Surround sound system Coaxial to 5.1 receiver RCA jacks.?

Question

Ok here's the problem. I just bought a low end surround sound system with RCA jacks for the 5.1 surround. My cable box is able to put out 5.1 surround but only outputs it with a Coaxil cable or HDMI cable. Is there a converter I can by that I can plug the Coaxil cable into that will convert it then out put into my surround sound system VIA RCA jacks?

Answer 1

Yes and no.  The output (coax or HDMI) is digital. The RCA jack inputs are analog. You can't just use an adapter since you have to convert the digital to analog as well. You can buy converters, but they are expensive. It would actually be cheaper to buy an amplifier with digital inputs.

See the link for a digital coax to analog stereo converter that is only $80. A 5.1 output model would be more.  For a full featured box that does what you want you could look for a DD decoder like the Technics SH-A500 (see 2nd link for a review) ... it's older equipment now since there isn't much call for one ... but sometimes available for $100-$150 on eBay.

Answer 2

I think you need to look again.

Most low-end surround sound systems do NOT have inputs for any external cable box, game system, etc.

I suspect you see "RCA jacks" but for budget systems these are often OUTPUTS to the speakers, not 5 analog inputs.

So the converter wont work.

Return the system fast.  Look into a $200-$400 box system from Yamaha and Dennon. These are budget systems, but they have inputs you need. Check out the clearance link on the Circuit City website.