Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Connect the television’s HDMI port labeled ARC or eARC to the TV (eARC) input on the primary Cambridge Audio L/R X speaker, then select the speakers as the TV’s audio output. Use an HDMI cable compatible with HDMI 1.4 or later and set an older, non-eARC television to output Stereo PCM (Uncompressed). If HDMI ARC/eARC is unavailable, connect the TV’s optical output to the L/R X optical input with a TOSLINK cable and still choose PCM. The L/R X is an active stereo pair, so no separate amplifier is required.
What you need for the connection
The L/R X pair has two roles. The primary speaker contains the inputs, including the TV (eARC) input and optical input. The secondary speaker receives the left/right signal from the primary. Connect the television to the primary speaker only; do not plug the TV into the speaker-link socket.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
- A Cambridge Audio L/R X speaker pair with both speakers powered.
- An HDMI cable compatible with HDMI 1.4 or later for the preferred ARC/eARC method.
- Or, if HDMI ARC/eARC cannot be used, a TOSLINK optical audio cable.
- Access to the TV’s audio-output menu so you can select an external audio system and, where necessary, PCM.
The L/R X speakers are active speakers. Their amplifiers are built in, so a separate stereo receiver or power amplifier is not part of this direct TV setup.
Preferred method: HDMI ARC or eARC
HDMI ARC/eARC is the direct connection recommended for a compatible television. Besides carrying the TV’s audio to the speakers, the HDMI connection can carry control commands. Cambridge Audio documents TV power-on and volume control for a connected audio product when the ARC source is configured correctly.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Step 1: Turn everything off
Switch off the television and both L/R X speakers before connecting cables. This follows the connection procedure in the Cambridge Audio manual and avoids making or changing connections while equipment is powered.
Step 2: Identify the correct HDMI socket on the TV
Look for an HDMI socket marked ARC or eARC. A TV can have several HDMI inputs, but only the one carrying that label is intended to send audio back to an external audio system. The manufacturer’s troubleshooting instruction is explicit: “Make sure the HDMI input used to connect your L/R X to your TV is the one that supports ARC or eARC.”
Step 3: Connect the primary speaker
Plug one end of the HDMI cable into the television’s ARC/eARC-labeled HDMI socket. Plug the other end into the TV (eARC) input on the primary L/R X speaker. Use an HDMI cable rated for HDMI 1.4 or a later version. The manual does not require a premium-brand cable; a normal, compatible HDMI cable is sufficient.
Step 4: Power the pair and select the TV source
Turn on the TV and both speakers. The secondary speaker automatically pairs with the primary when both are powered. Select the TV source on the L/R X using its remote, the StreamMagic app, or the controls on the top panel. The separate speaker-link cable supplied with the pair is for linking the two speakers to each other; it is not the cable for the TV.
Step 5: Tell the TV to use the external audio system
Open the television’s sound or audio-output settings and choose the connected audio system, HDMI ARC device, or similarly named external-speaker option instead of the built-in TV speakers. Manufacturers use different menu labels, so select the option that routes sound through the ARC/eARC connection.
Step 6: Choose stereo PCM when the TV requires a format
The L/R X accepts PCM on its ARC/eARC input but does not support multichannel audio. If the TV offers a digital-audio-format selector, choose Stereo PCM, PCM (Uncompressed), or the equivalent two-channel PCM option. Do not select a multichannel bitstream format for this stereo pair.
Step 7: Enable TV power control if needed
If turning on the TV does not wake the L/R X, or the TV remote does not adjust speaker volume, open the StreamMagic app and go to the TV ARC source settings. Enable TV Power Control. This setting addresses the documented power-control behavior over the TV ARC connection; it does not change the audio cable or speaker wiring.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteRank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
TV audio settings that matter
Three settings determine whether the connection works reliably:
- Audio output: select the external audio system or HDMI ARC/eARC device rather than TV speakers.
- Digital format: use stereo PCM when a format choice is available, especially on a non-eARC television.
- ARC/eARC socket: use the specifically labeled port, not an ordinary HDMI input.
Menu names vary by television manufacturer and model. The important choices are the function, not the exact wording. “Receiver,” “audio system,” “HDMI sound,” or “external speakers” can all describe the destination you need. If the TV offers only automatic, PCM, and multichannel choices, PCM is the safe selection for the L/R X because the speakers are a two-channel system.
Optical connection when HDMI ARC/eARC is unavailable
Optical TOSLINK is the documented alternative digital input. Use it when the television has no usable ARC/eARC socket, when the ARC connection is occupied by equipment that cannot be moved, or when HDMI audio negotiation is unreliable.
Optical setup steps
- Turn off the TV and L/R X speakers.
- Insert one end of a TOSLINK optical cable into the TV’s optical audio output. Remove any protective caps from the cable tips first if present.
- Insert the other end into the optical input on the primary L/R X speaker.
- Power on the television and both speakers.
- Select the optical source on the L/R X with the remote, StreamMagic app, or top-panel controls.
- In the TV audio menu, select the external optical/digital output rather than the internal speakers.
- Set the TV’s digital-audio format to PCM. The Cambridge Audio manual specifies PCM for optical operation and states that the L/R X does not support multichannel audio.
Optical provides the audio path, but the reviewed Cambridge Audio instructions do not claim the same TV power and volume-control behavior for optical that they document for ARC/eARC. If controlling the speakers with the TV remote is important, HDMI ARC/eARC is the better choice when your TV supports it.
HDMI ARC/eARC versus optical
| Consideration | HDMI ARC/eARC | Optical TOSLINK |
|---|---|---|
| TV socket required | HDMI port labeled ARC or eARC | Optical digital-audio output |
| L/R X socket | TV (eARC) input on the primary speaker | Optical input on the primary speaker |
| Cable guidance | HDMI cable compatible with HDMI 1.4 or later | TOSLINK optical audio cable |
| Audio format | PCM; use stereo PCM when the TV requires manual selection | PCM is required by the manual |
| Channel layout | Two-channel stereo; multichannel audio is not supported | Two-channel stereo; multichannel audio is not supported |
| TV power and volume control | Documented control behavior is available through ARC/eARC when configured, including the TV Power Control setting | Equivalent control behavior is not claimed in the reviewed manual |
| Best use | Normal TV connection when the labeled ARC/eARC port is available | Fallback when ARC/eARC is missing or unusable |
Troubleshooting no sound over HDMI
Check the port before changing settings
Confirm that the HDMI cable runs from the TV’s socket marked ARC/eARC to the primary speaker’s TV (eARC) input. A cable connected to an ordinary TV HDMI input cannot provide the intended audio-return path. Also verify that you did not use the speaker-link socket; that socket connects the two L/R X speakers and is not a TV input.
Confirm the TV’s output device
Open the TV’s sound menu and select the connected audio system or HDMI ARC/eARC output. If the menu still says that the internal TV speakers are active, the television may continue muting or bypassing the L/R X.
Force stereo PCM on an older TV
For a non-eARC television, set the digital-audio output to Stereo PCM (Uncompressed). The L/R X does not decode multichannel audio, so an automatic or bitstream setting can result in silence even though the HDMI connection is physically correct.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Verify the HDMI cable rating
Use a cable compatible with HDMI 1.4 or later. Replace an unknown, damaged, or unusually long cable with a known-good compatible cable before changing several TV settings at once. No special premium cable is required by the manual.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minutePC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Select the TV source on the speakers
The speakers can be powered and correctly wired yet remain on another input. Select the TV source with the L/R X remote, StreamMagic app, or top-panel controls, then play a television channel or app with audible content.
Check speaker pairing and power
Both speakers must be powered. The secondary speaker automatically pairs with the primary when both are on. If only one speaker is active, resolve that speaker-power or pairing condition before diagnosing the TV signal.
Enable TV Power Control for control problems
If sound works but the TV remote does not wake the speakers or alter their volume, open StreamMagic, select the TV ARC source settings, and enable TV Power Control. This addresses control behavior; it is separate from selecting PCM for audio.
Troubleshooting an optical connection
Make sure the optical source is selected
After connecting the TOSLINK cable, select the optical input on the L/R X. The speakers do not necessarily switch to that input merely because a cable has been inserted.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Set the TV output to PCM
PCM is the critical optical setting in the Cambridge Audio manual. If the TV is set to Dolby, bitstream, passthrough, or another multichannel format, change it to PCM and test again. The L/R X supports stereo PCM, not multichannel audio.
Inspect the optical cable ends and sockets
Remove the small protective caps from a new TOSLINK cable, push each plug fully into its socket, and check that the cable is connected to the TV’s optical output rather than an optical input. Optical plugs should seat firmly; do not force a plug at an angle.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Use the HDMI route if remote control is essential
Optical is a documented audio fallback, but the manual does not promise the same TV power and volume commands available through ARC/eARC. If the television has a functional ARC/eARC port, moving to HDMI is the more suitable solution for integrated control.
Understanding the L/R X ports for a TV setup
The primary speaker’s TV (eARC) input is the correct HDMI destination. The optical input is the corresponding fallback for a digital optical cable. The speakers also provide AUX, phono, and subwoofer connections, but those ports do not improve the basic direct TV connection described here.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →The supplied speaker-link cable belongs between the primary and secondary speakers when that wired link is required by your installation. It is not an alternative TV cable and should not be plugged into the television. A TV cannot send audio through that speaker-to-speaker connection.
Because the L/R X pair is active, adding an AV receiver or external amplifier to this direct connection is unnecessary. Extra amplification can complicate the signal path and does not solve an incorrect ARC/eARC port, unsupported multichannel format, or wrong input selection.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Choosing a cable without overspending
HDMI cable
For ARC/eARC, choose a standard HDMI cable explicitly compatible with HDMI 1.4 or later. Search terms such as “HDMI cable for ARC/eARC TV connection” identify the required type without implying that a particular retailer or premium brand is necessary. Check the cable’s stated specification and length, and avoid assuming that an older cable will support the required ARC/eARC behavior.
TOSLINK cable
For the optical alternative, use a TOSLINK optical audio cable long enough to reach the primary speaker without a sharp bend. Buy one only if you are using the optical route; it is not needed for an HDMI installation.
The reviewed package list identifies the speaker pair, speaker-link cable, regional power cable, remote, and printed materials. It does not establish that an HDMI or TOSLINK cable is included, so check the contents of your specific package before purchasing accessories.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Common setup questions answered
Can I connect the TV to the secondary speaker?
No. The TV connection belongs on the primary speaker’s TV (eARC) input, or on its optical input for the fallback method. The secondary speaker pairs with the primary and does not serve as the TV’s main digital input.
Does the L/R X need a receiver?
No. It is an active speaker pair with built-in amplification. Connect the TV directly to the primary speaker and power the pair.
Will any HDMI socket on the TV work?
No. Use the socket specifically labeled ARC or eARC. A regular HDMI input is intended to receive video and does not provide the audio-return function required here.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Why does PCM matter if the TV has a “surround” option?
The L/R X is a two-channel stereo system and does not support multichannel audio. PCM supplies the compatible stereo signal. A surround or multichannel bitstream can leave the speakers silent even when the cable and port are correct.
Can optical provide the same TV remote functions?
The reviewed manual documents TV power and volume control through ARC/eARC and provides a TV Power Control setting in StreamMagic. It documents optical as an audio input but does not claim equivalent control over optical, so choose HDMI when integrated TV control is a priority.
What if the TV has eARC but the cable is old?
Replace an unknown or incompatible cable with one rated HDMI 1.4 or later, then reconnect it specifically between the TV’s eARC socket and the primary speaker’s TV (eARC) input. Recheck the TV output selection and PCM setting if the television is a non-eARC model.
Final installation checklist
- The TV cable is connected to the TV’s ARC/eARC-labeled HDMI port.
- The other end is in the primary L/R X speaker’s TV (eARC) input.
- The HDMI cable is compatible with HDMI 1.4 or later.
- Both speakers are powered and the secondary has paired with the primary.
- The L/R X TV source is selected.
- The TV is set to the external audio system, not its internal speakers.
- The TV outputs stereo PCM when a manual format choice is available.
- TV Power Control is enabled in StreamMagic if power or volume commands do not work.
- For optical, the cable runs from the TV optical output to the primary speaker optical input and the TV format is PCM.
When these conditions are met, HDMI ARC/eARC is the simplest direct route from the television to the Cambridge Audio L/R X stereo pair. Optical TOSLINK remains a practical audio-only fallback when the TV cannot provide a usable ARC/eARC connection.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
