Question Can I adapt HDMI audio output to feed Logitech Z506 speakers ?

[rccapps]

I have a set of functional Logitech Z506 5.1 speakers. But I no longer have a PC with a functional sound card that decodes 5.1 surround sound. Instead, I have an Android TV box with HDMI output. Is there a (relatively) easy and inexpensive way to adapt the HDMI signal to the Z506 speaker system?

 

[TerryLaze]

You can get an HDMI plug/port with seperate audio output.
This is just an example, search around for what suits you best.
https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Audio-Stereo-Extractor-Converter/dp/B07KRWYN4R
5.1 audio exists as well.
https://www.amazon.com/AllAboutAdapters-Digital-Analog-Decoder-Switch/dp/B07J3MJGNX

 

[Paperdoc]

The question is: does the HDMI audio output stream include 5.1 sound for these boxes to separate out, or only 2-channel stereo?

 

[rccapps]

The question is: does the HDMI audio output stream include 5.1 sound for these boxes to separate out, or only 2-channel stereo?

It includes 5.1.

 

[rccapps]

You can get an HDMI plug/port with seperate audio output.
This is just an example, search around for what suits you best.
https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Audio-Stereo-Extractor-Converter/dp/B07KRWYN4R
5.1 audio exists as well.
https://www.amazon.com/AllAboutAdapters-Digital-Analog-Decoder-Switch/dp/B07J3MJGNX

The link to the 5.1 adapter looks encouraging, but it (and all others I found like it) had 6 RCA outputs. The Logitech Z506 speaker system is designed to accept only 3 RCA inputs (color-coded green, black and orange) into the subwoofer/amplifier unit before it goes out to the other 5 speakers, as you can see from this linked PDF: https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/C1ptykV5DcS.pdf.
Even if I plugged the individual speakers directly to the RCA ports on one of those decoder boxes, only the subwoofer would be properly amplified/balanced.

 

[hotaru.hino]

The link to the 5.1 adapter looks encouraging, but it (and all others I found like it) had 6 RCA outputs. The Logitech Z506 speaker system is designed to accept only 3 RCA inputs (color-coded green, black and orange) into the subwoofer/amplifier unit before it goes out to the other 5 speakers, as you can see from this linked PDF: https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/C1ptykV5DcS.pdf.
Even if I plugged the individual speakers directly to the RCA ports on one of those decoder boxes, only the subwoofer would be properly amplified/balanced.

Those aren't RCA, that's 3.5mm audio. You can use stereo RCA to 3.5mm phono adapter like https://www.amazon.com/Female-Plated-Copper-Stereo-Adapter/dp/B08TTM1LGR (female RCA) or https://www.amazon.com/Headphone-Adapter-Splitter-Connects-Smartphone/dp/B09GW6JHY6 (male RCA)

 

[Paperdoc]

hotaru.hino is right. Each of those three coloured 3.5 mm sockets on the back of you Logitech unit accepts a 2-channel signal via a 3-contact male jack. You need three of the latter cables he /she linked it with the MALE RCA connectors on the other end to plug into the female outputs of the audio decoder box. The trick will be sorting out which channel is which.

As a FIRST Guess - there is no rigid "standard" - the Light Green jack is for the front left/right audio, the Black is left / right rear speakers, and the Orange is front centre / subwoofer. In each case you'll have to experiment by plugging in a cable and testing which RCA should go to which of the two possibles for that signal pair.