XPS 15 SPDIF out to 5.1 computer speakers?

Can the XPS 15 headphone out port with SPDIF support output to 5.1 computer speakers?
Or do I need to send the SPDIF signal to some sort of digital decoder like a receiver that can convert it a 5.1 signal?
Or do they make a type of inexpensive computer speaker setup that can do this?

 

It can if the 5.1 speakers use the coaxial digital version of S/PDIF. You'd just need a cable like this http://www.amazon.com/Precision-Design-EG-D100-Digital-Cameras/dp/B002UOFTTQ If the speakers only have optical S/PDIF input then you would need a converter.

 

Are you sure its not an optical port on the Dell? Most 3.5mm jacks i've seen marked as SPDIF are optical, requiring a cable like this:

StarTech.com Toslink to Mini Digital Optical SPDIF Audio Cable - Digital audio cable (optical) - Male TOSLINK to M Optical plug 3.5 mm

 

Optical was my understanding too.

All laptops Ive seen with SPDIF are optical

 

So what would be a reasonably inexpensive way to achieve 5.1 setup with the XPS 15?
I know the Logitech Z-5500s can do it, but man are they pricey.

It would be nice if the audio ports could be assigned in software for front, center, and rear like some desktop cards.

 

They can! You have three ports, you can configure them in the audio control center to output analog 5.1 channel sound. The ports are re-assignable to whatever you need.

 

With sound, its always you get what you pay for. Having said that I really dont like the the 5500's sound. The mid is muffled and the highs, well there arent any. Its just got a nice sub thats all.

At home on my study desk ive got Z2300's 2.1. When I will be gaming (After not having gamed since like <2004 ) I will just HDMI it to my TV in the family room, there is a home theatre there.

Personally I think if you want cheap 5.1 dont get the crappy little computer speakers, just get a low end HTIB or if you can afford it a low end receiver and some satelite speakers + sub. That will be quality

 

hey guys

Does anyone have a final conclusion what kind of SPDIF connection is supported in dell xps l501x and l502x ? I would like to connect it to the optical plug on an 5.1 system - as far as I know, notebooks are supoorted by optical SPDIF and in this case, a red light should be visible in the SPDIF jack out - so you can use a toslink-jack adapter to connect it through optical cable

currently I cannot see any light in the SPDIF marked plug-in, should I enable it somewhere ? If yes, where?

 

Me as well,i do not know how to make use of SPDIF.I want to connect my Logitech G51 to my laptop.Can anyone explain this to me step by step plaz?.thanks