How to connect 5.1 sound to laptop?

pcassassin

Distinguished
Jan 7, 2012
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18,510
Hi, first of all sorry if this is under the wrong discussion, but I'm assuming this is where I should ask this question.

So firstly I have the logitech x -530 speakers. It has 3 3.5mm jacks one green, black and orange. I used it for my pc. But now I bought a laptop, lenovo y50. It has one 3.5mm aduio input and a s/pdif.

I would like to know what is the easiest way of connecting the speakers to my laptop to get true 5.1 sound. I've heard that you can use the hdmi port, but is it possible even if I am using it currently for a second screen?
 
Solution
The best solution will be a USB soundcard

HDMI would only work when using a second screen and you would need to plug the HDMI into a receiver & amp that would then a pass through to pass on the video to the monitor. Alternatively you could use a digital sound out if your monitor has one and connect that to a receiver and amp.

sizzling

Distinguished
The best solution will be a USB soundcard

HDMI would only work when using a second screen and you would need to plug the HDMI into a receiver & amp that would then a pass through to pass on the video to the monitor. Alternatively you could use a digital sound out if your monitor has one and connect that to a receiver and amp.
 
Solution

utroz

Distinguished
Nov 9, 2010
90
1
18,610
Yes USB sound card or HDMI output would be the easiest way in most laptops. Some have support to use the mic and line out plus the headphones all together for 5.1 but not all.