Apple’s beautiful, high-resolution Studio Display is notoriously expensive, starting at about $1,600 — so dual Studio Display computer setups are pretty rare. I also see Studios Displays paired with other options for external displays, as in today’s great-looking Mac Studio setup. And it turns out there are reasons beyond identical resolution to choose the LG 5K UltraFine display the users selected and loves.
And another cool item in the setup hides behind the displays. Bower & Wilkins’ aged-yet-still-awesome MM1 computer speakers make a rare appearance.
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LK 5K monitor pairs beautifully with Studio Display in Mac Studio setup
LG's IPS display with 5K (5120 x 2880p) resolution pairs well with Macs as well as the similar Studio Display. Features DCI-P3 99% color gamut and Thunderbolt 3 port.
- Crisp 5K (5120 x 2880p) resolution
- Pairs well with Macs and Studio Display
- DCI-P3 99% color gamut
- Costs less than Studio Display, but still pricey
Redditor duffer5 showcased the Mac Studio display with dual displays in a post entitled, “Updated Mac setup; done for now!” His Mac Studio desktop computer drives a 27-inch 5K Studio Display in landscape orientation well-matched with a 5K LG UltraFine external monitor on the left in portrait (vertical) mode. The displays are similar in size and sport 5K resolution (5120 x 2880 pixels) with 218 pixels per inch (PPI). For those and other reasons the pairing is entirely intentional.
A commenter asked about the color matching between the LG and the Studio Display. The reply further emphasized how well the two go together.
“Spot on, as they both use the same LG panel,” Duffer replied. “Slight difference is one is glossy and the other matte, but in low light not reflective environments it is perfect.” So Duffer pointed out that Apple gets its 5K panels from LG. Prior to that arrangement, Apple actually sold LG’s 5K UltraFine monitor in the Apple Store, too. Studio Display features a slightly higher maximum brightness — 600 nits versus 500 — and comes in a full aluminum enclosure. But those are the only differences in the actual displays.
However, another commenter tossed in the idea they might go with the same display pairing because “the LG is much easier for VESA mount.” In other words, you can easily attach it to various arms or put it on a wall if you want.
Bowers & Wilkins MM-1 Hi-Fi Computer Speakers
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
Duffer’s setup photos make it a bit hard to see his sound system — Bowers & Wilkins MM-1 Hi-Fi Computer Speakers. B&W’s wired MM-1 computer speakers have been available since 2010 and are getting hard to find. The speakers have appeared only a few times in our Setups coverage.
“Still my favorite speakers,” Duffers said, in reply to a commenter who noted they looked pretty old. “They are old but they are still amazing. No need to fix what is not broken.”
“How do they compare with the Studio Display speakers?” asked a commenter.
“Better dynamics all around and wider soundstage with better separation,” Duffer replied.
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.
Features:
- 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
The set is currently listed for $548 on Amazon (see them and all of the setup’s gear in the links list below). The 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 $155.
Photo: [email protected]
Shop these items now:
Computer:
Displays, monitor stand and light bar:
- 5K Studio Display
- 5K LG UltraFine display
- Office Oasis dual monitor stand
- Monitor lamp
- Echo Show smart display
Audio:
Input devices:
- Magic Trackpad 2
- Logitech MX Keys wireless keyboard
- Logitech MX Master 3S wireless mouse
- DeltaHub Carpio mouse wrist rest
Furniture:
If you would like to see your setup featured on Cult of Mac, send some high-res pictures to [email protected] (iPhone pics usually work fine). 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.
