How do I connect old speakers or a stereo to a TV's optical port?

Last checked November 14, 2026

TVStereo or speakersConverterOpticalRed and white

Short answer

Use an optical to RCA (digital to analog) converter and an optical cable. The converter turns the TV's optical sound into the red and white plugs, or a 3.5 mm socket, that older stereos and powered speakers use.

Best matchOptical to RCA and 3.5 mm audio converter
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You also need

These go with the Optical to RCA audio converter.

How to connect it

  1. Connect an optical cable from the TV's optical port to the converter. Pull the protective caps off first.
  2. Connect the converter's red and white outputs to the stereo's input.
  3. Power the converter from USB.
  4. In the TV's sound settings, set the digital audio output to PCM (sometimes called Stereo).

Check this first

  • The optical port is a small square socket, usually marked OPTICAL or DIGITAL AUDIO OUT, that often glows red while the TV is on.
  • Set the TV's digital audio output to PCM (sometimes called Stereo). Basic converters cannot play Dolby Digital, so you get no sound or a hiss until you change it.
  • You also need an optical cable from the TV to the converter.
  • It needs power, usually from a USB port or a small adapter in the box.
  • Most also have a coaxial digital input, for TVs and players that have that round orange socket instead.

Questions people ask

Why is there no sound, or just a hiss?

The TV is probably sending Dolby Digital. Basic converters only play PCM, so set the TV's digital audio output to PCM.

My TV has a headphone socket. Is there an easier way?

Yes. A 3.5 mm to RCA cable from the headphone socket to the stereo works, with no converter.

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