Everyone, up till now i’ve taken the RCA output from my TV and inputted into the RCA input on my BHK preamp. Works great, able to watch movies with more punch through the stereo.
Now that I need to replace my TV, the newest models only have an HDMI output.
How can I connect/convert this digital signal into audio for RCA input on the BHK preamp?
I do not have a stand alone DAC in my system.
I appreciate all help in advance…
I think everyone knows of an audiophile taboo way of dealing with this (in other words, non-audiophile solution), but no-one wants to suggest it. There are cheap $15 solutions on Amazon, but the audio quality will be questionable at best. If you can find a TV that has a toslink digital audio output, a relatively inexpensive DAC like an Eversolo A6, would do a much better job than a $15 DAC.
I solved this problem in my audio/visual system by using a NAD M51, which is a surprisingly good DAC and has two HDMI inputs as well as an HDMI pass through. They are no longer made, but they come up on ebay every now and then. (There is one there now).
Before that I had been happily using an Oppo UDP-205 to accomplish this but that went kaput on me and I discovered the NAD M51. The NAD sounds better! The excellence of this product really surprised me. Real bang for the buck at the used price.
https://www.stereophile.com/content/nad-m51-direct-digital-da-converter
Most (if not all) TVs have a headphone output, that’s what I usually use.
Update: - the output is usually on a minijack so you just need a stereo minijack to a pair of RCAs converter, either in plug form or a lead. This is a plug:
Hmm. . . I haven’t had a tv in 20 years with a headphone jack.
I too needed a new TV … my eight year old 55” Samsung LED died last week. Used the TOSLINK output into the DS Mk II for great TV sound. Surprising how much bass is on regular programming.
For the replacement went to my favorite place, Costco, and found in store what looked like a nice set. Got it home and was very disappointed to find no TOSLINK. Never thought to look for it in the store. There was an eARC HDMI and a USB-A, but can’t use eARC direct into the DS, need a converter and almost all the discussion in the manual about USB was about inputting devices, not outputting sound. I chose not to do any kludging with sound output and returned the TV. For the first time I got grilled on why I was returning something. Luckily, I passed inspection.
I had to order the replacement, a Neo QLED with mini LED back lighting, and it is coming in two days. Apparently Samsung thinks TOSLINK is a “luxury” feature and provide it only on the more expensive models. Apparently, mere mortals have receivers with eARC …. I chose not to go the OLED route since I don’t watch sports or play video games so don’t really need the ultra fast response time of the pixels. Plus, I’m cheap … 
Now most new TV’s are moving to HDMI eARC.
I’ve heard you can purchase for about $40.00 what is called and HDMI Audio Extractor. This box is inserted between your cable box / apple tv box, etc… it allows the audio to be split off via RCA to your preamp. Another HDMI cable is used from this box to your TV. The audio signal still goes to the TV as well.
Anyone, have any experience with this?
I saw the extractor boxes on Amazon but didn’t want to try since it would (in my mind) commit me to the first TV I bought. If you are committed to your TV I would give it a try, just don’t have high expectations.
I haven’t purchased a TV yet. As I’ve stated, most of the upper end TV’s are all moving away from TOS link and exclusively using HDMI eARC.
This leaves two choices, and HDMI extractor, or and HDMI eARC converter from the tv.
I am trying to have acceptable expectations. Creative help would be appreciated.
Which TV brands are you thinking of getting? All of the upper end Samsung still have TOSLINK. The lower end Samsung only have eARC.
I donated a bunch Disney VHS tapes including a 1992 Beauty and the Beast Diamond VHS. I was told it is worth a lot. eBay sells them from $200 t0 $6k. I hope mine was not the 6k one😆 I’m not sure the difference but mine was played only once.
