How do you connect a 5.1 computer speaker system up to new imac?

AlanAhern

Hi all,

I am awaiting delivery of the new 27" imac and I need to know how to connect a 5.1 computer speaker system up to it. I currently am using a set of 5.1 speakers and I dont think it has all 3 inputs for the speakers but I cannot confirm as I do not have it yet.

Any suggestions

Rulmeq

USB would be your only option I believe

Edit:
Yes, there is only a single 3.5mm stereo output jack

http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=10528091

J-blk

If you have a set of 5.1 speakers that have three 3.5" minijack connectors, then yes, you need a USB sound card - if you are using a digital decoder though and it has an optical input, the output on all Macs can be used to connect to it via optical and you'd get 5.1 that way too.

Creative used to make a decoder for PC speaker systems that fits the bill too, the DDTS-100 but it is no longer available and I know of nothing current like it:

http://en.europe.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=4&subcategory=136&product=9468