Is It Okay to Connect My TV to an ADC and Then to a DAC Going to My Amplifier?

Understanding the Purpose and Relevance of ADC and DAC

When it comes to audio systems, the concepts of analog to digital conversion (ADC) and digital to analog conversion (DAC) are fundamental. However, there is often unnecessary confusion and overthinking about the necessity and utility of these conversions, particularly in the context of connecting a TV to an amplifier. This article aims to clarify whether it is necessary to connect your TV to an ADC and then to a DAC before sending the signal to an amplifier, and provides insights on how to achieve optimal audio performance.

What Are You Trying to Accomplish?

First, let's clarify the purpose behind your setup or query. There are several scenarios in which you might be considering this approach: Connecting an eARC HDMI/Optical Audio Soundbar to an Old TV: In this scenario, you might be trying to use a modern soundbar or audio system that requires digital audio input, such as an eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) or optical audio connection, with an older TV that lacks these capabilities. Connecting an Amplifier to an Old TV for Copper Wiring Setup: You might want to use an older TV with only an analog output but still want to connect it to an amplifier via a custom copper wiring setup. This involves converting the analog signal to a digital one, processing it, and then converting it back to an analog signal at the amplifier side. Both of these scenarios involve unnecessary complexity and can often lead to suboptimal audio quality. Let's explore why and look at more straightforward solutions.

Why Direct Connection is Preferable

1. Optimal Signal Quality: Converting an analog signal to digital and back to analog involves loss of quality at each step. This can result in reduced sound clarity and tonal accuracy, as well as potential distortion and noise. 2. Stability and Reliability: Digital signals are generally more stable and less prone to interference compared to analog signals. However, introducing multiple conversions can introduce instability, particularly in less robust equipment. 3. Compatibility: Modern TVs and sound systems are designed to work seamlessly without the need for such complex setups. Many contemporary TVs support numerous audio standards directly, making them inherently compatible with various output devices.

Alternative Solutions for eARC and Optical Audio Soundbars

If you are trying to connect an eARC or optical audio soundbar to an older TV, there are simpler and more effective methods: 1. eARC/ARC Support: Check if your TV and soundbar are eARC or ARC (Audio Return Channel) compatible. If they are, you can simply use the HDMI connection to pass through the audio signal. This is both easier and more reliable. 2. Optical Cable: Use a standard optical cable to connect your soundbar to your TV. This method does not involve any ADC or DAC steps, and is widely supported by most devices. For both eARC and optical audio setups, it is best to follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure optimal performance and compatibility.

Connecting an Old TV to Speakers via Copper Wiring

If your goal is to connect an old TV to speakers using a custom copper wiring setup, you might feel the need to convert the analog signal through ADC and DAC. However, this approach is generally unnecessary and impractical. Instead, you should consider the following solutions: 1. Use an RCA Cable: Connect your TV's RCA output directly to the amplifier with an RCA cable. This method is simple, reliable, and doesn't involve any complex signal conversions. 2. Use a Stereo Cable: Many old TVs have stereo RCA outputs. If so, you can use a stereo cable to connect directly to your amplifier's input, avoiding the need for any additional converters. 3. Check TV Output Standards: Verify your TV's audio output standards (e.g., RCA, S-Video, Component) and compare it with the input standards of your speakers or amplifier to ensure a direct connection is possible.

Conclusion

In summary, while the process of converting from analog to digital and back to analog may seem like a logical solution in certain scenarios, it can often lead to suboptimal audio quality and reduced system reliability. Instead, consider the simpler and more direct methods of signal transmission available. By ensuring compatibility and using straightforward connections, you can achieve high-quality audio performance without the complexity of ADC and DAC steps.

Keywords: audio analog to digital conversion, digital to analog conversion, eARC HDMI/Optical Audio Soundbar, HDMI audio