27" iMac - Onboard Sound

[mrob44]

I'm looking to buy some 5.1 Surround PC Speakers for a future 27 iMac purchase (once all the issues go away, hopefully). I have a Logitech set in mind, but as I was looking on Apple's site, I can't seem to find a specific mention of the type of audio the iMac is capable of outputting. Does it support 5.1, or only 2.1?

Any help is appreciated, sorry if this has been answered already or if it's a dumb question. I'm not a sound guy.

[knewsom]

It does indeed support surround sound through the optical output in the headphone jack.

[Cave Man]

Does it support 5.1, or only 2.1?

It provides up to 5 channel Dolby Pro Logic II by analog (mini stereo plug to receiver capable of decoding DPLII), or up to 5.1 Dolby Digital or DTS by optical (mini-Toslink to Toslink and provided your receiver/amp can decode DD or DTS). You also need software that can passthrough optical audio to a receiver, such as Plex, and your content must be encoded in those schemes.

[mrob44]

Very helpful information. Thank you.

Plex is great, by the way.