OT: Computer audio assistance

cacheman

Hi, I posed this question to the Open forum and the scurvey are too busy going for each other's throats...perhaps I can get some OT assistance here?

I just bought a high-end notebook computer that has a Realtek AC'97 analog 5.1 surround-sound capable audio card. Since I have never set up a speaker system for a notebook before I was wondering if I would need to jack the connection out to an amplified system or decoder. The system manual says it is "SoundBlaster" compatible but What the hell do I connect? The notebook has a single S/PDIF out port...would I just jack this to a powered sound system or an Audigy decoder? Anyone have a clue? I want to hear the 5.1 surround this system has to offer...anyone got a clue?

JR

I posted this on the Open Forum:

You'll need powered speakers. It'll take a line in and a line out mini-jack. Dunno about what it would take for S/PDIF.

cacheman

Thanks JR...There isn't a line-in to the notebook except for the TV tuner jack and you'd only hear noise from the notebook speakers which isn't an option as far as I am concerned. I think I can just plug it into my current speaker system woofer which has an on-board amp and the other speakers jack to the woofer to...should work but you never know. Thanks.

JR

Hey Cache,

Sorry my reply wasn't more helpful. I took a look at my lady's laptop (Toshiba Satellite) before I posted, and it had a speaker in mini-jack for the external speakers (powered).