I have my audio from my computer connected to my stereo just through left and right rca plugs. Is there any way to hook it up and get true surround sound out of it? I have a receiver that has surround sound.Just a few 1st things for others to decipher*
What kinda sound card/ audio does your computer have?
How many speakers are on the stereo ? Is the computer 5.1 or 7.1 capable with your audio card ?
"I'm thinking that it won't work"
but others here will know for sure~
I just have a soundMAX digital audio card. It's what came in the computer. Don't think it's capable of surround sound. But even if I bought a different sound card (5.1 channel), how would I make it work with my stereo?I use my sound system for just that ...my music. It's far better quality than anything my computers will produce.

I use my computer for just that...computing. It's far better than my stereo for getting online and doing Excel worksheets etc.

But that's just me.

Short answer you need a sound card that has surround capabilities to do what you want.

patio. 8-)Well i understand I need a surround sound capable sound card. but how do you make it work through the stereo?Your key word there is "stereo". "How do I make it work with my stereo?" Stereo = 2 channels. Therefore you could only satisfactorily connect (front) left and right channels to your stereo. Most 4.1/5.1/etc. sound cards come with software that will enable you to switch them into stereo mode. So you could do that. But it sort of defeats the point of getting a surround sound card.

Why not go the other way? Get a card + surround sound speakers for your computer, and play your stereo through your PC? ok CHECK it out! lol. I have a jbl system for my computer. 4 speakers and a sub. BUT, that's not good enough for me! I have a Panasonic SA-XR25 reciever for my home theater system. I want to connect my computer audio to that and use it's surround sound features. Can someone please help me with this?In the "OLD" days I would have chucked the panasonic out to the trash man and reveled in my joy with the "JBL" system !!

times change ~ Well thx honvetops but that doesn't really help me. My computer JBL system is WAY different then my home audio system. My home audio is the panasonic receiver, 2 BIGASS JBL front channel speakers, an Infinity center, and Klipsch rear speakers. Now you guys understand why I want do this?HI there

I have s similar-ish setup at home.
I made my own cable using cat6 to connect the 2.5mm? headphone jacks on the sound card and connected it to un-used RCA-inputs on the back of the stereo amp, (I SAY stereo generically for most audio equipment, It's actually 6.1) in & out.

Anyhow get yourself a new 5.1 (or whatever makes you happy) sound card.
If you can't make the cables yourself, (it's easier than u think with a $5 soldering iron and a trip to Tandy) get someone to do it for you it will be heaps cheaper than buying what you need. Unless your pc is very close to your amp.
Mine is in another room.
Getting back for 5.1 you will need x4 stereo plugs that will fit your sound card.
x12 RCA plug get x6 black & x6 red it will make your life easier

I'll try to explain this but anyone who has played with audio cables will know what I'm talking about,

1. For your front L&R jack on sound card use x1 stereo jack plug remove back cover.

2. There will be three connector lugs one + (positive for each L&R speaker) and one ground that the speakers share.

3. Open two RCA’s they will have x2 connector lugs each. One +, (positive) and one -, (negative)

4. Both + lugs from the jack plug are connected separately to the + lugs in each of the RCA plugs.

5. The ground lug on the stereo jack is connected to TWO individual wires ,(or use multi core) the other two ends of those two wires connect to the grounds in each of the two RCA plugs.

The above will make one 2 channel cable eg it goes to two plugs/inputs.

You need to repeat the above to make another cable for the rear L&R inputs on the amp and connect it to the rear out socket on your soundcard.

The cables for your centre speaker and sub will be made in a similar way but will only connect one jack on one end and one RCA on the other so you don’t need to double up on the ground cable.

I hope this is as clear, I’m confused and I have to it before.
Things to note: thread the RCA & stereo jack plug covers ONTO the cable before you solder the ends on to make the cable.
The ground is usually the larger connector and is usually the outermost on both the jacks and the rca’s.
If you are not sure ASK where ever you buy them.
Don’t make a cable longer than you need it will increase distortion/interference.

Enjoy your tunes, it’s great being able to q-up loads of tracks during a party and not having to touch it again all night.


******* edit ******
Just thought if you amp has optic connector for audio spare maybe you can get a sound card with optic then it's just one cable for front & rear speakers. don't know if you can get cards with optic on though. I have never looked for one but have saw several mobo's with them