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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
kotta's avatar
kotta
649 posts
 
I've been using OREI Da34 Digital to Analog converter. Works just fine. Paid around $50. Problem solved. Bill.
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?

caphill
674 posts
 
Your Cambridge 640A is a stereo analog integrated amp and has no DAC that’s the reason why it doesn’t have any optical digital input or any other digital inputs. Stereo analog integrated amps such as your Cambridge 640A only have analog audio inputs.

You will need to get a stereo integrated amp that has built-in DAC thus have digital audio inputs. Assuming that all your AV source devices have HDMI outs, if that’s the case and I imagine nowadays that all AV source devices would have HDMI outs, then you should consider getting the Cambridge AV receiver either the CXR120 or the CXR200. Cambridge Audio makes very good sounding av receivers and are priced reasonably. Then you can connect all your AV source devices using HDMI cables to the HDMI inputs on the Cambridge AV receiver. And you can use a single HDMI cable to connect the Cambridge AV receiver to your TV for video and OSD only. All AV receivers these days have at least one if not two HDMI output to connect to your tv display or a projector for video and OSD only. This would be the best way to set up.
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
EBay.
You can get a toslink and spdif to rca single ended output converter for about $8 shipped. If you are happy with your amp no need to waste money.
This little gizmo just needs a usb power source, just like a phone charger as it will come with a generic usb cable.

This will then convert your toslink to stereo rca which you just plug into back of your amp.

Been using one myself in the spare bedroom for same purpose for at least 3 years.

Problem solved.
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