Hook Up Stereo 5.1 Speakers To iMac

[CanadaRAM]

To reiterate what has already been posted:
The Macs have 5.1 output, on the Optical-Digital output only.

In order to use this in surround, the thing you plug into has to have both an optical input and a decoder -- this might be a receiver with optical in or it may be one of the high end 5.1 computer speakers with a digital decoder.

What WON'T work is plugging into a 5.1 speaker set that has analog inputs (3 x stereo jacks) like a PC soundcard's outputs.

If you have that scenario, you could use a USB-attached interface like the M-Audio Sonica Theatre (which has apparently been discontinued)

Miglia has a Firewire-based unit but it's a little fuzzy about its support for applications other than Digital Audio apps.

Beware of 5.1 PC products that are Mac Compatible*
(* stereo output only from Macintosh computers)

 

[sycho]

To reiterate what has already been posted:
The Macs have 5.1 output, on the Optical-Digital output only.

Untrue, Mac's have 5.1 AC3 or DTS output only when playing a DVD encoded with one or the other, and with SPDIF enabled.

This is the FireWire option, I believe it is OS X only:

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


Nearly any multichannel USB soundcard will be reconized in OS X, allowing you to play High Definition Trailers in 5.1 when encoding in 5.1. The SPDIF output will only pipe out 2channel PCM in this case, where as a USB 6channel soundcard could pipe out the full 5.1 channel soundtrack over the analog outputs.

 

[GMFreak8]

Untrue, Mac's have 5.1 AC3 or DTS output only when playing a DVD encoded with one or the other, and with SPDIF enabled.

This is the FireWire option, I believe it is OS X only:

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


Nearly any multichannel USB soundcard will be reconized in OS X, allowing you to play High Definition Trailers in 5.1 when encoding in 5.1. The SPDIF output will only pipe out 2channel PCM in this case, where as a USB 6channel soundcard could pipe out the full 5.1 channel soundtrack over the analog outputs.

What about the creative audigy usb soundcard. Some say it's supported others say Creative doesn't supply drivers for OS X.

Windows compatibility isn't required, but I'd like something that I know could be.

The FireWave looks like a good option. It'll be awhile before I can afford a Mac, so I'll have time to decide and research.

 

[sycho]

What about the creative audigy usb soundcard. Some say it's supported others say Creative doesn't supply drivers for OS X.

Windows compatibility isn't required, but I'd like something that I know could be.

The FireWave looks like a good option. It'll be awhile before I can afford a Mac, so I'll have time to decide and research.

I have read the creative card work great, they just show up as a generic multichannel soundcard, but you got to select it for it to output in the control panel thingy. I'm not totally sure how to do that, as I don't own a Mac

 

[GMFreak8]

I have read the creative card work great, they just show up as a generic multichannel soundcard, but you got to select it for it to output in the control panel thingy. I'm not totally sure how to do that, as I don't own a Mac

Wow, they work without drivers. I can't imagine that in Windows.

Well hopefully I'll soon own a mac. *crosses fingers* Thanks again.

 

[sycho]

Well hopefully I'll soon own a mac. *crosses fingers* Thanks again.

Well hopefully we will both soon own a mac.

 

[nirelandman]

Confused (& New to Forum)

Hey guys, firstly let me say first post so Hi all!

Cutting to the chase - I am confused, RogersMJ (one of the most knowledgable forum guys I've come across and v v helpful might I add) has stated that out of the box (iMac/Logitech Z-5500) you CAN connect the two, but will only get 2.1 channel sound.
-Understood-

So does this mean that if I follow his recommendation in getting the adaptor he spoke of (TOSLink to 3.5mm I believe?)

...that I would then be getting 5.1 (NOT fake) surround sound????????

Here's why I ask: Another guy posted saying 5.1 was only possible while watching DVD's from the iMac with this set up UNLESS you bought an external sound card - I ain't starting that when the iMac is so all in one -

So, in a yes or no - I buy an iMac 24", the Logitech Z-5500's, and the adaptor (TOSlink>3.5mm jack): Do I get real, full 5.1 Surround Sound?

Thanks in advance to whoever clears this up for me as I've been trying to find out for ages now! (but whilst writing this, I've been researching other sources to try and find the answer and can't, so am doubting it'll be solved outright...

Kind Regards,
nirelandman

 

[hasteveha]

I tried the link to the site to get that cable it's not working anymore. For the new black imac, what's the best cable to get to plug it into my logitech z 5500 speakers? Thanks

 

[Etherz10]

FireWave Probably Your Best Choice

 

[Tomorrow]

I tried the link to the site to get that cable it's not working anymore. For the new black imac, what's the best cable to get to plug it into my logitech z 5500 speakers? Thanks

Buy this.

No adapters required.

BTW, you have a black iMac?

 

[hasteveha]

I had the cable lying around in my closet. Sound works. sound doesn't come out of the middle speaker though. I tried some 5.1 dvds but no luck.