[HELP] Surround Sound for iMac???

[fxit_man]

Hey guys was hoping some of you guys who have a Mac can help me with this?

(Bwana etc. )

I have a 2006 iMac model (the white one)

How would i go about connecting my 6.1 Creative speakers to my iMac?
I have a 3.5mm splitter (http://images.tigerdirect.com/skuimages/large/P511-3008-main-sp.jpg) which im using now plugged in to the headphone port and that helps as the sound comes out the front and rear channel...

I have plugged the black and green 3.5mm connection of my Creative 6.1 system into that splitter and connected it to the headphone port (the first one in this pic)..

This might help you - http://xtreview.com/images/Apple-iMac-20-Intel-Core-2-Duo/imac-ports-20inch.jpg

Now i plugged in the Pink 3.5 mm connecter to the second port (i think its line-out)

But that does nothing.. No bass from subwoofer and no sound from center speakers...

How would i get my 6.1 Creative speakers working on my iMac?

Im running Vista btw on my iMac but doesnt work in leopard either

Thanks a bunch guys

 

[Gadget Man]

Hi ... mac user here.

I think the model of iMac you're using has an dual optical / analogue output. The analogue output uses the standard 3 (or 3.5) mm jack and delivers 2 (or 2.1). To make use of surround sound your need a Toslink Optical cable and from the iMac it has to go to a receiver to decode the signal into 5.1 (I think). You could use a modern amplifier to do this, one that has an optical input. Chances are the Creative speakers don't have an optical input and can't receive and decode the optical signal.

Hope this helps ... someone probably better qualified than me may be able to answer.

 

[fxit_man]

Thanks for the response..


I hoped it would just be one cable or something that im missing but if im gonna have to buy a whole amp just to get 5.1, id rather buy a set of speakers with an optical out or something thats compatible with the iMac..

thanks