How do I hook my PC up to my 5.1 surround sound receiver?

Question

Hi, I have a basic 5.1 dolbly digital surround sound receiver which I was given as a gift. I'd love to be able to hook it up to my PC for gaming, but I can't seem to figure out how. I already know that my sound card can in fact output six channels (5 speakers plus the sub) so that's not a problem. I'm not sure what cables I need or where to plug them into however.

Is doing this as simple as buying an S/PDIF cable, plugging it into the "digital" output slot on my receiver and into the orange port on my soundcard? Or is there something more to it? Thank you in advance!

Answer 1

I would purchase and install a sound card with RCA output jacks for impedence matching.

The tip-and-ring jacks on the basic PC sound cards could induce a slight hum.

Does your system offer an optical input?

Answer 2

You can definitely use the S/PDIF(orange) connection from your sound card, which is digital. Use and Coaxial cable to connect that connection to the receiver's S/PDIF input.  It should work.