Outputting 5.1 SS from MBPr to speakers

[Rlnplehshalo]

Hi,

I have a late 2013 15" Macbook Pro retina and I'm pretty sure its capable of outputting 5.1 channel surround sound however here lies my problem. I am going to buy the 'Logitech Z906 Surround 5.1' speaker system in the coming weeks or days so does anybody know if and how I could connect THESE particular speakers to the macbook pro and output the full 5.1 channels and not virtual?

Thanks.

 

[headphonia]

Hi,

I have a late 2013 15" Macbook Pro retina and I'm pretty sure its capable of outputting 5.1 channel surround sound however here lies my problem. I am going to buy the 'Logitech Z906 Surround 5.1' speaker system in the coming weeks or days so does anybody know if and how I could connect THESE particular speakers to the macbook pro and output the full 5.1 channels and not virtual?

Thanks.

The optical (toslink) output of the rMBP should give you true 5.1 channel support with that speaker set.

 

[Rlnplehshalo]

The optical (toslink) output of the rMBP should give you true 5.1 channel support with that speaker set.

Ok good to hear, what cables and/or adapters would I need seeing as there is no optical port on the macbook?

 

[DeltaMac]

The MBPro audio out is optical out, as well as analog.
Depends on what you plug in.
Use this kind of mini cable connector.
http://store.apple.com/us/product/H...al-audio-cable-with-line-out-adapter?fnode=51

 

[priitv8]

Use this kind of mini cable connector.
http://store.apple.com/us/product/H...al-audio-cable-with-line-out-adapter?fnode=51

That cable won't do without special adapter!
There are special optical cables available with 3.5mm optical connector on one end.
See this: https://discussions.apple.com/message/18152999#18152999

 

[DeltaMac]

That cable won't do without special adapter!
There are special optical cables available with 3.5mm optical connector on one end.

Correct! That's why I posted THAT cable, which does come with the adapter that you need.

 

[priitv8]

Correct! That's why I posted THAT cable, which does come with the adapter that you need.

Yep, but for me, that adapter is additional and unnecessary interface/coupling surface for light to cross. So I'd take a special cable with 3.5mm Mini-Toslink on one end, without any detacheable small parts.