Connecting desktop computer to home audio receiver...

So I want to establish a permanent connection between my desktop and my receiver so I can play music through it. I'd love to be able to do that via a toslink (optical) cable but unfortunately my mobo doesn't have a toslink port. What it does have is 5 different 3.5mm jacks, I don't remember exactly what there labeled but it's like one for Front, one for Center, one for Surround, etc. So what are my options for this? I don't really want to run a **** load of 3.5mm cables, plus my receiver doesn't have 3.5mm inputs, so do they make some kind of adapter for this specific purpose? Or am I better off just picking up a cheap sound card with an optical port?

ca.com you have failed me again...

green, use the green one

Also there are 3.5mm to RCA converters

imo you would be better with optical

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Originally Posted by mossberg385t

green, use the green one

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lol, I'd like more than 2 channels going to my 5.1 receiver...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mossberg385t

Also there are 3.5mm to RCA converters

imo you would be better with optical

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That still leaves me with only 2 channels. After reading around I realize that all those 3.5mm jacks are analog signals and optical is digital so an adapter cable is out of the question. I have a $50 gift card to best buy so I'm gunna go see what they have for sound cards with optical outputs.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bubbagumper6

lol, I'd like more than 2 channels going to my 5.1 receiver...



That still leaves me with only 2 channels. After reading around I realize that all those 3.5mm jacks are analog signals and optical is digital so an adapter cable is out of the question. I have a $50 gift card to best buy so I'm gunna go see what they have for sound cards with optical outputs.

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I think that is your best option, I use a 3.5mm to RCA for my lappy and optical for my PS3... huge difference

Well after returning from Best Buy with a new sound card I discovered my mobo has a digital coax audio output. I didn't even know what this was until I googled it. Apparently it's the same signal that an optical cable caries except it's not optical, it's just passed over a single coax (RCA) cable. So I just connected a cable and viola, instant 5.1 from my PC to my receiver. Now I just need to return this sound card, lol.