Only one speaker outputs sound (new 5.1 system)?

Question

I bought a brand new Sony 5.1 surround sound system.

The system has 1 digital optical and 1 coaxial, as well as three sets of slots (all containing a white and a red slot), and an orange input.

I don't have an optical cable or a coaxial cable yet, so I tried pluging in the red and white cords (from my cable box) into the reciever, and it only outputs sound via the front left speaker; the other four are silent.

Then I tried plugging in the orange cord into the cable box and my receiver, and the only speaker that outputed sound was the right front speaker.

Does anyone have a clue as to the problem?

Answer 1

yes. i do.

red/white cable is only 2 channels. left and right.

you will need an optical or a coaxial cable in order to utilize the 5.1. Those cables are digital cables that could carry the surround signal. the red/white are analogue and only carry one channel or speaker per line.