How do I hook up my computer to my 5.1 receivers?

Connecting 5.1 PC speakers to TV?

• I have the Logitech x-540's (a 5.1 system made for the PC) However, I want to hook it up to my computer with true 5.1. Could someone explain the ways to do this. I believe there's a Y adapter that would work (or am i reading that wrong?) and using a receiver would also work as receiver's take a TV's stereo signal and splits it into 5.1 and then, by connecting the x-540's cables into the receiver, it would work (or so I believe). Can someone let me know if these are right, and if so, what kind of receiver/adapter I would need (or some cheap receivers I could pick up). If these aren't right, can someone explain how to do it?

• Answer:

  I think you meant "I want to hook it up to my TV" (not "computer"). Basically the X540's are powered speakers and expect a low level input from three mini-stereo jacks connected to a computer audio card. Most HDTVs have an optical output ... which won't connect to the X540s. While you can buy an optical to analog converter for about $24 it only gives stereo analog (front channels) if fed to the X540. Your best bet (and it's a kludge) is to feed the optical output from the TV to an A/V surround receiver that has what are called pre-outs (RCA jacks for each channel of the pre-amplifier section ... sometimes connected by jumpers to the analogous power amp input on the back of the receiver). See the image at the link and note the ouput jacks labelled pre-outs at the upper centre-right for what to look for. If these are available you can use 3 stereo RCA to miniplug adapters to connect the pre-outs to the inputs of the X540. As I said, it's a kludge (and an expensive one) ... but it would allow you to use the X540's with your TV. Other than that you are out of luck (You can't just plug the X50 speaker leads into the receiver). e-mail me if you need more.