darthmullet
Jul 21, 2007, 02:15 AM
I have a MacBook Pro and as well as a set of Logitech 5.1 z5300e speakers. I love both. The speaker input consists of three analog miniplugs: Center/Sub, Front, and Rear. I want to be able to use the speakers as they are meant, with multiple channels, but my MacBook Pro only has a single output. The way I see it, I have two options:
Option 1: A decoder that will convert S/PDIF (out of the MacBook Pro) to the 6 channel analog (Center/Sub, Front, and Rear miniplugs). I do not want the size and expense of a full sized receiver (Yamaha, Dennon, etc.), but smaller devices seem either impossible to come by or very expensive.
Option 2: An external (USB, FireWire, or ExpresCard) sound card with at least six channels (or three stereo channels configurable in Apple's Audio MIDI Setup) This seems to be a less expensive route and a more versatile route as well.
First, I considered the Griffin FireWave (http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/firewave/) (about $60). This seemed a little expensive for a dedicated 5.1 output.
I think I might instead purchase a Miglia HarmonyAudio (http://www.miglia.com/harmonyaudio/index.html). This features 2 input channels (stereo) and 8 output channels (7.1 or 5.1+headphones, etc., using Apple's Audio Midi Setup) for about the same price.
Has anybody had experience with either device or something similar and have recommendations? Any input would be much appreciated...
Option 1: A decoder that will convert S/PDIF (out of the MacBook Pro) to the 6 channel analog (Center/Sub, Front, and Rear miniplugs). I do not want the size and expense of a full sized receiver (Yamaha, Dennon, etc.), but smaller devices seem either impossible to come by or very expensive.
Option 2: An external (USB, FireWire, or ExpresCard) sound card with at least six channels (or three stereo channels configurable in Apple's Audio MIDI Setup) This seems to be a less expensive route and a more versatile route as well.
First, I considered the Griffin FireWave (http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/firewave/) (about $60). This seemed a little expensive for a dedicated 5.1 output.
I think I might instead purchase a Miglia HarmonyAudio (http://www.miglia.com/harmonyaudio/index.html). This features 2 input channels (stereo) and 8 output channels (7.1 or 5.1+headphones, etc., using Apple's Audio Midi Setup) for about the same price.
Has anybody had experience with either device or something similar and have recommendations? Any input would be much appreciated...
