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How to convert TV optical output to XLR

I am looking at a new TV set that outputs digital audio via an optical cable and I need to input the optical cable into my Ayre AX-7e Integrated amplifier that takes XLR. It seems all new TV’s output using optical cable (and no longer use RCA plugs).

How do I convert the optical output to XLR? Does this extra step degrade the signal? Do you have any recommendations?
hgeifman
almarg's avatar
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almarg
9,670 posts
 
If I'm not mistaken the AX-7e only provides analog inputs (on both its XLR and its RCA input connectors), not digital inputs. So you would have to connect an optical cable from the TV to a DAC, to convert the digital signal to analog, and connect the left and right channel analog outputs of the DAC to the AX-7e.

Regards,
-- Al
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swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
You will need a DAC that accepts optical aka toslink and has XLR outputs. Or you could use RCA to XLR cables or use one of the single-ended inputs on the Ayre. But as far as I can tell, the Arye does NOT accept digital inputs, where toslink, co-ax, aes/ebu, ATT, or I2S. OTOH, you may be able to get an analog audio signal from your cable box.
zd542
5,339 posts
 
You can't connect the digital output from your tv to your Ayre because the AX-7 doesn't have a dac. If you have a cable or sat box, you may be able to get analog audio out of that. Otherwise you'll need to get a dac.
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kr4
3,689 posts
 
In addition to getting a DAC with optical input, you need to make sure that the DAC will convert Dolby Digital to analog. Typical analog DACs cannot do this because they accept only PCM. Unfortunately, most TV outputs are not PCM.
jebe1
75 posts
 
First check if the TV has an option to output digital PCM. If it only outputs Dolby Digital, your DAC will need to support the format or you'll need something like the Gefen GTV-DD-2-AA. No idea how the Gefen sounds.
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