Surround Sound (5.1) With a MPB

You'll probably have to get an external soundcard. Griffin makes one specifically for Macs called the FireWave, which works really well.

 

I was looking for this solution about a year ago and what I came to find was this:

There really isn't a simple solution. Supposedly if you get this special cord that plugs in to your sound port, but the metal prong goes in a few millimeters deeper that should give you 5.1.... This is what an Apple employee told me. The cord was expensive though 75 bucks or something crazy... otherwise all i've heard was an external cord.

 

Maybe something like this? I'm guessing you're referring to the optical digital output. I'm not sure if that does full surround sound, but I hadn't thought about that option.

 

Optical can do full surround, but you need a decoder, such as a home theater receiver

 

That wasn't exactly what I was talking about. But yes I was talking about the optical out.

http://www.thismuchiknow.co.uk/?p=24 - interesting read about 5.1 and the Mac

From Apple

"Built-in optical digital audio input and output ports enable you to connect MacBook
Pro to decks, receivers, digital instruments, and 5.1 surround sound systems. Because
optical digital audio transmits data as impulses of light rather than electrical signals,
it enables true noise-free, pristine sound—eliminating troublesome ground loops and
ensuring higher audio and signal quality."

 

Firewave is on sale for $40 right now too, which IMO is an oustanding deal.

 

That is a good deal. I bought one new for $100.

 

THe MacBook Pro has optical out (as alluded to earler, it is built into your headphone out jack.

In order to use this, you need a speaker set, or a receiver, with a TOSLink optical input, AND a digital surround decoder. Very few speaker sets have this so check specs carefully. The Logitech 5500s do I believe.

You use an optical cable that has TOSLINK at one end and a Mini-1/8" optical connection (or a TOSLink - 1/8" optical adaptor) on the Mac end. Belkin makes one, so do others, should be about $35.

 

You are entirely right. I currently have the Z-5500's and I use them with my iMac which has the same output as your MBP. You'll need an optical cable and a mini TOSLink. I bought a 50 foot optical cable off ebay for about $25, the one I linked you is only 6 foot but is only $3 while the mini TOSLink is only $2. You can shop around for an optical cable wherever you want, you're local Best Buy or Circuit City will have them but the only place I was able to find just a mini TOSLink was on Amazon. However, if you only need a 6 foot cable or so and live near an Apple Store, they usually stock an optical cable that comes with it's own mini TOSLink made by Belkin. I think it would run you about $30 for that but I don't recall. I opted for the 50 foot cable just incase I ever needed something longer. Hope this helps.