Getting sound from Macbook to 5.1 sound system?

[archipirata]

Need some help from you audio folks. I had an old Dell with a soundblaster card running a logitech 5.1 (7.1) system, specs here http://logitech-en-amr.custhelp.com/cgi-...d=kPQHyA3j&p_li=&p_accessibility=0&p_redirect=&p_tbl=9&p_id=2924&p_created=1126107772&p_olh=0
Its only use was to share iTunes with my MacPro so my wife could use the old Dell in her studio where the sound system is installed. The Dell died. She has a Macbook that she would like to use when she is in her studio to stream the iTunes to the sound system but I am not sure how to make the proper audio connection from the Macbook to the audio system. Does that make sense? Do I need an adapter? Help!

[wickedsteve]

A TOSlink adapter should do it if your receiver has optical input.



5.1 will work for DVD player but iTunes will only be stereo.

[Gareth]

Since those speakers use analog inputs, you should be able to just use the stereo plug (for the front L/R speakers) directly into the MacBook, and get stereo sound, or you'd have to have some sort of adapter, like the Griffin FireWave (soon to be discontinued):
http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/firewave

But as wickedsteve mentioned, since iTunes is stereo source, using a 5.1 may not get you anything (unless it'll simulate surround, don't know much about the product).

[Black Landlord]

Just go 1/8" mini plug (headphone jack) to stereo RCA in. You weren't getting the benefit of 5.1 before anyways. Every 5.1 receiver has some sort of program/effect to give you something resembling surround sound from a stereo feed.

[Jimmypoo]

I have one 5.1 music source -- The Beatles "Love" DVD. I'm sure there are others out there, and it's only a matter of time, but I still haven't listened to it yet in 5.1. I will soon. Perhaps before the 2 year mark passes that I've had it.

Until then, it also came with the standard CD as well.

btw... I did all of the above -- am now waiting on a MonoPrice delivery for the cables for the Firewave. If you go to RadioShack for just one 3 foot cable and one 1/8" mini to RCA converter (my preference, though the cables above are great too, I just didn't see them at MonoPrice... I'll look again), you'll pay more for just 2 channels than you will for 3 adapters and three 25 foot cables! (for 6 channels) and can get the TOSLink as well.

I got a 6 foot and a 50 foot, to be able to mess with it multiple ways. The cost for the optical was virtually zero. Thanks to SOMEONE here who intro'd me to this about 1 month ago. You know who you are. (Unfortunately, I can't recall -- without looking up the thread!)

[chipste®]

I just use Airport Express with itunes, but I'm not that picky about the living room stereo. In my studio I do what BL suggested. 1/8 to RCA