Question regarding Surround sound system connecting

[BatFitz]

In the next month or so, I'm thinking about purchasing a PS3 and using it as a Blu-Ray player. Obviously, I want to connect it to my surround sound system if I do. The only problem is: the way you connect anything into it is through digital out. But, the way you connect mostly everything these days (including the PS3) is digital optical. Is there any kind of adapter or alternate cable that can be purchased to connect the PS3 to the surround without having to settle for the component cables? )<--Which will deliver less than stellar sound.)

 

[Kable24]

Your receiver doesn't have optical input or HDMI? What is the brand and model of your receiver?

 

[BatFitz]

It does have an HDMI input, yes. The problem is...the reciever is also a DVD player, so I think there's only one port for HDMI. And no, no optical. It's a different kind though..."Digital Out" is what it reads.

 

[Asteroid-Man]

Shwabam:
http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10423&cs_id=1042302&p_id=2948&seq=1&format=2
http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Optical-Toslink-Coaxial-Converter/dp/B000I98ZQY
http://www.national-tech.com/specs/10tr-08300.htm
http://www.cablestogo.com/product.asp?cat_id=3103&sku=40019#

Essentially it's called an Optical Toslink to Coaxial Digital Audio Converter

 

[BatFitz]

Oh man, thanks a lot! I kept getting "no's" from Best Buy employees over the years when having this problem.

 

[Asteroid-Man]

You think that's bad? Try finding three 1/8" Audio Jacks to an Optical Audio Cable converter!

 

[Asteroid-Man]

Oh but I have been learning!!! Apparently going from Analog to Digital is impossible without a 5.1 receiver or a Digital Audio Decoder or a 5.1 DAC (Digital to Analog Converter). I'm trying to find an affordable model. If any of you (or any visitors) are also looking to convert to Optical or TOSLINK here are some possible solutions:

Jazz De-005
Jazz De-006
Triton AX360 Digital Decoder
Creative DDTS-100

Those are all the most affordable I could find. There are a bunch of Gefen models that are all over $700. The one's I mentioned start roughly around $120 and then go up. If you don't mind running your computer all the time, you could always get an audio card that supports 5.1 audio out through analog 1/8" audio jacks and has optical audio input. I also found these external audio card which seems kind of phishy. It's a little too cheap...
http://shop.ebay.com/i.html?_nkw=5....0.l1313&_odkw=5.1+audio+USB+opticle&_osacat=0
EDIT: These don't work.

Personally I think I'll just wait until I get my new computer that will be able to do all of this internally.

 

[black_dust]

Would it not be easier and cheaper to sell the surround sound you have and just buy a new one?

 

[BillyZaned]

Would it not be easier and cheaper to sell the surround sound you have and just buy a new one?

right, and then after that, if he needs an oil change for his car, he might as well just trade it in, and get a new one...

 

[Kane52630]

for me i used my RCA cables for sound and bought a RCA to Jack adapter (and a splitter) so i can use my speakers for sound and got a HDMI to DVI cable to connect my LCD monitor
now im using my monitor for my PC and PS3

 

[Kable24]

right, and then after that, if he needs an oil change for his car, he might as well just trade it in, and get a new one...

Big difference plus if he plans on going the blu-ray route he'd want a receiver that can put out Dolby True HD and DTS Master.

 

[Asteroid-Man]

for me i used my RCA cables for sound and bought a RCA to Jack adapter (and a splitter) so i can use my speakers for sound and got a HDMI to DVI cable to connect my LCD monitor
now im using my monitor for my PC and PS3

Why the hell are you talking about video?!

Big difference plus if he plans on going the blu-ray route he'd want a receiver that can put out Dolby True HD and DTS Master.

Just so you know my speakers cost me $70 (Logitech X-540) and they are really good quality. The only thing I'd have to do is spend around a hundred to two hundred dollars for the receiver and I'd have spent 170-270 for a 1000-2000 dollar surround sound system.

 

[Kane52630]

Why the hell are you talking about video?!

i guess you didnt read the first part of my post
i used the RCA audio cables (white and red) and used this plug in my speakers for sound
http://www.amazon.com/3-5mm-Stereo-Plug-Dual-Adapter/dp/B0002KR5Q0

 

[Asteroid-Man]

Ah! But then I still need to go from 3xRCA (audio) to Optical or Coax (which would cost a lot of money still)

 

[Asteroid-Man]

Oh I also found these:
Technic SH-AC300 (Apparently not too good)
Technic SH-AC500 (Apparently this does a fantastic job)
Startech 7.1 USB Audio Adapter External Sound Card

 

[Asteroid-Man]

One more option:
Tritton AX Pro (you really only need the control box)