Digital Audio out to Analog - 3.5mm ? - Adapter

[compguy786]

So...my TV unlike my other, does not have audio out with RCA 3.5mm cable (headphone jack).

My TV does have digital audio out, can you buy an adapter that converts from Digital audio out to 3.5mm jack ? I have a 2.1 set that id like to use on the TV, since the speakers sorta suck.

Is there such a device ?

Thanks !

 

[darkswordsman17]

Yes, but its not exactly an adapter, it'd be a DAC. Your TV should have analog out, so just get something like this:
http://www.ramelectronics.net/audio-video/adapters/rca-to-1-8-3-5mm-adapters/35-558/prod35558.html
or this:
http://www.ramelectronics.net/audio-video/adapters/rca-to-1-8-3-5mm-adapters/35-586g/prod35586G.html
You should be able to find them at RadioShack or other places. Check around, they should be cheap (or you can order them from some place online, but shipping might make it not worthwhile).

 

[kalrith]

What TV do you have? Also, does your speakers have 1 or 2 3.5mm plugs?

darkswordsman, I don't think those will work. It sounds like a digital output (I'm guessing TOSLINK) is the only audio output from the TV. However, he could be wrong, which is why we need the model number of the TV.

 

[sdifox]

I find it hard to believe the tv doesn't have audio out. Which tv is it?

 

[darkswordsman17]

What TV do you have? Also, does your speakers have 1 or 2 3.5mm plugs?

darkswordsman, I don't think those will work. It sounds like a digital output (I'm guessing TOSLINK) is the only audio output from the TV. However, he could be wrong, which is why we need the model number of the TV.

I'm fairly sure the TV will also have analog outputs (via RCA outs), which will make this much cheaper and easier than sourcing a DAC. I'm reading it as his other TV had a headphone jack that he plugged the speakers 3.5mm jack into. There isn't one on the new TV. I suppose its possible that it only has digital out, but I'd find it doubtful.

 

[kalrith]

Yeah, I agree that the most likely scenario is that it has RCA jacks, and he can use one of the cables you linked.

 

[CubanlB]

A lot of the new entry level Panasonics only have toslink out and a lot of smaller tvs like 22" Toshibas, etc... only have digital audio out.

It might even be cheaper to get a used receiver that had digital audio in and a rec out that picking up a dac, and more useful.

If you are in the Minneapolis area I could give you a receiver for this purpose.

anyway, good luck with this.

 

[compguy786]

Thanks for the input.

TV is a 32 inch panasonic. Model number - TC-L32C22

my 42 inch has analog out....which would allow for such a thing...

 

[kalrith]

Well, that TV definitely doesn't have analog outputs. I'm not really sure what would work. Here's a TOSLINK-to-3.5mm adapter, but I kind of doubt that would work. You need something that will convert digital to analog (unless you have digital headphones), so my guess is that you'll need some sort of converter box rather than a simple cable adapter.

BTW, what sources are you wanting to hear through your headphones?

 

[sdifox]

That's retarded...

 

[sdifox]

Well, that TV definitely doesn't have analog outputs. I'm not really sure what would work. Here's a TOSLINK-to-3.5mm adapter, but I kind of doubt that would work. You need something that will convert digital to analog (unless you have digital headphones), so my guess is that you'll need some sort of converter box rather than a simple cable adapter.

BTW, what sources are you wanting to hear through your headphones?

lol that is just a piece of plastic

 

[bobdole369]

http://www.gefen.com/gefentv/gtvproduct.jsp?prod_id=5980

Theres a cheaper one thats stereo only, but it won't downmix.

 

[Rifter]

yeah you need a DAC, they range in price from 100 - 5000+. whats your budget?

 

[sdifox]

yeah you need a DAC, they range in price from 100 - 5000+. whats your budget?

lol, cheaper to pick up a used receiver.

 

[Rifter]

lol, cheaper to pick up a used receiver.

This is very true, as long as it has digital inputs. However the quality of a stand alone dac would most likely be higher than a old reciever, and if he already has a amp for the 2.1 setup he wont need the amp in the reciever and it would be a waste, not to mention the space it would take up compared to a DAC which is very small in most cases. You can get a quality DAC for a couple hundred bucks.

 

[kalrith]

Depending on what 2.1 set he has, he might see a better quality boost with a HTIB or receiver plus $100 pair of bookshelves rather than spending that same amount on a DAC.

 

[sdifox]

This is very true, as long as it has digital inputs. However the quality of a stand alone dac would most likely be higher than a old reciever, and if he already has a amp for the 2.1 setup he wont need the amp in the reciever and it would be a waste, not to mention the space it would take up compared to a DAC which is very small in most cases. You can get a quality DAC for a couple hundred bucks.

err, the source is tv... I don't care how good your DAC is, it is not going to improve tv sound.

 

[Rifter]

I agree with kalrith that depending on the 2.1 system he has he might be better served with a receiver and bookshelves. Need more info from OP, what system do you have, and do you plan on going 5.1 or 7.1 in the future.

Also a DAC can improve any sound, yeah cable TV not so much but the problem isnt improving sound its getting any sound, as right now he has NO analog outputs, so its not like the DAC is optional he needs something to convert his digital signal to analog.

Also if his cable box is a crappy as mine using a digital output and a external DAC/Reciever could help alot, my cable box had alot of noise on its analog outs(must have really poor shielding) and switching it to digital using my HK 3490's DAC improved the sound noticably for me, i do however have it hooked up to 2 Polk Monitor 70's. It would be hard to tell the differnce on some cheap 2.1 system which is why it would be helpful to know what the OP has. He might be fine buying the cheapest $20 ebay DAC/receiver he can find if he is using some cheap $40 logitec speakers.

Edit for failed spelling.

 

[compguy786]

i wish i had room for a reciever. This is in my tiny room...so the 2.1 would be better compared to having the standard stereo speakers.

I dont want a reciever because its bulky,and am not looking for awesome high performance stuff. i wish i had the outputs, that would have been cool.

 

[sdifox]

i wish i had room for a reciever. This is in my tiny room...so the 2.1 would be better compared to having the standard stereo speakers.

I dont want a reciever because its bulky,and am not looking for awesome high performance stuff. i wish i had the outputs, that would have been cool.

So an external dac is your best choice. There are small class D receivers.

 

[Rifter]

this might help:

http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/digital-line-level/161845-list-dacs-under-450-a.html