Best way to connect logitech z906 to a laptop

[diyeys]

Hi everyone,

 

I just got a Logitech z906 5.1 system and I would like to connect it to my laptop. As I have been researching I understand I need some sort of external sound card or DAC?

This is what I found so far

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Creative-Performance-Headphone-Integrated-Microphone/dp/B00F8VB0IW

 

Also, would something like this be better or even work with the 5.1?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/FiiO-Olympus-Headphone-Amplifier-Black/dp/B00LP3AMC2

 

What is the best way to connect the speakers to the sound card? the 6-channel input or a digital input?

 

Any help is really appreciated

 

 

[jnvqc]

Some laptops output digital audio from the 3.5mm audio port, that would be the easiest solution, only a 3.5mm to rca cable or optical audio is required, even if your laptop supports it, it might not be able to do 5.1. You can check the laptop manual for more information.

z906 manual: https://www.logitech.com/assets/36226/z906620-002920006ug403.pdf
On page 10, number 5 is a digital port even tough it uses the same connector as the analog ports.

The cables:
https://www.amazon.com/Toslink-3-5mm-Digital-Optical-SPDIF/dp/B077YKNVMQ
or

https://www.amazon.com/SPDIF-Digital-Coaxial-Audio-Cable/dp/B01LZCJX1Y

In case your laptop doesn't support digital audio, there's always hdmi, the z906 needs to be connected to a tv, a receiver or something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Optical-ROOFULL-Extractor-Splitter-Converter/dp/B01LL5RI3Y, this might not work without connecting to an external display, not sure....

With usb you have 2 choises, usb to digital audio (opitical or s/pdif) or usb to analog 5.1. Ideally you want to keep the sound digital and let the z906 take care of the digital to analog conversion, some usb sound cards might not support 5.1 over digital audio.

The first sound card you linked will work with both usb methods, the second won't.
The first sound card will need a cable like this for analog: https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-3-5mm-2-Male-Adapter-Cable/dp/B01D5H8JW0/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_23_bs_t_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=NFDHTD44FNYYMM527D4J
 

 

[diyeys]

Thanks jnvqc,

 

So, my laptop doesn't support digital audio. I think my best bet will be going with the usb choices. If I understood you correctly, an optical or s/pdif cable will work with both cards? If so I believe the FiiO would be better as I am also thinking of getting a Beyerdynamic dt 990 headphone and use it as an amp?

 

Would that be correct? Sorry, but I am pretty new to all this sound things.

 

If that's the case,These cable would work with FiiO and i'd be able to do 5.1?

https://www.amazon.com/SPDIF-Digital-Coaxial-Audio-Cable/dp/B01LZCJX1Y?tag=linus21-20

 

Cheers