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Sound card for 5.1 audio on desktop Macs?

M

Macillus

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Sep 5, 2006
13
0
Several months ago I purchased Griffin Technology's FireWave to listen to surround sound speakers on my G5. The performance has been spotty, at best. Two weeks after updgrading to Tiger (10.4.11--the recommended system software for FireWave), it ceased running at all. (Yes, I tried all the usual fixes). Now, I'm ready to try something else--something that works. Has anyone had any luck with other sound cards (internal or external) other than FireWave?

Thanks.
 
I generally just use the optical out on my machine for 5.1, and it seems to work pretty well - did the G5 not have optical digital out?
 
- did the G5 not have optical digital out?[/QUOTE]

I know little about the sound capabilities of my computer or the hardware needed for surround sound. But I do have optical digital out because it's an option listed in my System Pref>Sound>Output. How do I use it? My speakers have the standard cables (that I'm currently plugging into the non-functioning FireWave) and I assume there's some hardware needed to use optical digital?

BTW, I appreciate the help. Thank you.
 
Macillus said:
- did the G5 not have optical digital out?
Click to expand...

I know little about the sound capabilities of my computer or the hardware needed for surround sound. But I do have optical digital out because it's an option listed in my System Pref>Sound>Output. How do I use it? My speakers have the standard cables (that I'm currently plugging into the non-functioning FireWave) and I assume there's some hardware needed to use optical digital?

BTW, I appreciate the help. Thank you.
Click to expand...

You need a Toslink cable and a decoder capable of handling an optical input (like a home theatre amp). The Logitech set mentioned above has a built in optical decoder.
 
You plug all 3 jacks in to the port and the same sound comes out of all the speakers but it still sounds good.
 
Same here, I had my G5 hooked up with the optical out. If you need an oldschool surround hookup (RCA or 1/8" plugs for each channel), then I'd, well, suggest new speakers.
 
jjholly said:
You plug all 3 jacks in to the port and the same sound comes out of all the speakers but it still sounds good.
Click to expand...

I followed your link to the full explanation. Hmmm... tough call. True, it eliminates the separate channels, but it works, its easy, and it's probably a heck of a lot cheaper than going optical. I'll research the optical option and evaluate the costs--see if it's worth it. Thanks!
 
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