The HomePod is an omnidirectional speaker that is equalizing its levels for a room filling sound. This is perfect for music for a flat sound that surrounds you. However that isn't optimal for TV/Movies that has sound coming from specific directions equalized for a listening area not much larger than a couple couches.
Speakers/drivers should be selected for their specific application.
Firstly, for desktop computer speakers the HomePods are going to be too powerful for most people (not ALL people but most) on the computer desk. The HomePod sounds
okish at very low volume but don't come to life until you turn it up to a level that is slightly uncomfortable for the distance. The base alone is overwhelming in close proximity.
Secondly, Apple put a lot of effort and technology into the HomePod being an excellent omnidirectional speaker. Omnidirectional is the exact opposite of what computer speakers need to be. Matter of fact there is very few audio applications that have such a narrow listening position. Maxwell?
Third, wired isn't
always better but for computer desktop speakers its typically preferred for audio quality and lowest latency.
Fourth, and probably most obviously is the HomePod is a smart speaker. The computer is already smart with Apple Music, Spotify, PodCast, etc, it already has HomeKit, Siri, etc etc. The iMac just might need better speakers it doesn't need doubling down on smartness.
At the end of the day, the things that make the HomePod impressive and thus expensive are things that an iMac doesn't really need. If the goal is better audio quality from a single source (iMac) then that should be the focus. Consider extremes for an example, would two HomePods strapped to your head sound better than a 500 dollar pair of headphones?...Application...
Computer speakers from Edifer, Audioengine, Bose, etc, etc at similar/cheaper cost will almost certainly sound better at the volume and distance when the levels are eq'd for the computer desk chair. Outside of the area it won't sound as good but who cares, HomePods can still be setup around the room/house for music.
Bookshelf speakers + amp can work if you know what you are doing.
