Connecting iMac 24" to Stereo System

I've just ordered a 24" iMac 3.06 Ghz machine. I would like to use the optical interface to connect to a stereo system (hopefully with 5:1 surround sound support). Can I do this? What currently sold brands and models of receivers allow this? Will I have to buy the optical cable separately?
I have also purchased the 24" Cinema Display for dual head computing. I know it has its own sound options. But my Infinity speakers are likely to be better (plus I have a Velodyne sub)
I do have a rather old Sony STR-G3. I do not know if it supports the right connection type.
Thank you.

Hornet Developer,
Welcome to the forum and congratulations on your new iMac. You should be able to successfully connect your iMac to a hi-fi system and get 5.1 sound on at least iTunes material. This is assuming of course the content in iTunes was recorded in 5.1. In fact if you have an Airport Express you can even do it wirelessly, using Apples Air Tunes feature.
This will work with any receiver that supports optical input, there are even some powered speakers available so this would work with them as well.
Yes you do need to purchase a separate cable however they are relatively inexpensive. An example would be something like this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Optical-TOSLink-to-Mini-AUDIO-Cable-6ft-for-Apple-MacW0QQitemZ230378402121QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item35a39f7149&_ trksid=p4999.c0.m14#ht_1400wt1170
Assuming your Sony STR-G3 supports optical in and it's functioning OK you should only need a cable to connect your iMac and you're good to go. If you want to do this wirelessly you would need to get a cable and the Airport Express which would connect to your wireless network. I do this myself with my Imac, my wireless router is the Airport Extreme and I have a Airport Express connected to a B&K Reference 50 Pre-Pro which is connected (via my separate amp) to my B&W Nautilus speakers.
Regards,
Roger

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