How to connect BOSE Acoustimass® 10 speaker system to iMac AND HDTV

[NAKEDAPE92]

Hello, I need some help figuring out all of the components/setup I will need to set this up. I'd like to use the "Bose Acoustimass® 10 speaker system" (http://www.bose.com/controller?url=...ome_theater_speakers/acoustimass_10/index.jsp) for iTunes music out of my iMac and somehow be able to switch the audio over to my T.V. whenever to play Xbox and watch movies through it as well.

iMac- Mac OS X 10.4.11

Built-In Audio...

Device ID:0x106B00A0
Audio ID: 48
Available Devices:
Speaker:
Connection: Internal
Headphone:
Connection: Combo
Microphone:
Connection: Internal
Line In:
Connection: Combo
S/P-DIF Out:
Connection: Combo
S/P-DIF In:
Connection: Combo


Television:
Panasonic Viera TH-42PZ80U 42" 1080p Plasma HDTV

Xbox for games and movies.

Hopefully someone can give me alot of help lol thanks

 

[jdechko]

It looks like you're going to need an A/V receiver to power those speakers. A decent one will run you a few hundred bucks, but I've got no recommendations to give as I've only got a HTIB (home theater in-a-box) system.

EDIT: Some further research reveals that you should use a receiver with 10-200w per channel, and 4-8 ohms. (This defines the maximum power and resistance so you don't blow your speakers).

Looking at Best Buy, there are quite a few receivers. You need one that is 5.1, 100 or 110w (120w and up will run you minimum of $500), and 4-8 ohms. Multiple HDMI inputs would be good (for the 360, Blu ray and maybe PC input). There's a Yamaha one for $230 and a Pioneer for $210.

 

[NAKEDAPE92]

So basically if I get one of these "receivers", which just looks like a radio?, with the specifications you suggested, then I will be able to go back and forth between computer and t.v. with no problem? I just need to be sure it is in-fact easier than I once thought before I am missing components haha.

I have found this receiver for a decent price and just wanted to run it by you that it met what you were talking about. http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9238942&type=product&id=1218065494188

 

[jdechko]

Yes. You'll be able to use the receiver to switch inputs.

For audio from the iMac, you'll need either a 3.5mm male to RCA Male cord or a toslink optical cable (with 1 mini-toslink adapter) to go from the iMac to the receiver. The former will be cheaper, the latter will sound better, and allow for 5.1 output from the DVD Player application.

I'm assuming that you've got a HiDef cable/dish set-top box. You should run HDMI or component from that to the input of the receiver. If you run HDMI, you're good to go. If you choose component, you'll also have to run audio use either the toslink optical cable or straight RCA cables. If you've got HDMI on your XBox, feel free to use just that, or, once again, use the component AV cables.

Whatever you do, please check out Monoprice.com for your cable needs. Best buy marks up their cables a ton. You could buy all of the cables from monoprice for less than 1 HDMI cable at best buy.

 

[jdechko]

So being a drafter, I felt compelled to sketch out a diagram for you. It basically puts the pieces together for you regardless of what receiver you get. I showed multiple connection paths, dependent upon what cables you choose to buy. Your receiver will have better instructions on hooking it all up.


Remember that picture quality goes like this:
HDMI (DVI)
Component (VGA)
S-Video
Composite
Coax

Audio Quality Goes like this
HDMI (DVI doesn't carry audio)
Opitcal/Digital - Can be either toslink, or SPDIF
RCA (including 3.5mm headphone adapters)

 

[NAKEDAPE92]

Thats great man! You've been alot of help with clearing up alot of this confusion.. looks like I'm on my way to incredible audio

I'll be sure to come back if I need any further help though!

Thank you

 

[jdechko]

You're welcome. Be sure to let me know how it all works out for you. Pics are always fun too.