Speakers

[popnpoper]

Hey all,

I've scoured the internet and I have not found the answer I am looking for.

I have a pretty fun set-up in my college dorm room:

-Flat screen HD tv

-my z506 speakers

-macbook pro

-xbox 360

-N64

-HDMI cable/adapter so I can watch tv/stuff from my laptop on my TV

I am wondering if there is any way at all I can get 5.1 sound from my speakers.  2.1 is just so disappointing when I bought these speakers planning on having awesome surround sound.  I will settle for it to come from ONE of the above sources if that is possible.

I am wondering:

-Does anyone have specific recommendations for external USB sound cards that are mac compatible?  I can't find these anywhere!!!

-Alternatively, is there some way I can buy an adapter for my optical out from my Mac to analog (what the z506 has)?  Because maybe that would be a solution too?

-Is it maybe possible to hookup my computer to my tv and the speakers to the tv too and somehow create a link leading to 5.1 surround sound?

Thank you for any and all help.  I really really appreciate it

[dhelpard1]

Hello popnpoper,

The Z506 speaker set relies on your computer to decode the 5.1 signal.  If your macbook pro does not have three separate outputs (front center, front and rear) you will not get true 5.1 surround sound from these speakers.  You can get simulated surround sound by plugging your source into only the green connector on the back of your subwoofer.  The speakers will automatically simulate surround sound when only the one cable is connected.  You will get sound from all of your speakers, but it will not be true 5.1 surround sound.  You can also use the red and white RCA inputs on your subwoofer.  The results will be the same.  By that I mean you will only get simulated surround sound.

Hope this helps.

Sincerely,

[popnpoper]

My macbook pro does not have 3 outputs.  Are there any mac-friendly adapters or other solutions you can recommend that have worked for others so I can get true surround sound?

[dhelpard1]

Hello popnpoper,

The only recommendation I have at this moment is to search for an external USB sound card that will work on a Mac.

Sincerely,

[popnpoper]

I've done that but can you give me specific recommendations?  It is very difficult to find.  Shouldn't you know what works with your product?

[dhelpard1]

Hello popnpoper,

The headphone jack on your Mac supports an analog signal, or optical digital signal.  The Z506 speakers rely on your computer to decode the audio then send three separate signals to the speakers. One for left front and left right, one for front center, and one for the rear channels.  This is what the three 3.5mm inputs on the sub woofer are used for.  There is no digital decoder built in to the Z506 speakers, so using the toslink cable will not get you true surround sound either.  Your lack of true surround sound is a result of the limitations of both your Macbook (not having the three 3.5mm outputs) and your Z506 speakers (not supporting a digital input)  This is why you are unable to get true surround sound with your current setup.  We do manufacture speakers with a digital input and decoders built in, they are the Z906 speaker set.  At this point in time I unfortunately cannot recommend any in particular product that can be used on your Mac to get true 5.1 surround sound with your Z506 speakers.   

I hope this helps.

Sincerely,

[bugfreak]

Hi there,

       Since its been more than a year since this thread started, I was wondering if things have changed and somehow there might be a way to output 5.1 channel sound to the Z506 speakers. I have a late 2011 model macbook pro with a single audio in/out 3.5 mm port (digital output). I recently purchased the Z506 speakers. I would like to get 5.1 channel sound outpout from my macbook pro. Would something like this http://www.ebay.com/itm/USB-5-1-Sound-Card-Audio-Adapter-for-MAC-OS-PC-VoIP-OZ-/120670929105?pt=AU_M... do the trick? If not, could you recommend something else? Any advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

[popnpoper]

I still haven't found a solution.... but that ebay item looks promising!  It is such BS that Macs can't get a product to play these speakers in true surround sound

[bugfreak]

Only thing is, that ebay item is probably sold by someone in China/HK and I would probably not trust the item 100%. But a similar product purchased from a US based company/seller might actually work better. I just want someone to tell me if this item would work "in principle". If it does, I will find a US seller and let you know as well. I think we are both in the same boat as far as this issue goes. 

[bugfreak]

Or would something like this work? http://www.amazon.com/GWC-AA1500-Channel-Audio-Adapter/dp/B0009S9SU6/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF... .. any feedback by a rep would be appreciated. Thanks.