5.1 Audio Support for MacBook

Hi Guys,
I intend to purchase a nice set of external speakers to boost my music and movie enjoyment. However, I'm not sure if my MB can support the 5.1 nature of the speakers. Some posts here indicate that I have to purchase the Griffin FireDrive (??) to run the cables for the 5.1 properly. Is that the only option ?
I am aware that the MB Headphone jack does in fact support Optical Out for 5.1 with Dolby, but I'm not sure what that means in a practical sense. Does it mean there is an easier and cheaper way to hook up a 5.1 sound system than getting the FireDrive ?
For instance, the speakers I'm looking at are these : Logitech Z5500 Digital
http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/speakersaudio/home_pcspeakers/devices/224&cl=au,en
I would appreciate any feedback at all. Thanks in advance.
Cheers,
Will

jeditaz wrote:
Hi Guys,
I intend to purchase a nice set of external speakers to boost my music and movie enjoyment. However, I'm not sure if my MB can support the 5.1 nature of the speakers. Some posts here indicate that I have to purchase the Griffin FireDrive (??) to run the cables for the 5.1 properly. Is that the only option ?
It's the Fire WAVE. I don't know if it's the only option but it's one option. Be really careful with what you buy. There are all sorts of devices on the market which make all sorts of claim. However, I can attest that the FireWave actually works.
I am aware that the MB Headphone jack does in fact support Optical Out for 5.1 with Dolby, but I'm not sure what that means in a practical sense. Does it mean there is an easier and cheaper way to hook up a 5.1 sound system than getting the FireDrive ?
Yes and no. If you have a DVD with a pre-recorded 5.1 Dolby sound track, then the optical output via the headphone socket works just fine. However, it will NOT work for programs and games which generate surround sound on the fly.
If you buy a FireWave or similar then you'll be able to play DVDs AND play games with 5.1 sound, plus it's also stereo compatible.
Bob

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