5.1 Surround Without Audio Out

[terobi]

Hi all,

I recently got hold of a 5.1 surround system that has been in my dad's garage for a few years. It was connected to a PC, but I would like to attach it to my television as the sound quality is quite low.

The issue is, my television has no audio outputs at all, not even a headphone socket.

How would I best connect up the speakers to provide a full 5.1 surround experience?

I have seen various pieces of kit that allow for multiple HDMI inputs (useful since most of my TV is via an Amazon FireTV stick, as well as DVDs/Blu-Rays through consoles), and I assume this is exactly the sort of thing I need.

However, most of them seem to have only one or two audio outputs; a simple headphone socket or separate left/right channels. Given my subwoofer allows for six inputs, would this setup be complex enough to enjoy the full experience, or am I looking for essentially a HDMI switch with six separate audio output channels? (And if so, where might I find one at a reasonable price as money is a little tight)

Thanks for the help!

Jonny

 

[terobi]

(also, entirely different but related question - it looks the tip of a 3.5mm has snapped off and got lodged in the jack, how the hell do I get that out?)

 

[terobi]

Managed to sort the jack issue, but have just realised another issue; there's no external volume control on any of the speakers. Assuming the audio is split off before it gets to the television (so presumably the system volume won't affect the 5.1 speakers?) I can't see any way to change the surround volume.

 

[americanaudiophile]

There is no HDMI input selector that has a built in surround sound processor to provide 5,1 analog outputs like a PC might have.
You would have to use the digital output of the switch into an outboard processor.
https/www.amazon.com/Panlong-Audio-Digital-Decoder-Converter/dp/B00AMC2J1Y
Then you would need a 6 channel volume control (with remote I would guess).
http/www.ebay.com/itm/M62446-6-Channel-Remote-Volume-Control-Preamplifier-Finished-Board-Kit-Dual-AC12-/311740643764?nma=true&si=%252BnL5wVi%252F9YoiNUv20g3B9y%252BCGgM%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557
Kind of complicated unless you like messing around with this stuff.
The simplest solution is to find an old pre HDMI AV receiver (so it's cheap) or preamp processor with digital input and 5.1 preamp outputs. An old Marantz should work. Check CL, ebay, thrift shops and garage sales. They are out there. Would let you upgrade to better passive speakers too.