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saxondale.

macrumors 6502
Original poster
May 20, 2006
395
5
England/China
Thinking about going for a 5.1 set up but if im correct, mbps etc cant support this...or am i wrong? Im guessing i will need an interface for this to work?
 
Thinking about going for a 5.1 set up but if im correct, mbps etc cant support this...or am i wrong? Im guessing i will need an interface for this to work?

If you use the optical audio out (it's combined with the 3.5mm out) then you can get 5.1 out of your MBP. You'll need a mini TosLink adaptor however.
 
Ah ok, thanks. I see you're based in the UK too. Could you link me to the appropriate adapter? Care to explain a little bit about why i need it and how i would connect it all up? That would be much appreciated

Thanks
 
On optical audio systems, the signal remains digital in transmission, (that is, with no losses in quality) until it is translated into analog signals by the decoder in the computer or the decoder in the speaker preamp. The quality of sound then is dependant on the quality of the digital decoder circuits, so the question is whether the Logitech decoder is better than the MacBook's internal one. I don't know, but since the Logitech's is dedicated sound kit, rather than a component on a computer motherboard, one would assume it is at least as good if not better than the Mac's
 
Ah ok, thanks. I see you're based in the UK too. Could you link me to the appropriate adapter? Care to explain a little bit about why i need it and how i would connect it all up? That would be much appreciated

Thanks

I've found this TOSlink adaptor for £3 and I've had a look at the speakers you want; you'll have to get a digital coaxial cable (£15 max.) with the speakers for 5.1 surround. You can pick up a digital coaxial from most highstreet electronics stores - I got mine from Dixons.

Thanks for the explanation CanadaRAM, I couldn't have put it better myself. :p
 
The adapter will fit into the 3.5mm output on you MBP, the cable into the adapter and finally, cable into the speaker decoder.
 
The signal is digital which means any cable will do just as well as another; my advice is to get the cheapest, well built cable you can. Generally, Monster Cables are overpriced, and in this instance, will provide no additional benefit.
 
I'm confused, i have been told to get all different things.

The cable that me and Gart linked you to are the optical cables you need just different brands. The adaptor you were linked to earlier b Shaduu is already built into the cables we linked you to so you dont have to have two different peices to complete the puzzle just one.
 
Walk into your nearest Apple store and buy the XtremeHD TOSLINK cable. It's 20 bucks (USD) and works great.
 
These are the inputs:
- (2) Digital optical for DVD or CD players, PlayStation®2, Xbox™*, or PC sound cards (requires optical cable, sold separately)
- (1) Digital coaxial for DVD or CD players or PC sound cards (requires coaxial cable, sold separately)
- (1) 6-channel direct (3 stereo-mini connectors) for 2, 4 or 6-channel PC sound cards OR
- (3) stereo-mini connectors for 3 stereo analog audio sources, such as CD and DVD players, PlayStation®2, Xbox™*, or 2 channel PC sound cards (some devices may require stereo mini to dual RCA adapter, sold separately)
- (1) Analog stereo-mini (on side panel of control center) for portable CD, MP3, or MiniDisc® players
 
I have this system with my mbp, xbox 360 and a DLP projector and it's absolutely stunning. Shakes the home and damn clear too. I don't go to the cinema any more. cheers, t
 
The cable that me and Gart linked you to are the optical cables you need just different brands. The adaptor you were linked to earlier b Shaduu is already built into the cables we linked you to so you dont have to have two different peices to complete the puzzle just one.
But the links you two provided are different. Your one comes with an adaptor, and his has a 3.5mm jack on the other end. Still confused about which one to get.
 
But the links you two provided are different. Your one comes with an adaptor, and his has a 3.5mm jack on the other end. Still confused about which one to get.

Either will work. Why don't you get a regular Toslink cable, and then order an adapter. What length do you want? I'll find you a link for what you need.
 
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