Surround sound system

[Silicate Wielder]

Hey guys, I just got a 5.1 ch surround system, and all the inputs on it are analog Red and White wires except for the optical input, is there a way I can get an actually surround sound output from my computer?

[TheMatrix]

Yes, get some 1/8" to RCA cables at your local electronics retailer. Make sure you have a 5.1 channel sound card and the necessary drivers, then plug 'em in. If you don't have a 5.1 sound card, get one while you are at the retailer. If you can find one with a digital output, then that is the best, because there's far too much interference in your computer case for an analog amp to sound great.

However, if you have a passive system(no amplifier), you will be disappointed with your computer's output. Get a good amplifier if this is the case. The presence of an optical S/PDIF implies that you do, so no trouble there.