Optical Audio to Digital Audio

[faraz.yashar]

I'm looking to use the speakers (Logitech X-540) with my laptop with 5.1... but this is an analog system (has green/black/orange inputs), and Macbook Pros only output with optical through mini-TOSLink. What's the best (read cheapest) device for decoding the optical output to analog?

If this won't work, I'm probably willing to shell out a bit more cash (Z-5500 perhaps). If you have a digital 5.1 system recommendation ($350 or less), let me know.

Manual for X-540 speakers: http://logitech-en-amr.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/logitech_en_amr.cfg/php/enduser/fattach_get.php?p_sid=7*z8_Y1k&p_li=&p_accessibility=&p_redirect=&p_tbl=9&p_id=5524&p_created=1160578991&p_olh=0

 

[sadcamper]

The output on your macbook pro is both digital and analog...you can use a standard analog cable with a 3.5mm plug.

 

[m85476585]

The output on your macbook pro is both digital and analog...you can use a standard analog cable with a 3.5mm plug.

But that won't give the OP 5.1 sound.

 

[leftywamumonkey]

If you get Logitech Z-5500 speakers you could use a mini to toslink cable.

I have the X-540 speakers and I wouldn't recommend them because the subwoofer simply isn't good enough for me and you cannot customize the levels and etc. with the controller well.

 

[kny3twalker]

I'm looking to use the speakers (Logitech X-540) with my laptop with 5.1... but this is an analog system (has green/black/orange inputs), and Macbook Pros only output with optical through mini-TOSLink. What's the best (read cheapest) device for decoding the optical output to analog?

If this won't work, I'm probably willing to shell out a bit more cash (Z-5500 perhaps). If you have a digital 5.1 system recommendation ($350 or less), let me know.

Manual for X-540 speakers: http://logitech-en-amr.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/logitech_en_amr.cfg/php/enduser/fattach_get.php?p_sid=7*z8_Y1k&p_li=&p_accessibility=&p_redirect=&p_tbl=9&p_id=5524&p_created=1160578991&p_olh=0

a USB sound card should do what you want. Look at M audio rather than creative. But really a better solution would be to get the speakers with a digital input or stereo speakers. There are plenty of studio quality book shelf sized monitor speakers, you can get for less than the Logitech speakers and will sound much better.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_s...d-keywords=studio+monitors&sprefix=studio+mon