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To play smart-TV audio through an older Bose system, connect an audio output on the TV to a compatible audio input on the Bose console, then select that Bose source and set the TV to send audio to an external output. If both devices have optical ports, a digital optical (TOSLINK) cable is often a straightforward option. The right connection depends on the exact Bose model and the labels on both devices—not just the fact that the TV and system have HDMI.
Check the ports before choosing a cable
Find the model name or number on the Bose console or system label, then inspect the TV and Bose connector panels. Look for audio direction as well as connector type: the TV needs an audio OUT, and the Bose console needs a compatible audio IN. A jack that looks right but sends audio the other way will not work.
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- Optical: Often labeled Optical, Digital Audio Out, or Optical IN. It uses a square TOSLINK connector.
- HDMI ARC: The TV’s HDMI port must be labeled ARC, and the Bose system must have a compatible port documented for TV/ARC.
- Coaxial digital: A round RCA-style digital audio connection, distinct from analog stereo RCA.
- Analog stereo: Usually a pair of red and white RCA jacks, or another analog audio connection identified in the manuals.
Check the owner’s guide for the exact Bose model to determine whether HDMI returns audio from the TV or only carries video and source audio. Bose’s guides for the SoundTouch 520 and SoundTouch 130 describe cases where a separate audio connection from a TV without HDMI ARC may be needed.
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| Connection | Use it when | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Optical | The TV has optical audio OUT and the Bose console has optical audio IN. | Connect the TV’s optical OUT to the Bose optical IN. You may need to enable optical or external audio in the TV menu and select or assign the Bose input. Optical does not provide HDMI CEC control. |
| HDMI ARC | Both devices have the required ARC ports, and the Bose manual identifies the connection as TV/ARC. | Connect the TV’s HDMI ARC port to the Bose ARC port. Enable ARC, CEC, or external audio in the applicable settings. Compatibility issues can cause no sound or intermittent sound. |
| Separate optical, coaxial, or analog audio | The Bose system lacks ARC, or the TV is supplying audio from its apps or connected sources. | Use an audio OUT on the TV and the matching audio IN on Bose. Some older systems need this separate link even when HDMI is also connected. |
| Digital-to-analog converter | The TV’s digital audio OUT must connect to an analog audio IN on Bose and there is no matching direct connection. | Use an active converter that supports the signal direction and audio format. A passive cable does not convert digital audio to analog. |
Bose’s CineMate 120 connection guidance documents optical, coaxial, and RCA connections for that model and notes that optical may help when HDMI CEC/ARC compatibility prevents reliable audio. Bose’s Lifestyle V25 troubleshooting guidance also recommends checking TV audio output settings and connections. These model-specific instructions are not proof that every Bose console has the same ports or behavior.
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Connect the system and select its input
- Power off both devices before connecting cables.
- Connect the matching ports. For optical, run a TOSLINK cable from the TV’s optical audio OUT to the Bose optical audio IN. For ARC, use the ports specifically labeled ARC or identified for TV/ARC in the Bose manual. For a separate audio link, match the TV audio OUT to the corresponding Bose audio IN.
- Turn on the TV and Bose system. Select the Bose source that corresponds to the cable, such as TV, Optical, Coaxial, or AUX. Some systems require assigning an input to a remote button or completing an input setup.
- Set the TV’s sound output. In the TV sound or audio menu, choose optical, external audio system, or the ARC/receiver option that matches your connection. Menu wording varies by TV model.
- Play audio from the source you want to hear—for example, a TV app or a device connected to the TV—and check that sound comes from the Bose speakers.
Account for TV apps and connected devices
Think about where the audio originates. A streaming app or antenna broadcast runs inside the TV, while a game console or set-top box may be connected to the TV or directly to the Bose system. An HDMI cable between a source and an older Bose console may carry that source’s audio to Bose, but it does not necessarily return audio from the TV’s own apps. If the TV has no ARC connection supported by the Bose system, a separate optical, coaxial, or analog audio cable from the TV to the Bose console may be necessary. Confirm this in the manuals for both models.
Fix silence or intermittent audio
- Confirm the Bose input. Select the source matching the connection and check whether the system requires input assignment. Bose’s CineMate 120 guidance notes that input assignment may be needed for some connections.
- Check the TV audio output setting. Make sure the TV is sending sound to the external connection rather than only its built-in speakers. Bose specifically includes this check in its Lifestyle V25 troubleshooting steps.
- If ARC/CEC is unreliable, try optical if both devices support it. Bose identifies cross-brand ARC/CEC compatibility as a possible cause of no audio or intermittent audio, and documents optical as an alternative for supported models.
- Verify whether a return-audio cable is required. If you are listening to TV apps or devices routed through the TV, check the Bose manual for a separate TV audio connection requirement.
- Reseat the cables and test another available input. Check both ends are fully connected and try another Bose input where the system supports it. Follow the model-specific setup guidance if the problem persists.
When you need a converter
Use a converter only when the TV’s audio output format differs from the Bose input format and no direct matching connection is available. For example, optical digital OUT on the TV to analog RCA IN on Bose requires an active digital-to-analog audio converter. Confirm that the converter accepts the TV’s output format, sends audio in the required direction, and supports the signal described in both manuals. A connector adapter alone cannot perform digital-to-analog conversion.
Rank #2
- Optical digital audio cable: Perfect for equipment with a TOSLINK interface (OPT In / OPT Out or S/PDIF In / S/PDIF Out). TOSLINK connector to TOSLINK connector (F05 connector)
- Versatile: Ideal for transmitting crystal-clear digital audio from your TV, video game console (PS3/PS4/Xbox One), DVD/Blu-ray player, or TV streaming box to a soundbar, amplifier/amp, stereo/Hi-Fi system, D/A converter, and more
- High-End: This metal-free fiber optic audio cable, featuring a fully flexible PVC jacket, is entirely immune to electrical interference. Each cable undergoes multi-stage testing during manufacturing to ensure maximum product quality and durability
- 24K gold-plated connectors: Corrosion resistant gold plating keeps connectors clean. And because these cables are fiber optic, they provide 100 % signal transmission with 0 % loss
- No risk: 36 months manufacturer warranty
What to check if you still cannot identify the cable
Write down the Bose model and the labels beside the TV and Bose audio jacks, including whether each is marked IN, OUT, or ARC. Those details determine whether you need optical, ARC, another audio cable, or a converter. The phrase “old Bose system” alone does not establish ARC, Bluetooth, or other connection support.
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Quick Recap
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Rank #3
- Work For Bose Solo 5 TV Soundbar Sound System
- Cable Length: 6 FT / 1.8 M
- Connectors: Toslink Male to Toslink Male
- OD 5.0
- Designed for CD, D/A Converters, Dolby Digital DTS Surround sound receivers, DVD, MiniDisk players and recorders, Pro Audio cards, etc.
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