Optical Out/Surround Sound Questions

[Ynot]

I'd like to utilize the optical out on my MM HTPC for surround sound. Right now I simply have a set of Bose speakers connected to the 1/8" headphone jack. I've never had surround sound nor used the optical out so don't mind my inexperience. What can I get for under $200? Do I also need an adapters of any kind? Can I build onto this Bose set and still go optical? I'd prefer 5/1 if I can afford it.

Thanks for any help.
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2011 Mac Mini i5
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[fuentecigar]

You are probably not going to find computer speakers with an optical input, anymore. I believe Logitech used to make a set called Z5500 that had an optical input. However, I haven't seen them for some time, so I would guess they are out of production. Typically, the optical output on the Mini is utilized with a surround sound receiver, or home theater, if you will. I have a semi-retired Mini hooked to an older Yamaha 5.1 system. Although it's getting up there in age; when I do use it, it works just as if it were new. Most surround systems are now 7.1, with a price that is above what you want to spend. You might be able to find a lower end 5.1 system for just a little more than the $200.00 you stated. A quick search came up with these lower end Sony's.

http://www.google.com/search?tbm=shop&tbs=cat:252,pdtr0:714967%7C714968,pdtr1:715008%7C715009&q=home%20theater%20system&ei=SoLdTYeeG4WOwQW8hqH-DA&sa=badge&ved=0CAUQtw4

Hope this is of some help.
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KF5EYR

[Smithcraft]

You would need to get a adapter to hook up the TOSLink cable to the mini, or a custom cable that has the mini optical on one end and a regular optical connection on the other end.

Adapter

Custom cables

SC
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[Desktop] G4 mini - 1.5Ghz 1GB 80GB HDD - Newer miniStack v2 500GB - 10.5.8

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Make sure it has pins!

[Mnlt2000]

Hello, there is some shop who send to spain this kind of cable??

Excuse my bad english

[macmanmacman]

Wow no wonder why people are having issues with the sound cutting out with this adapter your trying to do surround sound on a non surround sound sound card

[khisayruou]

[ez061111]

[ez061111]

[stupkid]

I just setup the Yamaha YHT-395BL Home Theater system on my macmini3,1 (2009 I think) using a Toslink cable from monoprice.com. Sounds fantastic!

I see it on Amazon for as low as $299:

http://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-YHT-393BL-Channel-System-Black/dp/B003CP0KAA/ref=pd_cp_e_3

and

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004SL4ADA

Hope this helps!

[philiparcario]