Can iMac handle Logitech Z-5500 speakers

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Can iMac handle Logitech Z-5500 speakers

I am looking for top notch computer speakers. Researching on the internet says that Logitech Z-5500 are excellent speakers but it says I need a sound card that supports Dolby 5.1 or higher to take full advantage of the Z-5500 computer speakers, which can also be used with game consoles, stereo equipment and portable audio players.

Does the iMac have a sound card that can handle Dolby 5.1??

Cost no object what are the best computer speakers?

What is the best value (best bang for the buck) computer speakers? Probably not something from BOSE, I guess.

Thanks for your recommendations!! 🙂

Windows XP Pro

Posted on Mar 18, 2009 4:06 PM

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Answer 1

rkaufmann87

Level 10

148,494 points

Mar 18, 2009 4:20 PM in response to Luba Cox

All current iMacs output DD 5.1, you will need an adapter cable with an optical output for the speaker side and on the iMac side a 3.5mm plug. These cables are available on Ebay, Radio Shack or many other electronics suppliers. I got mine on Ebay, it works great!

Below is a link I located on a current Ebay auction that shows an example, you just need to look for one that has the length you need and you should be all set:

http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Recoton-Toslink-to-3-5mm-Fiber-Optic-Audio-Cable-6W0QQitemZ220353759639QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item220353759639 &_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&trkparms=72%3A1546%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1% 7C294%3A50

Message was edited by: rkaufmann87

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Answer 2

Luba Cox Author

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Mar 18, 2009 4:57 PM in response to rkaufmann87

What does DD 5.1 mean? Digital Dolby?

Sheez all these cables I will need, so it's called a optical output cable. Optical means visually but we're talking audio here so why is an optical cable needed?? Just curious.

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Answer 3

rkaufmann87

Level 10

148,494 points

Mar 18, 2009 5:25 PM in response to Luba Cox

5.1 how many channels of sound the system will handle. The .1 stands for a sub woofer. A typical 5.1 system is 2 front speakers, a center channel speaker and 2 surround speakers. It is very common ot find a 5.1 system in a home theater or even your local movie theater.

Dolby (actually Dolby Labs) is the name of a company and Dolby Digital just indicates it is a branded digital sound. A good example of DD 5.1 system might be some music recorded in 5.1 that is stored in iTunes on your Mac which is in turn connected to a 5.1 speaker system.

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Answer 4

Mar 18, 2009 6:08 PM in response to Luba Cox

The orginal optical cable used actual light to transmit the information. Look up Tos-link and it will explain the technology better. I know it is very confusing when you hear the term optical for use with audio. Optical is the quick way of saying fiberoptics.

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Answer 5

rkaufmann87

Level 10

148,494 points

Mar 18, 2009 6:15 PM in response to princepsp

Good point and thanks for adding that.

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