FAQ
TL;DR: No AUX? Use the TV’s optical output → DAC → amp/active speakers. 3-step fix; “You can not connect speakers directly to the TV, unless you have active.” [Elektroda, mariuszp19, post #16937834]
Why it matters: This solves “how do I hook up speakers to a TV without AUX” and preserves clean, low-noise audio for living rooms and dorms.
Quick Facts
- Optical/TOSLINK out to RCA requires a small DAC between the TV and speakers. [Elektroda, Tradelectra, post #16937845]
- Passive speakers need an amplifier; active speakers can connect after the DAC. [Elektroda, mariuszp19, post #16937834]
- TV remotes often won’t change volume on optical outputs (fixed level). [Elektroda, Polon_us, post #16945323]
- If a headphone jack exists, it can feed speakers/amp with variable level. [Elektroda, mariuszp19, post #16938376]
- Bluetooth speaker volume may not follow the TV remote, depending on the speaker. [Elektroda, Kumurungma, post #18486902]
How do I connect speakers to a TV with no AUX output?
Use the optical (TOSLINK) audio output. Connect optical cable → DAC (optical-to-RCA) → amplifier or active speakers. This mirrors the forum’s recommended path and works across many TVs. Keep cables short and seat the optical plug until it clicks. [Elektroda, mariuszp19, post #16937834]
What exact DAC should I look for to get RCA from optical?
Search for a TOSLINK/optical to analog RCA DAC. A common option is a compact 5.1‑compatible DAC with stereo RCA outputs. It sits between the TV and your amp or active speakers. Power it via its supplied adapter or USB. [Elektroda, Tradelectra, post #16937845]
Can I plug passive speakers straight into the TV?
No. Passive speakers require an amplifier. The TV provides a low‑level audio signal, not speaker power. Use optical → DAC → amplifier → speakers, or choose active speakers that include built‑in amplification. “You can not connect speakers directly to the TV, unless you have active.” [Elektroda, mariuszp19, post #16937834]
Will my TV remote control volume over optical?
Usually no. Optical outputs are fixed‑level on many TVs. Your remote may not change the volume of speakers connected through a DAC. Use speakers with their own volume control or an amp with a remote. This is a common usability pitfall. [Elektroda, Polon_us, post #16945323]
What if my TV has a headphone jack?
You can route the headphone output to powered speakers or an amplifier using a 3.5 mm to RCA cable. This path often gives variable volume from the TV remote. Check for distortion and reduce the TV’s headphone level if needed. [Elektroda, mariuszp19, post #16938376]
My TV has no headphone jack and no AUX—only optical. What now?
You still can add speakers. Use the optical output with an optical‑to‑RCA DAC, then connect to powered speakers or an amp. This approach is the thread’s main solution and avoids TV hardware limits on analog outputs. [Elektroda, mariuszp19, post #16945065]
How do I keep using my TV remote to change speaker volume?
Pick speakers with a remote, or use an amplifier/receiver that accepts RCA from the DAC and has IR volume. If available, try the TV’s headphone output for variable level. Otherwise, consider adding an external volume control in line. [Elektroda, Polon_us, post #16945323]
Bluetooth speakers are paired, but the TV remote won’t change volume. Why?
Some Bluetooth speakers ignore TV volume commands or expect device‑side volume only. Without a speaker remote, control becomes awkward. Consider a wired path via DAC, or choose Bluetooth speakers that include volume control hardware. [Elektroda, Kumurungma, post #18486902]
What is a DAC in this setup?
A DAC (Digital‑to‑Analog Converter) turns the TV’s digital optical signal into analog RCA suitable for amps or active speakers. It is a small inline box between your TV and speakers. Power it, then connect optical in and RCA out. [Elektroda, Tradelectra, post #16937845]
What are active speakers, and why do they help here?
Active speakers have built‑in amplifiers. They accept low‑level signals from a DAC or headphone jack and drive the drivers directly. This removes the need for a separate amp and simplifies wiring from TVs without AUX. [Elektroda, mariuszp19, post #16937834]
Quick how-to: connect optical-out TV to bookshelf speakers in three steps
- Run a TOSLINK cable from the TV’s optical output to a DAC.
- Connect DAC RCA outputs to an amplifier or active speakers.
- Power the DAC and select the correct TV audio output in settings. [Elektroda, mariuszp19, post #16937834]
Does a 5.1‑compatible DAC give me surround through RCA?
No. 5.1‑compatible DACs can accept multichannel formats, but their RCA outputs are stereo. For true surround, use an AV receiver with digital inputs and multiple amplified channels. Use stereo when feeding two RCA jacks. [Elektroda, Tradelectra, post #16937845]
The TV shows only one optical output—can that handle everything?
Yes. One optical output can carry your TV’s audio to a DAC or receiver. You’ll need three connections total: optical cable, DAC power, and RCA to your amp or active speakers. Ensure the optical plug seats fully. [Elektroda, mariuszp19, post #16937834]
Any gotchas I should know before buying parts?
Expect fixed optical volume, so plan volume control at the amp or speaker. Verify your speakers are active, or budget for an amp. Test for audio delay when using Bluetooth. Keep receipts in case return is needed. [Elektroda, Polon_us, post #16945323]
LG 49UJ6307 + Harman Kardon SoundSticks: can I get remote volume?
Over Bluetooth, these speakers may not follow the TV’s remote volume. Use a wired DAC path to the SoundSticks’ analog input, or add an amp with a remote in the chain if using passive speakers. [Elektroda, Kumurungma, post #18486902]
