A/V 5.1 to 5.1/headphones switch?

Is there such a thing as an audio switch which can take a 5.1 input and can switch between 5.1 and headphone (2.0) output? All the audio switches I have seen so far are 2.0 only.

What I'm trying to do is find a way to use headphones with my system together with 5.1 speakers. The case doesn't have front audio connectors, and the case is too far away from the desk for this to be practical anyway.

At this point I'm thinking that I'll have to build such a switch myself.

Any thoughts?

 

How are the speakers connecting to the PC?

 

Using the connectors on the back. I use the onboard Realtek audio feature. The speakers are the Creative Inspire 5300.

 

Am I right in saying there are 3 x 3.5mm jacks that go into the back of the PC?

If so can you just not put a 2 way audio splitter on the green audio input?

 

Yep, thats what I do - easiest option tbh.

 

I have Medusa 5.1 headphones, they come with an amp which has 3x3.5mm inputs, and 3x3.5mm outputs - basically allowing you to pass through a 5.1 signal from the headphones to your 5.1 system, and lower or raise the volume of each independently.

 

I got a 2.0 audio switch lying around, I think I'll give it a whirl

 

Alright, using the green line-out connection in combination with a 2.0 switch works fine. Thanks for the idea

 

I do the same but with a Y splitter rather than a switch. Then I don't have to fumble to switch it when I move onto headphones. There is a slight power drop due to the signal going down both, but it's easily compensated for in the drivers.

 

I located the switch in a convenient spot on my desk Takes 5 seconds to switch it over and the speakers off.

I'm using AKG K701 headphones with it at the moment. There's no distortion or noise as far as I can tell, even with a few meter of cables and a cheap onboard Realtek audio solution