[crl620]

So i've got a computer that i'm installing in my element
(running dashpc on redhat linux http://www.dashpc.com)
and I have THX 5.1 outputs on my laptop that I want going into the car.

My options appear to be:
1. MP3 Input Jack
2. Using the AUX CD input thing...
3. Using the main inputs for the head unit

It appears however that options 1 and 2 only take in 2 channels, while
3 takes 5.1...am i right?

 

[eMass]

Well, no.

5.1 sound includes the following channels...

(Channel 1) Front Left
(Channel 2) Front Right
(Channel 3) Center Channel
(Channel 4) Rear Left
(Channel 5) Rear Right
(Channel .1) Subwoofer

That's why they call it 5.1 - since there are five full range audio channels plus one Subwoofer channel.

Using that logic - the Element really has 4.1 sound since there is no center channel...

(Channel 1) Front Left
(Channel 2) Front Right
(Channel 3) Rear Left
(Channel 4) Rear Right
(Channel .1) Subwoofer

If you wire directly into the factory head unit line level outputs (there are no inputs as you mention) you'll have to splice the center channel into the front left and right channels. I'm not sure wiring ito the line level inputs can be done in the first place however. Without testing your source it's hard to know if the voltages match up and such.

The MP3/AUX jack on the dash is a stereo source input. I think you'll get great sound by plugging into that. I would recommend going this route and seeing how it sounds before getting into heavier mods.

Sorry for the long answer.