Audio Systems: Get sound out from laptops HDMI to a sound system, digital to analog conversion, sound speakers

Question
Dear Wayne Tapia,

I feel like I need your advise on connecting my laptop to an external sound system.

I have a laptop with a HD sound card and an HDMI port.
I would like to get sound out from the laptop thru HDMI to a sound system.

Actually, I'd like to connect the laptop to a basic 5.1 sound speakers.
But I understand there must be another device in between to get digital HDMI sound signal converted into something acceptable by analog sound speakers.

What audio solution would you recommend me to use?

What would be your answer if the main criteria is cost of the audio solution (the cheaper the better)?

I appreciate your time and I would like to thank you in advance!
Have a great day!

Regards,
Oleg

Answer
Hi Oleg,

You are correct in that you need to have something do the digital to analog conversion. My question for you is - what do you have the 5.1 speakers connected to? You'll need an HDMI compatible receiver or an external D/A converter.
Does your sound card have any other kind of digital output (coax or optical)? Older surround receivers will have one or the other as a digital input, and are typically less expensive than the new HDMI units. As far as the audio quality, it'll be the same digital audio bit stream running through the HDMI as the coax/optical cable, so you won't be losing anything.

If you opt for a receiver that accepts HDMI, DO NOT buy an HDMI cable for retail prices. You'll be paying a markup that can exceed 400%. I suggest going to www.bluejeanscable.com or www.tartancable.com for your HDMI cabling. They sell the same (or better) quality cabling for a fraction of retail prices.

I hope this helps.