Will all 5 speakers on a 5.1ch surround sound system be put to use no matter
the audio source e.g radio or cassette etc. or is it only if the audio
source is capable of 5.1ch sound e.g. DVD's?

Richard Blackwood wrote:

Will all 5 speakers on a 5.1ch surround sound system be put to use no matter
the audio source e.g radio or cassette etc. or is it only if the audio
source is capable of 5.1ch sound e.g. DVD's?

It'll depend on what's driving the speakers. If you have an amp that
doesn't have a surround effect processor built in, then it will be
relying on a 5.1 source from the input device (you will have connected
it via a set of 5 RCA leads, which will be an analogue feed).

If however, you have an amplifier with a surround effect processor (such
as the Yamaha I have here), then you can output a 5.1 sound from a
stereo source. Indeed, I can also get a pseudo effect from mono as well.
This will be connected, usually, using a single digital lead - either a
co-ax or optical cable.

--
Andy Hewitt ** FAF#1, (Ex-OSOS#5) - FJ1200 ABS
Honda Civic 16v: Windows free zone (Mac G5 Dual Processor)
http://www.thehewitts.plus.com - now online