How to get Analogue inputs for my old Technics audio system from an optical TV Audio output

[Slinger42]

My old TV used RCA jacks to provide audio signals for the 5.1 surround sound processor in my Technics separates system. (Are these digital or analogue signals?).
I need to use my Technics system with a new TV that only has Optical output.
I have seen a lot of DACs that supposed to do this, but there are caveats saying that the signal feeding the DAC form the optical output does not carry the compressed format to decode the signals into analogue format for the Technics processor (SH CH950).
I have searched high and low and still am not convinced I can do this and get true 5.1 surround using a basic DAC. All the others have separate RCA outputs for each speaker, which is of no use in my application. I do not want to change my complete Audio set up just because I am buying a new TV !!
Any clues would be most helpful
Keith W

 

[McHenryB]

You don't specify what Technics model you have, but if it produces 5.1 surround sound then I would say it needs a digital input. What input connections does it have? Presumably not an optical input (which is a little strange - I've checked on Google and all the images that I see of Technics 5.1 systems show both optical and coaxial digital inputs) but how about a coaxial digital input? (It looks a little like a normal RCA analog input, but there will only be one socket, not two.) It would be easier to answer if you told us which model of Technics you have.

Assuming that you have a coaxial digital input socket, and not an optical one, you need an optical to coax converter - e.g. http/www.amazon.co.uk/POF-830-Optical-Coaxial-Converter-Optical/dp/B0015LNV2M . And you need a special coaxial digital cable, not a normal analog cable.

You don't need a DAC. As the name implies (Analog to Digital Convertor) they produce an analog output, which won't be any good for 5.1. (However, the DAC that I bought recently is the best investment that I ever made to improve the quality of my HiFi system. But I'm only interested in stereo.)

 

[Slinger42]

HI McHenryB.
I did mention the Technics processor, its the SH CH950, one of four parts to the system. The RCAs on the rear panel look identical to any analogue versions, although the extreme RH RCAS are labeled TV Monitor out VDP and the 2 below are VCR Out and IN. So I assume you are suggesting that the TV output and the input to the 5.1 processor is actually a digital signal over RCA jacks and cables.
Keith W

 

[madmatt30]

^ not possible ,its analog input only via RCA.
Its not a real surround system but a pseudo surround pro logic.

What's your exact TV model??
Some of these TV's will do pass through of analog audio via the scart jacks with the correct cable.

 

[McHenryB]

Apologies, I missed the model number in your post. As madmat says, it only accepts analog inputs.

If the optical output is the only audio output from your TV then you need a DAC. The output from the RCA sockets on this would be connected to a line input on your processor, e.g. the DAT one. It might be easier to buy a cheap soundbar with an optical input.