5.1 Sound

[Drinuxke]

Ok so basically first of all I'm a new member in this site. I have been reading some of the threads and I'm amazed at how helpful you really are.

I am from Malta (if you know where that is ) and we dont get much technical help here, so all the help I can get here from here will be really useful.

I'm waiting for my new MacBook to arrive and I will be switching from a PC so I have nearly no idea of what OS X feels like. From what I read...it's GREAT

So my question is how I can connect my Logitech 5.1 Surround Speakers (Z-5400) to the MacBook and get the best audio experience. I believe I will need some external hardware to connect the 5.1 setup. Any help???

Thanks in Advance.

 

[Fayler]

Well, I know you can always get a USB sound device from Sound Blaster. No idea if thats's MAC compatible or not, but its certainly a possibility. Other than that, there I can't think of any ways to directly connect your computer to PC 5.1 speakers.

The 2nd solution, albeit the more pricey one, is to ditch the speakers and use your optical out to jack into a stereo system. Thats one of the things I might be doing just to be a terror on my dorm floor.

 

[Drinuxke]

The problem is I dont want to ditch the speakers...they cost me some money and I only got them a few months ago...and the sound is great

Anyone know of compatible hardware?

 

[jesstech]

Search your local stores or even Newegg.com for a USB-based adapter that puts out 5 channel sound through three 'front', 'center', and 'back' minijacks. This is what your logitech speakers should use. One of these generally costs around $20-50 USD.

I will be purchasing the same thing for my MBP soon. Make absolutely certain the model you choose is compatible with OS X, as in my experience the drivers for these kind of devices can be poorly written! Good luck.

 

[jdechko]

The Griffin FireWave will do what you're looking to do. It's $100 but it's compatible with Mac OS X and provides a Firewire hub to replace the one that is used by the device.

http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/firewave/

EDIT: Just saw your location, wich may or may not be an issue. Maybe the Griffin EU Store.



(As an unrelated side note, I realize that I have posted this same solution at least one other time, if not more. I'm not trying to push the product, but rather offer a solution.)