Surround sound uses RCA as input, how do I connect to a 3x 3.5mm jacks.

[PackingHeat]

So some backstory. I got given a very good and expensive for its time analog audio system. It's 5.1 Dolby surround sound, DTS, etc.

 

Problem is I can't get 5.1 from it because I can only find 2.1 stereo connections from RCA. And it does work as 5.1 surround when connected to TV, probably fake Surround. But I would like to know if anyone at all has any idea on how to fix it.

 

My MOBO is the ASRock Fatal1ty Z170 K4 Gaming.

 

So it has optical also. I would prefer not to use that as my headset is using that. But if it's necessary I would just swap them over whenever I want use the other.

 

Or the better option the 3x 3.5mm jacks. 

1 for rear, 1 for front, 1 for bass or something like that.

 

But that goes to 2 RCA which is generally for stereo..

 

TL:DR

My Amp only has 2 stereo RCA. Like the ones on TVs.

 

My computer has optical that supports 5.1

Or 3x 3.5mm jacks that supports 5.1

 

I need some sort of connection from my computer to RCA to get 5.1 surround on my sound system.

Any suggestions?

Edited July 24, 2016 by PackingHeat

[Electronics Wizardy]

If they amp only has optical and stero, you have to use optical. 

[HoiDaniel]

The 'real' 5.1 surround with the 3x 3.5mm jack is mostly only for computer-surroundsoundsystems. Any older 5.1 system will indeed have 'fake' surroundsound, with the rear speakers copying the front speakers. In order to drive 2 RCA's from your computer you will probably have to buy an external soundcard or an integrated (and thus more expensive) PCI-e soundcard.

[OddsCrazyStuff]

I use 3x 3,5mm jacks to 6 RCA, for my surround sound system, but I will be moving to optical as soon as I'm finish upgrading.

There are multiple cheap optical splitters available, if that is easier: http://www.ebay.com/bhp/optical-splitter

[OddsCrazyStuff]

4 minutes ago, HoiDaniel said:

The 'real' 5.1 surround with the 3x 3.5mm jack is mostly only for computer-surroundsoundsystems. Any older 5.1 system will indeed have 'fake' surroundsound, with the rear speakers copying the front speakers. In order to drive 2 RCA's from your computer you will probably have to buy an external soundcard or an integrated (and thus more expensive) PCI-e soundcard.

His motherboard does support surround sound, he just needs the right cables.

[PackingHeat]

9 hours ago, Electronics Wizardy said:

If they amp only has optical and stero, you have to use optical. 

My Amp only has 2 stereo RCA. Like the ones on TVs.

 

My computer has optical that supports 5.1

Or 3x 3.5mm jacks that supports 5.1

 

I need some sort of connection from my computer to RCA to get 5.1 surround on my sound system.

 

[PackingHeat]

9 hours ago, HoiDaniel said:

The 'real' 5.1 surround with the 3x 3.5mm jack is mostly only for computer-surroundsoundsystems. Any older 5.1 system will indeed have 'fake' surroundsound, with the rear speakers copying the front speakers. In order to drive 2 RCA's from your computer you will probably have to buy an external soundcard or an integrated (and thus more expensive) PCI-e soundcard.

Cool, thank you very much. Would you have any idea where I could find a external sound card that goes from 3x 3.5mm or optical to RCA? I can't find any..

[PackingHeat]

9 hours ago, OddsCrazyStuff said:

I use 3x 3,5mm jacks to 6 RCA, for my surround sound system, but I will be moving to optical as soon as I'm finish upgrading.

There are multiple cheap optical splitters available, if that is easier: http://www.ebay.com/bhp/optical-splitter

Thanks, I will probably use one of these.

[PackingHeat]

9 hours ago, OddsCrazyStuff said:

His motherboard does support surround sound, he just needs the right cables.

Exactly, so an internal sound card is out of the question. But a external sound card or convertor from 3x 3.5mm or optical to RCA could work.

[Electronics Wizardy]

6 minutes ago, PackingHeat said:

Cool, thank you very much. Would you have any idea where I could find a external sound card that goes from 3x 3.5mm or optical to RCA? I can't find any..

Buy a usb to optical connector. Optical is the only way to get 5.1 into that amp.