Budget Toslink to stereo analog

[Bobby Dipole]

I have my TV's analog L/R outputs connected to my vintage stereo system. This works, but the TV has a rather dismal S/N. I can hear hiss when the program material gets soft. The hiss is even there when the TV is muted. The TV has an optical output, I believe it's called Toslink. I figure the digital output would have a better S/N, but I would need a device to convert it to analog L/R. Can anyone recommend an inexpensive small converter? If there is a kit out there, that would be super.

Bobby Dipole

[Mooly]

I would imagine the optical output of the TV is just normal SPDIF standard. TOSLINK is the common optical connection system, not the format.
So you need a DAC or amp that has either optical SPDIF inputs or maybe even have a go at building an optical to "coax" convertor and feeding that into a "normal" DAC that accepts electrical inputs.

I use a Sony MiniDisc recorder with a Pure DRX701 DAB tuner via SPDIF optical and the recorder also works with optical outputs from DVD players etc with no problem.

[Pano]

This one will do what you need.
Digital to Analog Audio Converter Optical / Coaxial / USB | Parts-Express.com

Stereo only.

For 5.1 there are a lot of el cheapos on eBay like this:
Cheapo DAC
I have one like it - they all seem to be based on the C-Media chips. Works OK.

How fancy did you want? What's the budget?

[Buckapound]

I'm enjoying the sounds of the Mini Dac from eBay:

HIFIDIY.net Mini 1793 SPDIF DAC Board -PCM1793+DIR9001

There are a couple of sellers and you can get it with or without case, power supply, etc. Opamp output is socketed, so you can upgrade (I used LM4562, which made a noticeable improvement).

I think there's a USB version if you need the added flexibility.

--Buckapound