I have a Dual 2.5 G5 and am looking for a audio set up to use some older KEF C Series bookshelf speakers with as poor man studio monitors.

What's the best audio out solution for the G5? I remember seeing a PCI audio card for about $100 for the MAC a while back, I think it was a 5.1 card. I'm not sure that I'd ever use the 5.1 option in the space I'm in.

I also could use one of the receivers I've got stored away, an older Denon, and a older JVC Pro Logic receiver. Any thoughts on the best poor mains set up using some of what I've got, maybe buying a card or another amp if needed.

I have a set of the Monsoon 9's (Cheese Grater Speakers!) for everyday use but would like the option of the KEF's too.

I'm going to be editing quite a bit of video and need the clarity for take selection and sweetening more than anything else. Thanks, Harry

The Griffin iMic gives you back a sound-out port that was taken away after the G4s. It's a 1/8" mini jack, so you'll need an additional adapter (Griffin makes one of these too).

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Those Monsoons are pretty cool, used to sell a bunch of them based on looks alone.

I would say, for a 'poor man's' setup, why not just use the built-in audio out jack, (1/8" stereo) to a receiver/amp and your speakers. Nothing wrong with that.

If you want to step it up a little, use the optical audio output, also built-in, you'll need a receiver that can handle an optical input though. (See TOSLINK or S/PDIF).

Agreed -

For now, just go get an adapter that allows you to run mini plug to RCA(or what other input your receiver has) and power them thru the receiver you already own.

That way you aren't investing any serious $ into this project to get off the ground.

If the receiver is too noisy, Id suggest a pro set of headphones instead. (I mixed audio on my 8600 Mac for years via headphones)