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    5.1 speaker system on MBP 13

    Discussion in 'Apple and Mac OS X' started by Duster73, Feb 11, 2011.

  1. Duster73

    Duster73 Notebook Consultant

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    I just bought a logitech 5.1 setup, and I am only getting sound out of the front speakers, and not the rear right/left. After searching it appears macs don't have the rear speaker options. What can I do to get my rear speakers to work?

    Thanks
     
    Duster73, Feb 11, 2011
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  2. cyber16

    cyber16 Notebook Deity

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    Not sure what model of speakers, but if you want full 5.1 you need to do it via dolby digital or dts processor via toslink optical output.
    If you have a digita toslink hooked up to the audio output, then you can change the audio output to digital out
     
    cyber16, Feb 11, 2011
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  3. Torai

    Torai Notebook Evangelist

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    Normal 3.5mm jack wont be able to transfer 5.1 from your mac to the speakers. You must use optical output.
    I believe your logitech system has optical input. Fortunately, your macbook has optical output (the same output with the 3.5mm headphone) which many other laptops do not have, so what you need is this kind of cable

    Amazon.com: Cables To Go 27016 Velocity Toslink-to-Optical Mini Plug Digital Cable (2 Meters): Electronics

    Apple does have that cable, but for a much higher price (usually 19.95)
     
    Torai, Feb 11, 2011
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  4. cyber16

    cyber16 Notebook Deity

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    get a few of these and use any lengths of cable ;)
    Amazon.com: Toslink To Optical Mini Adapter: Electronics

    These are the same thing you would use if you wanted to stream digital audio output via the airport express into digital input of a stereo
    You can also use standard mini to rca for analog audio
     
    cyber16, Feb 11, 2011
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