5.1 Audio for an HTPC

[Jasmotron]

Hey folks,

Apologies if this has been asked before. I've spent 5 hours googling, and spent an additional 20 minutes on here searching around.

I just built an HTPC from some old parts I had laying around. Currently Ubuntu 32-bit is on there, but I'm probably going to toss 64-bit linux mint on there.

Mobo is an Epox 9NPA+Ultra - it has S/PDIF and also 6-channel analog outputs on-board. CPU is an old AMD 64 X2 4800+.

I'm doing video output through an old nVidia 7950GT - DVI to HDMI to a 42" Toshiba LCD-TV.

I am FAR from an audiophile. I'll be honest, I know next to nothing about sound hardware. Sound quality is not super high on the list for me, as well. I generally prefer that it work fast and efficient before I go for graphics and sound. As of right now the PC performance is good.

I'd like to output the sound from my 6-channel analog on-board audio card to an older surround sound system I have (came as part of a cheap DVD + 5.1 surround). The audio quality of this set is acceptable until I can afford a higher quality set.

Would this work? What type of adapters would I need to go from the PC to the RCA inputs on the sub? My budget is rather low, so I'm trying to work with what I have without buying much else.

Thank you for any assistance!

[phofman]

Does your surround system have 6 channels analog input? If it does, you can use the on-board 6-channel sound card. In most cases you will need three audio cables with 3.5" stereo jack on one side and two RCA cinches on the other.

Software setup in ubuntu should be similar to e.g. How-to: Enable Surround Sound on Ubuntu Hardy | automaticable .