Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Surround Sound on Mid -2010 iMac
- Thread starter AppleZwei
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Yes, you'll also need a 5.1 receiver/amp. You can pick up a decent Sony for around $150-200USD.
What the s***, the speakers hardly cost that much. I don't think it is necesary anymore, iMacs support 5.1 sound. At least the new ones do.
I'm not exactly sure what you mean by three audio signals, but yes it will carry 5.1 audio in one cable
You can use a USB device to provide 5.1 analog (3 cables) output. Just be sure that the device is compatible with your Mac.
Your Mac has an optical 5.1 output that coexists with the analog 2-channel outlook. In most cases you need an minitoslink to toslink optical cable as well as some powered speaks that have optical in.
Your Mac has an optical 5.1 output that coexists with the analog 2-channel outlook. In most cases you need an minitoslink to toslink optical cable as well as some powered speaks that have optical in.
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
After much research I've decided that it would be cheaper to sell my Mac, build an equivalent PC and buy a surround sound system. You'd think such an entertainment minded company would actual support standards.
Oh wait, thats right, Blu Ray is a bag of hurt, so I guess surround sound is too.
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
I guess you're having a PC-speaker surround, and not a REAL surround system. The only solution is things with optical inputs. Things connected with 3 minijacks are last year!
Macs have never had analog output more than two channels. Since the transition to Intel chipsets all Macs have had optical audio output, which is the defacto standard for all home theater systems (some have coaxial audio, but digital nonetheless) for 5.1 Dolby Digital or DTS audio. It also provides far superior dynamic range than does analog 6 channel audio.
Blu-ray is a "bag of hurt" because of its intrusive nature in the kernel of the OS. 5.1 is easy on Macs, but you need a receiver with optical input. You are wanting inferior audio technology, which Apple won't ever use.
I understand that and it makes sense, but I have to spend freaking 300 bucks or more on a speaker system when really I'd just like to use the affordable 100 dollar system like my brother has that sounds AWESOME on his computer.