xbox and ps2 sharing 5.1 sound, how?

[Layer01]

ok so recently i've posted a lot about sound stuff, so you may guess that i am onto the sound aspect of my project lol. but i promise this question is far less ambigious as the last ones. indeed i have given up on the idea of splicing speakers and amps etc... and instead chosen something a tad more user freindly, something like the Logitech Z-5500 Digital....now i say like cause i may get a version a bit lower depending on the $$ flow at the time.

BUT!!!
all is not well. i am now facing the problem of how to hook up BOTH my Xbox and PS2 to this sound setup at the same time (to avoid changing plugs arround when i switch between consoles), i am at a complete loss. i saw some adds saying it could take multiple audio sources in, but when i asked about this in the shops today i was given a blank stare and told it simply wasnt so. and seeing as these are not cheap i would like to know what my options are.
if anyone has any recomendations as to good (relativly cheap) 5.1 sound (both for games and music)  that i could have both my xbox and ps2 plugged into at the same time please PLEASE fire away 

[HaRuMaN]

if you are just using the PS2 for games, you don't need to hook up the optical out for sound.  None of the games on PS2 use 5.1.  You can just use the stereo rca cables for sound.  Even the newest PS2 games (MGS 3) only use Dolby Pro Logic, not 5.1 sound.

[SteveJ34]

Would not the hook up both concurrently be as simple as an audio Y adaptor, ie:


PS2 -------
                |--------Speaker System
Xbox-------

or run the audio out of each into a Y adaptor which is in turn connected to the line in on the sound card for PC Mame setup?
 

                               

[mugwump]

I use an optical Y-adapter to hook up both my PS2 and my XBOX to a single optical input on my receiver.  It's designed to spilt an optical signal but it works fine in reverse as long as both systems aren't on at the same time.  I think I got it at RadioShack but I can't find it searching their website.

Also, GTA: Vice City offers a DTS 5.1 in-game soundtrack so there's at least one PS2 game with full 5.1 audio (not that it sounds any better than the 2.0 track).

[GGKoul]

if you are just using the PS2 for games, you don't need to hook up the optical out for sound.

[Layer01]

yeah there are some PS2 games with 5.1..i think mostly the survival horror, and also there is the xbox too and i think it has 5.1 games. besides it will just help wrap you in the sound and make it seem more immersive, i think.

SteveJ34 there will be no PC in my cab, as the xbox will be replacing it completely. so i dont think i can use your method

mugwump that sounds promising, in fact sounds like just what i need. so i should be lookng for a cable that splits an optical signal in two?  one thing though what does it plug into on the xbox/ps2  i dont need any crazy adaptors for them too?

[SOAPboy]

Would not the hook up both concurrently be as simple as an audio Y adaptor, ie:


PS2 -------

[cdbrown]

When they say multiple audio inputs they normally talk about having 3 different input jacks.  Some I have seen (on the expensive side) have both optical and coax digital inputs and stereo RCA.  In order for true 5.1 then you'll need it to have a digital input and both the xbox and ps2 having digital ouptut.  I take it the PS2 has standard digital optical out, but the xbox requires the advanced or HD A/V pack to get the optical digital output.  Then go for a Y adaptor as the others have said.  First determine what audio out options you have with the consoles, then look for 5.1 systems for the amount of cash you have keeping in mind the digital cables you'll also need to purchase.

[rchadd]

I will have same problem when my new optical cable arrives for my XBOX.

My surround amp system only has one optical input which is currently connected to my DVD player.

Interesting to hear that a Y splitter can be used in reverse. Might give that a go otherwise will consider getting a switched version.

Cant wait to hear my XBOX in surrond sound assume that it will be awesome.

[mugwump]

As already mentioned you need either the Advanced or HiDef A/V adaptor for the XBOX.  The PS2 is good to go out of the box.

[rchadd]

im getting one of these RGB scart connectors with optical output

http://play.com/play247.asp?page=title&r=XBOX&title=111950

being RGB video should give better display than composite as well

[mcdo15]

every xbox game i know of and played is 5:1.  my reciever detects xbox is outputing 5:1 and switches over... hardly any game on ps2 are.. if there are, just a handful. 

[johnnysmitch]

I'm currently using an optical splitter w/ my ps2/xbox - got mine from ebay.  Just search for "optical splitter" and you should get a few hits.