TOSlink and other optical fun...

[Fahrenheit]

So I just invested in some lovely speakers: Logitech Z-680's. They are a 5.1 set with a special control box with all of the inputs in:

http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/411T5NCC1NL._SS400_.jpg

Now on the back of this box, there is a coax input, an optical input, a la:

http://content.answers.com/main/content/img/CDE/_TOSLINK.JPG
The "Audio OUT" should be "IN"

I also, as you know, have an optical-out on my MacBook. So, to get 5.1 (and the full 505 watts of power :p ) out of the speakers, I have worked out (ok, chucker told me) that I need to get an optical cable, or else get one of the creative live boxes (expensive and a hassle!). So, what are my options? I am thinking of popping down to Maplin tomorrow morning, as they have one of these for sale

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=44245&criteria=optical&doy=27m4

It says it has miniTOS adapters, are these the things that will enable me to stick one end into my MacBook's sound out? Or are these MiniTOSsers not the things that will help?

Or are these the things I want? Presumably the little white nubbins go into the macbook or any 3.5 jack? Are those MiniTOSsers the white things? So many questions, so any pros who can help I would be much appreciative of.

[turtle]

It looks like that's the cable you are after. And yes, miniTOSlink is what you need for the MB.

[Fahrenheit]

It looks like that's the cable you are after. And yes, miniTOSlink is what you need for the MB. Brilliant! They have them (http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=44245&criteria=optical&doy=27m4)in stock so I'm going to go get one tomorrow, and then its sweet 5.1 pie. :)

[709]

...MiniTOSsers...:lol:

[turtle]

:lol:

I missed that the first time through. :lol:

[Fahrenheit]

Am I actually going to get 5.1 out of this bitch? Or will my MacBook not be able to do it, or can the Z-680 encode itself? There's so many different Dolby terms and acronyms, that, to be honest, make it hard to work out whats what!

[Windowsrookie]

Only for DVD's and other things that support 5.1.

For music it will be 2.1

[Fahrenheit]

These are the specs:

Main Specifications

* Product Description: Logitech Z 680 - PC multimedia home theatre speaker system
* Product Type: PC multimedia home theatre speaker system
* Localisation: English / United Kingdom
* Media Type: Signal process unit, 5 speakers, subwoofer
* Speaker Type: Active
* Nominal Output Power (Total): 450 Watt
* Media Included Qty: 35 - 20000 Hz
* Input Impedance: 10 kOhm
* Audio Amplifier: Integrated
* Connectivity Technology: Wired
* Speaker System Details: 5 x satellite speaker - 53 Watt ¦ 1 x subwoofer - 185 Watt
* Colour: Grey
* Built-in Decoders: Dolby Pro Logic II, Dolby Digital, DTS decoder
* Remote Control: Remote control - infrared
* Manufacturer Warranty: 2 years warranty


The Macbook will send (via optical) dual channel, correct? Then the built in encoders of the speaker system will turn it into 5.1? Will that be real 5.1? confused!!1

[Windowsrookie]

I'm not up on all the audio lingo, but I know I get 5.1 out of movies on my iMac connected via Fiber. So I'm sure you'll be fine.

[Fahrenheit]

I'm not up on all the audio lingo, but I know I get 5.1 out of movies on my iMac connected via Fiber. So I'm sure you'll be fine. Brilliant, thanks? Out of interest, what speakers you using?

[Fahrenheit]

Found this helpful article. :)

http://creativemac.digitalmedianet.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=56671

Explains everything.

[Windowsrookie]

Brilliant, thanks? Out of interest, what speakers you using?
I've got my own Receiver/Speaker setup.

[turtle]

Found this helpful article. :)

http://creativemac.digitalmedianet.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=56671

Explains everything.

Good find.

Glad I could help. :)

[World Leader Pretend]

I run "Dolby Pro Logic II Music" on my Harman Kardon pre-pro for 2 channel sources (which makes them 5.1 ... Dolby PL IIx is 7.1) IMO it is the best DSP for your purposes, so I would use it.

And by the way, 505 watts is pretty meaningless ;) I bet my 65-watt-per-channel system could cream yours. That said I have had good luck with Logitech systems (I also own the z5500)

[Fahrenheit]

I run "Dolby Pro Logic II Music" on my Harman Kardon pre-pro for 2 channel sources (which makes them 5.1 ... Dolby PL IIx is 7.1) IMO it is the best DSP for your purposes, so I would use it.

Would that setting enable me, say, to have the bullets flying behind me in the opening scene of Saving Private Ryan, or am I going to have to get my dad to stand behind me with a cap gun again?

[Fahrenheit]

Got a cable, and, wow! The quality and the clarity is incredible, you hear background music and noises and the smallest sound effects that you would never hear on a normal computer speaker system. Its incredible.

Oh, and if you do have a really good system, grab the Dolby surround demos here:

http://www.digital-digest.com/dvd/downloads/trailers.html

The best being Egypt and Rain, in my opinion.

Happy boy! :)

[chucker]

Oh, and if you do have a really good system, grab the Dolby surround demos here:

Oh! Right there. Gotcha.

(edit) He fixed it. ;)

[Fahrenheit]

Oh! Right there. Gotcha.

I spent like a minute trying to figure what you were talking about!

Fixed! :D

[Fahrenheit]

Ok, so now I need some way to get best use out of my tiny room space. Help!

http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/details?mid=cc018824eba55e31c7c0196d266d1e46

Anyone got any ideas how best to utilise the tiny amount of space? Or is it best as it is? :o

[Schnauzer]

cool speakers dude, nice 5.1 !