Can I switch between a sound bar and receiver to use other speakers (7:1) please help

[Boxer fan]

Hello Group

Can I use a sound bar Or my speakers that are connected to my receiver when I want to use our speakers and watch a show in sound sound? Rep at TV store told me this is not possible and that I can only use either my receiver or a sound bar (I have not yet picked a sound bar to use) and that I can't switch between the two unless I disconnect the actual output from the TV and switch between either the receiver or sound bar.

I am purchasing the Sony 65 inch 4k tv (model # XBR65X850C) and will be replacing my old Denon receiver with a new Denon AVR-X4100w.

The guy at the store said this question comes up all the time but there is no way to do this. I am hoping that someone has a solution. Thank you for your help.

 

[americanaudiophile]

If you split the audio output of your TV (usually optical audio out) you can connect it to both the soundbar and receiver at the same time and just turn off the one you don't want to hear.
http/www.amazon.com/TosLink-Optical-Audio-Splitter-Adapter/dp/B0002GUING
Get a soundbar with optical in and that can accept 5.1 channel audio.
There will be no degradation in the sound except on a Bluray disc player which will sound better if the HDMI output goes through the receiver first for lossless suround sound.

 

[Ndoraswamy]

Is there anything special that needs to be done to make the optical audio splitter work in the receiver? BTW, my issue is that I have a Sony Bravia model 48w590b, a Vizio Soundbar model S3821w-c0 and a Denon receiver AVR S910. Right now, I cannot get the Soundbar to work. Since I don't have any front speakers connected to the receiver, I can only hear the surround rear portion of the audio. The tv says the sound is being output to the audio system, but I guess it means the receiver, not the Soundbar. The Denon receiver has ARC which is connected to the hdmi in the tv corresponding to arc as well. Should I maybe hook t up to another hdmi port?