getting true surround sound on ps3 (iPod, video games, TV, soundtrack)

[bayareaforlife]

I have the logitech x-530 5.1 surround sound speaker set and was wondering how i could potentially use these for true surround sound for my ps3. As of now I'm using the cheap red,white sound adapter to 3 output (front, center, back) for surround but i know its not actually 5.1 since the sound's just broken into left and right. (sorry about the wording, not really an expert with it, hence the need for help) I was wondering if i could use a usb powered sound card with my speakers and hook it up with the optical output of the ps3. Any suggestions for sound cards that could do this? If it would even work?

suggestions would be greatly appreciated

[Dd714]

Hmmm, not sure about the powered speakers. I think you still need a pre-amp source to decode the 5.1 signal.

This is what I use - I have the optical audio cable hooked up to my home theater receiver (Yamaha dolby digital 5.1) and then my speakers hooked up to the Yamaha - 4 surround speakers, 1 center speaker, and a subwoofer. Yamaha also powers the TV, DVD, etc.
Games sound sweet, true seperate 5 channels of sound. The Yamaha actually has a "game" setting to maximize the type of audio that video games produce.

I also have the PS3 audio with the cheap composite cables hooked up to the TV built in speakers when I don't want to use the home theater. One thing I don't like is you have to manually change the PS3 sound settings from optical to analog.

[GameHog9]

Hey, heres a suggestion!

Get water soundtracks (you know; waterfalls, rain, babbling brooks, etc), and put them on your PSP/iPod, PS3, and PC. Then place these strategically around the room and voila!

You get your own personal zen koa of peace. I bought $15 worth of that stuff of iTunes and put the volume up on all the appliances.

Cheap surround sounds, but it works. . . why the hell did I even write this?

[bayareaforlife]

Hey Dd714, thanks for the feedback. So since my speakers aren't exactly 'premium' sounding i guess you could say, i mean they get the job done and sound quite well however they aren't in the bose leagues when it comes to price and sound, i wasnt really wanting to go out and buy a home theater receiver, since they're pretty expensive, when in the end it probably wouldnt sound as great without having to spend more upgrading the speakers too. Basically im looking for a way of getting cheaper true surround sound. Do you know how I'd be able to do this? There a way without having to buy a home theater receiver?