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You can connect an RCA amplifier to a TV directly only when the TV has analog audio output and the amplifier has matching analog RCA inputs. If the TV outputs optical digital audio and the amplifier accepts only analog RCA, you need an optical-to-RCA digital-to-analog converter; a cable alone cannot convert the signal. Check the port labels on both devices before choosing a connection.
Choose a connection that matches both devices
| TV output | Amplifier input | What to use | Important check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Analog RCA audio out | Analog RCA audio in | Stereo RCA cable | Connect left to left and right to right. Confirm the TV jacks are audio outputs. |
| Optical digital audio out | Optical digital audio in | TOSLINK optical cable | Select a digital audio format the amplifier supports. |
| Optical digital audio out | Analog RCA input only | Optical-to-RCA digital-to-analog converter, plus the appropriate cables | Check that the converter accepts the TV’s optical format and outputs stereo analog RCA. A bare cable cannot perform the conversion. |
| HDMI ARC | HDMI ARC | HDMI cable connected to the designated ARC ports | Both devices must support ARC; enable ARC/CEC if required and select the external audio device. |
| Headphone output, if present | Analog line or RCA input | 3.5 mm-to-RCA stereo cable | Verify that the jack is an audio output, not a service or control port, and check whether its volume is adjustable. |
Samsung describes analog, optical, and ARC options for connecting a TV to a stereo receiver; LG’s optical instructions specify connecting the TV’s optical digital sound output to a compatible digital amplifier input. Samsung connection guidance and LG optical connection guidance provide examples. The exact ports and menu settings vary by model.
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How to connect the TV and amplifier
- Turn both devices off. Check the manuals first if either device has unusual connection or setup requirements.
- Identify the ports. On the TV, look for audio out, optical or digital audio out, headphone out, or HDMI ARC/eARC. On the amplifier, find an analog line input such as AUX or CD, an optical input, or an HDMI ARC input. Do not confuse an input with an output.
- Connect the matching cable or converter. For analog RCA, connect the TV’s left and right audio outputs to the corresponding amplifier inputs. For optical, connect optical out to optical in. For HDMI ARC, use the ports specifically labeled ARC or eARC. If the TV has optical out and the amplifier only has analog RCA input, place a compatible optical-to-RCA converter between them.
- Turn the devices on and select the sound path. In the TV’s sound settings, choose the external audio output or connected receiver; on the amplifier, select the input you used. Menu wording differs by manufacturer and model. LG gives “Optical digital/HDMI ARC” as an example of an external-output selection in its setup guidance.
- Start playback at low volume. Raise the amplifier gradually. If there is no sound, use the checks below before changing cables or buying another device.
What to check if there is no sound
Analog RCA connection
- Confirm the TV connection is on audio out and the amplifier connection is on an audio input.
- Select the amplifier input where the cable is connected, such as AUX or CD.
- Check that both plugs are fully seated and the TV is set to output sound to external equipment.
- If one channel is missing, check the red and white plugs, their matching jacks, and whether a plug was mistakenly connected to a component-video jack.
Optical connection or converter
- Set the TV’s sound output to optical or external audio, and select the amplifier’s optical input if connecting directly to an optical-capable amplifier.
- If using a converter, verify its optical input format and stereo RCA output. Some setups require the TV’s digital audio output to be set to stereo PCM; the correct setting depends on the TV and converter.
- Reseat the optical cable and confirm that the converter has power if its design requires it.
HDMI ARC connection
- Check that the cable connects the TV’s ARC/eARC port to the amplifier’s corresponding ARC port, not to an ordinary HDMI port.
- Confirm that both devices support ARC and enable ARC and HDMI-CEC where required. Select the receiver or external device as the TV’s sound output. See Samsung’s ARC setup guidance.
TV speakers still play, or volume behaves unexpectedly
- Select the external device as the TV’s sound output. Some models can play through the TV speakers and external equipment at the same time, which may cause an echo; LG notes this possibility in its amplifier setup guidance.
- A headphone jack and a fixed-level line output may behave differently. Consult the device manuals to determine whether the TV output level is adjustable and where volume should be controlled.
For additional model-specific checks, see LG’s troubleshooting guidance for external audio equipment.
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Before buying a cable or converter
- Buy a stereo RCA cable only if the TV has analog audio output and the amplifier has analog RCA input.
- For an optical-only TV and an amplifier with analog inputs only, choose an optical-to-RCA digital-to-analog converter that supports the TV’s output format and provides stereo analog output.
- An optical cable or HDMI cable works only when the amplifier has the matching digital input; for HDMI ARC, both devices need ARC-compatible ports.
- Check the manuals for your exact TV and amplifier to confirm port functions, supported audio formats, and output-level behavior.
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