

When using an RCA cable for connection, make sure that your TV and cable has RCA output ports. You’re in luck if your TV uses RCA cables because most soundbars today can handle two-channel audio configuration. Both connections can effectively transmit audio signals, and you can find these cables in many electronic stores. However, if you’re working with an older TV, you’re only left with two audio options RCA or coaxial cables. Most of the TVs you’re apt to see these days have 3.5mm connection, HDMI or optical ports. Connect with RCA (Yellow, Red, and White) Cables However, if you’re trying to set up a media room with heart-pounding audio, then you might want to consider investing in a newer TV or go wireless. If your goal is only to connect your soundbar to TV, 3.5mm aux is an excellent alternative. But, unfortunately, an aux cable isn’t capable of transmitting signals to frequencies that are responsible for creating surround sound effects. Sure, your audio will still sound good, even when you’re only using left and right speakers. It will only work for your left and right speakers, so you won’t be able to take advantage of soundbars with 3.0, 3.1, or more channels. However, you can only use an auxiliary cable for stereo output. Cons of Auxiliary Cablesģ.5mm aux cables are reliable and capable of transmitting sounds with an unnoticeable drop in audio quality. It’s not the perfect solution, though, because you’ll have to deal with some issues when using this connection for audio. It’s an inexpensive alternative, and you can have your connection cable for less than $10. So, you don’t need to have the technical know-how when it comes to connecting to a TV using an aux cable.

Most soundbars that are available today support 3.5mm auxiliary connection. These cables are inexpensive alternatives to HDMI or optical.ĪmazonBasics 3.5mm to 2-Male RCA Adapter (Amazon link) is an excellent choice because there are no fancy features, just plain corrosion-resistant connectors and lossless transmission of audio signals that won’t break the bank! However, if either your soundbar or TV doesn’t support this connection, you can try using an aux to RCA converter. It also comes with a 24K gold-plated connector to improve the reliability and lossless transmission of audio signals. It has universal compatibility with any device that supports a 3.5mm jack. If your TV happens to support this connection, we recommend using Syncwire nylon braided aux cable (Amazon link). This connection is similar to the ones that we have in mobile phones and other audio devices. It’s almost always the case for old TVs, but you can use aux cable or auxiliary input to transmit audio signals. The main reason why you want to connect a soundbar to a TV without HDMI or digital optical is that you could be working with one that doesn’t support both of these connections. Or, in case you’re interested, you can find the Amazon best sellers by clicking here.

We’ll discuss all the options in great detail, so stick around to find out how you can do the same for your setup.Ĭheck out my top picks for soundbars. Sometimes, the process of connecting your soundbar to your TV will require a bit of creativity, a dash of mix and match, and sprinkled with a few adjustments.

#Optical cable for soundbar how to#
You can also use an auxiliary device to convert coaxial cables to another type of connection.Īlso, read How to Connect a Soundbar to TV Without Audio Output If you want to connect a soundbar to the TV without HDMI or optical, y ou have two options: go high-tech with a wireless connection or mid-tech with 3.5 mm aux or RCA cables. But what if, for some reason, your devices don’t support these two? They transmit audio signals without degrading its quality, and could even enhance your listening experience. HDMI and digital optical audio connection are two of the most common ways to connect a soundbar to a TV.
