MP 7,1 What are your 2019 Mac Pro 5.1 speaker setups

[Auggie]

My CalDigit TS3+ external ports connectivity is becoming unstable so I’m assuming it’s beginning to fail, and the new TS4 does not have an optical port so I’m investigating alternative means of connecting my 5.1 computer speakers to my MP7,1.

I’m curious how other 2019 MP users connect their system to 5.1 speakers…

 

[StuAff]

In preparation for whenever I get a new system (still using my 5,1 at the moment) I bought this. Works very well for the most part- only issue I've found is that AC3 passthrough doesn't support 5.1 in iTunes (TV app in Catalina or later). Not much of a problem for me as I've only bought one movie on it & since got that on Blu-ray.

 

[Auggie]

In preparation for whenever I get a new system (still using my 5,1 at the moment) I bought this. Works very well for the most part- only issue I've found is that AC3 passthrough doesn't support 5.1 in iTunes (TV app in Catalina or later). Not much of a problem for me as I've only bought one movie on it & since got that on Blu-ray.

Interesting, though the product page link describes it as “It appears as an audio device with stereo outputs”… that “stereo” output suggests it doesn’t do 5.1 audio. Does your experience suggest otherwise?

 

[StuAff]

Interesting, though the product page link describes it as “It appears as an audio device with stereo outputs”… that “stereo” output suggests it doesn’t do 5.1 audio. Does your experience suggest otherwise?

Weird line, as- also mentioned in that description- it does AC3 and DTS. Absolutely no problems getting surround with my Z906 system.

 

[velocityg4]

Have you considered a USB audio card capable of surround sound? There’s basic cheap ones to high end units. With features you may or may not have use for. Like all sorts of physical controls.

I’m not to up to speed on surround options. As I prefer two channel. But there’s loads of reviews you can look at for Mac compatible audiophile gear.

 

[StuAff]

Have you considered a USB audio card capable of surround sound? There’s basic cheap ones to high end units. With features you may or may not have use for. Like all sorts of physical controls.

I’m not to up to speed on surround options. As I prefer two channel. But there’s loads of reviews you can look at for Mac compatible audiophile gear.

Speaking purely for myself here, I found the options a bit of a rabbit hole. All I wanted was a device that could output encoded 5.1 via TOSLINK, and preferably Just Worked. I looked at loads of different devices. Either 5.1 output was not supported, or not mentioned (and I didn't want to take a punt on one of those...), or it needed additional drivers…the TS3+ does work, when it, er, works, and so does the Hifime I bought. It would be quite easy to spend as much or even more as on a TS3+ and buy something that only outputs stereo…