How to connect a mutimedia speaker system to an IMac?

[banph]

I just purchased a new IMac. I have been a PC user all my life except for my wireless IPad. I have a Cambridge SoundWorks Desktop Theater 5.1 DTT2200 Multimedia Speaker system that was hooked up to my Dell PC. It has three color coded connections. Lime Green for 2 channel, Lime Green and Black for 4 channel and lime green, black and orange for 5 channel. How to I at least get 4 channel on my IMac when there is only one connection port?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[vankata]

The only way to connect your iMac to a 5.1 audio system is through the optical out. I have an Yamaha receiver and a 5.1 Jamo speaker system. The connection between the iMac and the receiver is through an optical cable. Is there an optical input on you system?

 

[banph]

No optical output.

 

[Emathieu]

No optical output.

You mean no optical input? (on your speaker system)

 

[martinm0]

No optical output.

All macs (sans the MBA's) have optical in and out through the audio mini jacks. You just need one of the mini-toslink cables or adapters.

 

[Consultant]

iMac has optical output, but your sound system probably does not have optical input.

In that case, you need a USB sound card with the analogue outputs (probably 3 plugs?) you want.