which TV audio out? headphone mini jack or optical, thru adapter to RCA input on amp?

I was using the mini jack out on my TV to a simple 2 channel system. On my TV the menu gave me options for this output to set for headphone or line out and fixed or variable. Setting this to line out/fixed worked fine, however I got to wandering about the optical out. Sure, an expensive DAC should sound better, but could a cheap DAC improve the sound? After looking at some, I bought the Fiio D03K,

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/890577-REG/Fiio_D03K_Digital_Audio_Analog.html

It seem to get better reviews than all the others. Build quality was impressive for 20 bucks. Then comparing the sound, it was better, not dramatic, but definitely better and absolutely worth 20 bucks. Your TV will need to be set to PCM on the optical output.

I am not sure if you are referring to a RCA/coax digital in on your "amp" or an analog in. And are you actually going direct to the amp?
If so by all means use the headphone out to a RCA splitter adapter as the TV will serve as the pre-amp. 

theo, my integrated amp is a Marantz PM8004, it has all analog RCA inputs

tls49, exactly the info I needed

thank you both

Phil

Just be sure the optical out of the TV can be set to "PCM" and isn't fixed to Dolby Digital.
   From the FiiO TAISHAN-D03K  description: "....The input will accept up to 24-bit/192 kHz resolution PCM digital audio, but Dolby Digital and DTS are not supported."

Otherwise, you'll need something more expensive like this:
 https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/660218-REG/Gefen_GTV_DD_2_AA_GTV_DD_2_AA_GefenTV_Digital_Audio.html

thanks for the help jebe1

After 4 days the Fiio D03K is starting to come into it's own and sounding pretty good with a nice open quality and decent clarity.

Thanks again tls49!