Solved! How do i connect 5.1 Cinema Speakers to my PC?

Solution
Do you want 5.1 digital surround? I think that was your main question...The PC decodes the digital signal and outputs it to analog, the 3.5mm jacks on the sound I/O section of your PC. This can be done rather cheaply. Using the analog outs of your PC and amplifiers like this (below), you can power your speakers and even upgrade to better ones later. You'll need 3.5mm to RCA cables to plug into your PC's surround jacks. Depending on your PC's sound card, you should be able to use 5.1 or other surround modes, which can be configured in the speakers section of your sound software's setup section.

Examples...
Since the main unit doesn't support digital audio input your only option is to connect the stereo analog audio output of the PC to either the rear RCA stereo input or the MP3 player input on the side.
You won't get digital surround sound.
Select a surround sound mode meant for a stereo input like Dolby Prologic or 5 channel stereo.
 
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Since the main unit doesn't support digital audio input your only option is to connect the stereo analog audio output of the PC to either the rear RCA stereo input or the MP3 player input on the side.
You won't get digital surround sound.
Select a surround sound mode meant for a stereo input like Dolby Prologic or 5 channel stereo.
Thanks for the help man, I just need to buy a stereo to RCA cable then. Also, do you know if it's worth buying the Logitech Z623 speakers instead or is Philips HTS3560/12 better to use?.
 

Sonic Illusions

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Do you want 5.1 digital surround? I think that was your main question...The PC decodes the digital signal and outputs it to analog, the 3.5mm jacks on the sound I/O section of your PC. This can be done rather cheaply. Using the analog outs of your PC and amplifiers like this (below), you can power your speakers and even upgrade to better ones later. You'll need 3.5mm to RCA cables to plug into your PC's surround jacks. Depending on your PC's sound card, you should be able to use 5.1 or other surround modes, which can be configured in the speakers section of your sound software's setup section.

Examples:

https://www.parts-express.com/lepai-lp-2020ti-digital-hi-fi-audio-mini-class-d-stereo-amplifier-with-power-supply--310-3000

https://www.parts-express.com/audtek-35mm-to-rca-stereo-audio-cable-6-ft--181-434

3of these will power 5.1 speakers, using one channel of an amp for center, the other channel for SUB, one amp for L and R, the 3rd amp for rear surrounds. $75 plus shipping.

This amp can be BRIDGED into MONO for 150W to a sub for real bass! Be sure your speakers can handle the power.
https://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-apa150-150w-power-amplifier--300-812
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: xnesan
Solution
Apr 11, 2020
4
0
10
Do you want 5.1 digital surround? I think that was your main question...The PC decodes the digital signal and outputs it to analog, the 3.5mm jacks on the sound I/O section of your PC. This can be done rather cheaply. Using the analog outs of your PC and amplifiers like this (below), you can power your speakers and even upgrade to better ones later. You'll need 3.5mm to RCA cables to plug into your PC's surround jacks. Depending on your PC's sound card, you should be able to use 5.1 or other surround modes, which can be configured in the speakers section of your sound software's setup section.

Examples:

https://www.parts-express.com/lepai-lp-2020ti-digital-hi-fi-audio-mini-class-d-stereo-amplifier-with-power-supply--310-3000

https://www.parts-express.com/audtek-35mm-to-rca-stereo-audio-cable-6-ft--181-434

3of these will power 5.1 speakers, using one channel of an amp for center, the other channel for SUB, one amp for L and R, the 3rd amp for rear surrounds. $75 plus shipping.

This amp can be BRIDGED into MONO for 150W to a sub for real bass! Be sure your speakers can handle the power.
https://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-apa150-150w-power-amplifier--300-812
Thanks man, I just bought a 3.5 to RCA cable, just gotta get an amp then.