How to connect iMac with S/PDIF speakers ?

[faithkev]

Hello.

I just orderd the new iMac and wondering if i could hook it up with my S/PDIF speakers.

I have a Logitech Z-5500 (5.1 speakers)
..which is currently connected to my PC via S/PDIF cable.

I know the imac has s/pdif option.. but as in a different port?
..suppose to connect the s/pdif cable to the ' iMac headphone slot '?! that supports s/pdif ???

really confusing for me..

Please help~ suggestion for the right cables would be greatful

Thank you.
_________________________
15' Macbook pro (early '08)
iPhone 3GS 32G

 

[spinnerlys]

3.5mm to S/PDIF cables, just use the audio out port of the iMac

 

[faithkev]

3.5mm to S/PDIF cables, just use the audio out port of the iMac

THANKS!!! I didn't know such thing existed ! LOL

 

[gianly1985]

Yep, been doing that for ages.

 

[DannyBres]

Yep, been doing that for ages.

Death by Skitch!

 

[gianly1985]

THANKS!!! I didn't know such thing existed ! LOL

NOTE: those adptors are not "magical", you must already have the "hidden LED" in your PC/Mac for them to work. It's not like you can use those adaptors with an iPod or a windows PC without the "hidden LED" or with every 3.5mm headphone port out there.

Every Mac (desktop or laptop) has the "hidden LED", at least since 2006 (I don't know about previous macs). Except the MacPro, because it's got proper "regular size" Toslink ports, no need for mini-Toslink.

In windows-land, it's mainly a laptop-only feature. (and not every laptop has it)

 

[gianly1985]

Death by Skitch!

My favorite app

 

[Vylen]

It's not really "hidden"

The iMac specifications has always listed
"Headphone/optical digital audio output "
or something like it.

It's just some people don't realise what it means heh.

I first used my Z-5500's using a toslink connection for a couple years, but the whole passthru stuff drove me insane, and how there are files out there with surround sound in formats other than DTS/AC3...

Been using this now :
http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/firewave

Too bad it's been discontinued though

 

[gianly1985]

It's not really "hidden"

The iMac specifications has always listed
"Headphone/optical digital audio output "
or something like it.

It's just some people don't realise what it means heh.

I meant "hidden INSIDE the headphone port".

I didn't mean "hidden = not mentioned in the specs".

 

[maf2k8]

I have the same iMac and same speaker setup...

Here is what you need

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000I97H54/ref=oss_product

Also try MonoPrice ( should be much cheaper )

Honestly though, i got rid of it and just used a 3.5 cable...Because when you do go optical, i noticed that i can no longer control the volume thru my keyboard and iMac, I would have to adjust the volume using my Z-5500 ( which was annoying )

also, if your NOT watching movies that make use of 5.1 there is no point in going optical.

I listen to music, watch youtube videos, etc, etc...so it doesnt enhance the music or anything of that nature..

 

[gianly1985]

also, if your NOT watching movies that make use of 5.1 there is no point in going optical.

...or in buying a 5.1 speaker system, I guess.

The same money could have bought you a good 2.0 system. (instead of a crappy/boomy/game-y 5.1 system from an excellent mice/keyboard/webcams-maker vendor )

 

[maf2k8]

...or in buying a 5.1 speaker system, I guess.

The same money could have bought you a good 2.0 system. (instead of a crappy/boomy/game-y 5.1 system from an excellent mice-maker vendor )

Actually the Z-5500 is a awesome system, I have my 46" LED TV, PS3 ( blu-ray ) and everything else pretty much connected to it. It great as a home theater system if one doesn't want to spend 1,000's on separate components but still wants digital audio from there movies.

For music, Its awesome also with the 5.1 simulation for music. I was just stating that using optical for simple audio ( MP3 )would be rather pointless.

I owned the system for a year now and it still going strong.

 

[gianly1985]

I was just stating that using optical for simple audio ( MP3 )would be rather pointless.

Even 2.0 audio could be sent via optical to a better DAC than the one included in your Mac.

But you're right, it's pointless for 98% people. (including me, I'm not an audiophile)