speakers from optical out?

April 23, 2009 6:59 AM

Don't like the speakers in my TV - TV only has digital optical out. What are my options for getting better speakers?

Can I avoid having a big receiver? The tv sits solo in the bedroom without anything else - I'd prefer not to have a big receiver box sitting next to it. Also, is there any way that I won't have a seperate remote for the volume, without getting a universal remote? What do I need to just add a couple of speakers in a convenient way?

posted by striker to technology (10 comments total)

oh, it also has a headphone jack but it's in a bad place so I'd like to avoid using it - but if it's the best option that solves all my problems I can live with it.
posted by striker at 7:01 AM on April 23

You'll need an amp of some sort, optical carries no voltage so there is nothing to drive the speakers.

Having said that, you could get something like the Yamaha YSP-1000 which is a powered surround system with a built in receiver.
posted by WinnipegDragon at 7:15 AM on April 23

Have you checked at Radio Shack for an adapter cable that will connect an optical audio output to traditional RCA jacks for speakers? I've got an optical to coax adapter in my system - something similar is probably available that will work for you.
posted by COD at 7:16 AM on April 23

You could buy some computer speakers. I have a set of 3.1 Logitechs and am constantly amazed at how great they sound. I plug them into my stereo jack on my laptop, but could very easily hook them into the TV as well.
posted by nitsuj at 7:18 AM on April 23

I should also note: the computer speakers would most likely need to be the kind you plugin (for electricty). And if you set the dial on the speaker for the maximum volume you'd ever want, you can still use the TV remote to control the volume.
posted by nitsuj at 7:21 AM on April 23

The headphone jack is going to be the easiest output to work with as it won't require an intermediate device between it and the speakers, and will be controlled by your TV's volume setting.

Just pick up a set up powered speakers (with or w/o a subwoofer), plug them into power and the headphone jack. You can start looking at Amazon.
posted by pmbuko at 7:30 AM on April 23

oh, it also has a headphone jack but it's in a bad place so I'd like to avoid using it - but if it's the best option that solves all my problems I can live with it.

Yeah, the headphone jack will definitely be the easiest to use with the least amount of additional equipment, along with powered speakers. Just a guess but if the aesthetics of using the headphone jack is the issue you could get a cord with a right angle plug. That might look less obtrusive.
posted by 6550 at 8:08 AM on April 23

If your TV is passing 5.1 through the optical port, you may want to look into surround computer speakers, they are fairly cheap now and sound decent.
posted by wongcorgi at 8:50 AM on April 23

Nthing that the optical port will require an amplifier between the TV and the speakers. However, is that a bad thing? You'll be getting the purest possible sound, amplified the way you desire, and chances are it will contain a surround sound signal so you'll be living large.

I have a Sony STR-K700 5.1 set I got at Sears a few years ago after reading how highly it was recommended for the price (~$200). It decodes DTS (which is the stronger of the two surround formats but less frequently included in systems), and it even comes with a little microphone you can set where you want the surround "sweet spot" to be and will self-calibrate the surround field for you.

Sadly, it doesn't look as through that model is made any longer. This may be an equivalent, but that's just based on a quick glance.
posted by hippybear at 9:48 AM on April 23

If you are handy you could open there case of the TV and replace the speaker drivers inside with better ones.

Be safe though. Before you open the TV, unplug it for a day to make sure that all stored high-voltage energy has a chance to leak out.

Your local electronic parts store will sale replacement drivers, or you can order from any of the many electronics stores online.
posted by gmarceau at 8:53 PM on April 23