How to get 5.1 audio from my iMac

I stumbled across (and now can't find it again) a youtube video where I discovered that the 3.5mm audio jack on the back of my iMac doubles as a mini-TOSLINK connector, and that an optical cable can be run to a 5.1 digital adapter. The adapter suggested in that video was off eBay and of course no longer available...I'm interested but not sure what adapter I can buy that will do the same function.

I have a Logitech 5.1 system with the 3x3.5mm plugs that were in an audio card in an old PC. I had tried to sell it, not realizing I could still use it

Ideas?

thanks

You can get one from Amazon.
Amazon.com: digital audio converter

You'll be looking for something like this.

bobtomay said:

You'll be looking for something like this.

Click to expand...

That looks like it. Thanks!

Take a look around and read some reviews - there are more of them available - I only linked the first one that popped up.

You can also look at external USB sound cards.

hmm interesting. I didn't know this.. Do Mac Minis also have this option?

Need to check on the specific mini - particularly since the first couple of models were PPC machines.

Pretty sure all the Intel MMs have a headphone port with combined stereo analog and 5.1 optical audio output.
Can verify your model at everymac.com - in the Ports - Sound section.

Need to realize - no Dolby/DTS on the Mac - so even while using the optical out - you will only get 5.1 from 5.1 sources - like movies/games/etc. That is, all your music which is typically in stereo, will still only be output in stereo unless you're connecting to a device that provides Dolby/DTS to provide a faux 5.1 sound.

Checked it last night.. Its says Digital/Analog output.. L2012 MM.. I got some really great monitor quality speakers that are stereo anyway.. But if I ever upgrade this is good information to know.