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New TV: what to do with TOSLINK optical output

Dumb questions incoming: I got a new TV that only has optical out, but I got no optical input on my Cambridge Audio 640A; Do I need a newer receiver or a dedicated DAC to convert the optical out to regular RCA? I see even the new CA receiver (851a) doesn’t have optical input.

Or should I swap to something like the hegel h90 or CA CXA80 with tons of optical inputs?
mrgreenfur

Showing 2 responses by tls49

tls49's avatar
tls49
1,351 posts
 
An excellent little DAC for this purpose is the FiiO D03K. Available on many websites for $20. Something to check before purchasing this DAC,

The TV's optical out must be set to PCM. I have encountered a TV that this was not possible, so then you will need to use the OREI DAC mentioned above.

Also, does the TV have a mini-jack for headphones? If so, it is possible that this could be used without the need for a DAC.

What is the model number of the TV?

tls49's avatar
tls49
1,351 posts
 
mrgreenfur

Yes, looking at the manual from your link, the default setting will be "auto". As I said previously, that will need to be set to PCM. Then the FiiO D03K DAC that I recommended will work. It comes complete with power supply for the $20.

https://www.amazon.com/D03K-Digital-Analog-Audio-Converter/dp/B009346RSS

Most of the budget DAC's like this look and feel cheap, but not the FiiO D03K, it actually has a quality metal case and feels solid.

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