Need to make good use of my Logitech PC surround sound setup?

[zijin_cheng]

Hello everybody, I currently have a Logitech z506 surround sound system that is plugged in to my gaming computer. However, I recently just obtained a Windows TV box and am using it as my Plex media server connected to an old but not ancient 40” LCD TV (I’m getting overscan issues but that’s for another thread).

My Windows TV Box is connected to the TV directly via the sole HDMI out port. I would like to connect this surround sound system to either my TV or my Windows TV Box. Either way I see some issues; both my TV and windows box only have a single headphone jack. I am wondering if you guys have any suggestions as to what I need to do or purchase to make it work?

I do not have any preference as to whether the sound system is plugged into the TV or Windows TV box.

Links:
Specs of my Windows TV Box
www.gearbest.com/tv-box-mini-pc/pp_614937.html

My ancient Seiki 40" TV's manual (says it supports surround sound), Page 13 for connections:
http://seiki.com/sites/default/files/support/Manuals/LC40TZM_UM_TIANLE.pdf

My Logitech Z506 surround sound system (connectors shown on page 1-2)
https://www.logitech.com/assets/33015/4/z506620-002649005326gsamr.pdf

 

[giantpandaman2]

TV doesn't have 6 channel preouts.

Z506 can't interpret optical or HDMI input.

So you'd need something to split the signal as well as do digital->analog conversion. Doable, but not on the cheap and not worth it given the quality of the speakers. Heck, it'd cost more than buying a new set.

 

[Kartajan]

Your issue is your speakers. They are designed for PC use, thus the multiple analog connections needed to get surround.
A solution to make that work would cost more than replacing the speakers...
TV surround is supported via HDMI. (They expect you to have a receiver with HDMI for surround)
TV Box surround is supported via HDMI. (They expect you to have a receiver with HDMI for surround)

Your speakers only accept analog inputs.
The cheapest thing I can think of is a 5.1 sound bar with HDMI input.
You might also need an HDMI splitter- your TV does not specify if one of the HDMI ports is ARC compatible (if it is, no splitter needed- just hook sound bar to ARC compatible HDMI port)

 

[DaveSimmons]

My guess is your TV does not have audio out, so I think your choices are:

A receiver with HDMI in and out, plus a set of speakers (not the Logitech set). Connect Windows TV box to receiver, connect receiver to TV.

A soundbar with HDMI in and out. Connect Windows TV box to soundbar, connect soundbar to TV. Make sure the soundbar has the HDMI out!

An HDMI splitter of some kind (splitter NOT switch) and a soundbar. Connect Win TV to spltter, connect splitter to soundbar and TV.

It might cost the same or less to buy a better soundbar that has HDMI out than to buy the splitter and a cheaper soundbar.

http://www.tomsguide.com/us/best-soundbar-speakers,review-2004.html

The cheapest option is probably to go to craiglist / a thrift store / pawn shop / second hand store and pick up a used HDMI receiver and speakers.

 

[zijin_cheng]

My guess is your TV does not have audio out, so I think your choices are:

A receiver with HDMI in and out, plus a set of speakers (not the Logitech set). Connect Windows TV box to receiver, connect receiver to TV.

A soundbar with HDMI in and out. Connect Windows TV box to soundbar, connect soundbar to TV. Make sure the soundbar has the HDMI out!

An HDMI splitter of some kind (splitter NOT switch) and a soundbar. Connect Win TV to spltter, connect splitter to soundbar and TV.

It might cost the same or less to buy a better soundbar that has HDMI out than to buy the splitter and a cheaper soundbar.

http://www.tomsguide.com/us/best-soundbar-speakers,review-2004.html

The cheapest option is probably to go to craiglist / a thrift store / pawn shop / second hand store and pick up a used HDMI receiver and speakers.

TV doesn't have 6 channel preouts.

Z506 can't interpret optical or HDMI input.

So you'd need something to split the signal as well as do digital->analog conversion. Doable, but not on the cheap and not worth it given the quality of the speakers. Heck, it'd cost more than buying a new set.

Your issue is your speakers. They are designed for PC use, thus the multiple analog connections needed to get surround.
A solution to make that work would cost more than replacing the speakers...
TV surround is supported via HDMI. (They expect you to have a receiver with HDMI for surround)
TV Box surround is supported via HDMI. (They expect you to have a receiver with HDMI for surround)

Your speakers only accept analog inputs.
The cheapest thing I can think of is a 5.1 sound bar with HDMI input.
You might also need an HDMI splitter- your TV does not specify if one of the HDMI ports is ARC compatible (if it is, no splitter needed- just hook sound bar to ARC compatible HDMI port)

OK thanks, I will investigate both splitters and receivers. However, if I wanted to plug in the 5.1 system to my Windows box, can I use something like this?

https://www.amazon.ca/HDE-Channel-Surround-External-Optical/dp/B009NVS6KS

 

[DaveSimmons]

The reviews on that are pretty mixed, but if you get one that does not fall apart then it ought to work under Windows.

 

[Kartajan]

https://www.amazon.ca/HDE-Channel-Surround-External-Optical/dp/B009NVS6KS

That is cheap as dirt.
It should work (at least in theory), but I would keep the old idiom of "you get what you pay for" in mind when you are setting your expectations...

 

[DaveSimmons]

There are many "USB sound card" devices for Windows starting under $10, but many of them are only stereo not 5.1. You might look at reviews on Newegg for different models.