & Wilkins MM-1 Hi-Fi Computer Speakers
So the setup saw a big jump in computing power and visuals, but it’s no slouch in the audio department, either. It’s not 100% clear from the post if the fine speakers on the desk are a recent addition, too, but it sounds like they are.
B&W’s wired MM-1 speakers have been available for years — starting in 2010 — but PBR’s rig may be the speakers’ first appearance in our Setups coverage. The set is currently listed for $534 on Amazon (see them and all of the setup’s gear in the links list below). User comments suggest that price may be a bit too steep given current competition, so MM-1 might be a good get if they’re ever deeply discounted. And lo and behold, here’s a set on eBay for $300, sans remote.
What makes them special?
Photo: Bowers & Wilkins
“By combining digital signal processing with some of our most advanced acoustic technology, MM-1 brings true hi-fi sound to your desktop for the first time, giving your computer the audio it deserves,” B&W said. “MM-1s aren’t like other computer speakers. They’re true hi-fi speakers, shrunk to fit on your desktop. So they don’t just look great — they sound amazing, transforming your computer into a superb hi-fi stereo sound system. But then you’d expect nothing less from the makers of the award-winning Zeppelin iPod speaker, not to mention some of the most advanced studio speakers in the world.”
The English brand, dating back to 1966, is legendary for its bespoke, high-fidelity speakers and headphones. It created many hardware innovations over the years. In 2017, it became the loudspeaker and headphones partner of Abbey Road Studios. These days, the venerable brand, owned by Sound United since 2020, finds plenty of admirers for its rad Zeppelin wireless speaker and PX series over-ear headphones. So whenever PBR added those studio monitor-grade speakers, it was likely a big leap in desktop audio quality.
Features and specs:
- 2-way, fully active 2.0 multimedia speaker system
- Nautilus tube tweeters
- Digital amplifier with Digital Signal Processing (DSP)
- USB streaming from Mac/PC
- Remote control
- Drivers: 2x 75mm (3.0 in) woofers, 2x 25mm (1.0 in) tweeter
- Frequency range: 38Hz – 22kHz
- Amplifier power output: 4 x 18 watts
- Inputs: 3.5mm mini jack analogue, USB 2.0, streaming and software upgrades
- Outputs: 3.5mm mini jack headphone output
- Height: 170mm (6.6in) free standing
- Width: 100mm (3.9in)
- Depth: 100mm (3.9in) free standing
- Weight: 0.85kg (1.8lb) per speaker
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At 36 watts each, these sleek computer speakers from the legendary brand will pump up your Mac setup's audio.
- 2-way active 2.0 multimedia system
- Nautilus tube tweeters
- Digital amp with Digital Signal Processing (DSP)
- Not easy to find
- Pricey for their age
