If you need to connect a TV’s HDMI ARC or eARC port to an optical-only soundbar, speaker, or headphone base, choose an HDMI ARC-to-optical converter—not an optical-to-HDMI converter. The eSynic model is best for a simple optical-only setup, while the VPFET offers optical and coaxial outputs. Other options in this selection also convert TV ARC/eARC audio to legacy digital audio connections. Check your TV’s port and supported audio formats before buying.
| Product | Best suited for | Output or feature noted |
|---|---|---|
| 192KHz HDMI eARC/ARC Converter | Buyers needing optical and coaxial outputs | Optical and coaxial |
| eSynic Professional Extractor | Optical-only sound systems | Optical; no CEC |
| VPFET HDMI eARC Extractor | Two digital output options | Optical and coaxial |
| 192kHz Adapter, 6.6FT | Buyers wanting a stated cable length | 6.6-foot cable; no CEC |
| 192kHz HDMI eARC Adapter | TVs with ARC/eARC and optical audio gear | Optical output |
192KHz HDMI eARC/ARC Converter
This converter is best for buyers whose audio system accepts either optical or coaxial digital audio. It takes audio from a TV’s ARC connection and provides both output types, giving you more connection choices than an optical-only adapter. The listed features state support for sampling rates up to 24-bit/192 kHz.
Setup requires enabling the TV’s CEC function, choosing the ARC device as the audio output, and selecting a supported format such as PCM 2.0 or Dolby/DTS 5.1. Choose this if you want format and output flexibility. Avoid it if you cannot use the TV’s ARC port or do not want to adjust TV audio settings.
eSynic Professional Optical Extractor
The eSynic is best for a soundbar, speaker, or headphone base with an optical input and no need for coaxial audio. Its stated design focuses on one optical output, and the listing describes USB power, a status LED, and operation without drivers or software. It supports TV eARC/ARC audio input.
For ARC televisions, the listing says to enable HDMI-CEC; for eARC televisions, CEC is optional but recommended. A critical limitation is that the converter must connect to a port specifically labeled ARC or eARC. Standard HDMI ports will not work. Choose this model if a straightforward optical-only connection is your priority.
VPFET HDMI eARC Audio Extractor
This VPFET converter is best for buyers who want both Toslink optical and coaxial outputs from a TV. The listing describes use with external speakers, amplifiers, and headphones, including setups where the TV lacks separate optical or coaxial ports. It also states support for sampling rates up to 24-bit/192 kHz.
Choose this if you want to keep more than one type of digital audio connection available. The main limitation is that it works only with a TV’s ARC/eARC port; the listing explicitly says other HDMI devices are not supported. It is not a general HDMI audio extractor for a game console or streaming device.
192kHz Adapter With 6.6-Foot Cable
This option is best for buyers who value the listed 6.6-foot cable length and want an ARC/eARC-to-optical connection. The product name also states that it does not support CEC and identifies 192 kHz audio. Those details may suit a setup where the TV and audio equipment are separated by some distance.
The provided product information is limited, so confirm the connector arrangement and TV requirements on the listing before purchase. Its stated lack of CEC may matter if your setup depends on HDMI-CEC controls. Choose it only when the TV has an ARC/eARC port and the audio device accepts optical input.
192kHz HDMI eARC Optical Adapter
This adapter is best for a TV with an ARC/eARC port and an audio system with a Toslink optical input. Its listed features include support for TVs with ARC/eARC, compatibility with soundbars, amplifiers, and active speakers with optical connections, and USB power. The instructions call for selecting ARC as the TV audio output and choosing PCM or Dolby/DTS 5.1.
Power is required through the USB cable, and the listing suggests restarting the TV and audio devices if there is no sound after setup. Avoid this model if your TV lacks an ARC/eARC port or your audio device has no optical input.
Buying Guide: How to Choose an ARC-to-Optical Converter
Does your TV have an ARC or eARC port?
These products are designed to receive audio from the TV’s HDMI ARC/eARC connection. Look for the ARC or eARC label beside the HDMI port. A regular HDMI input does not provide the same connection for these converters. Also note the direction: the products here send TV audio from HDMI ARC/eARC to optical, not from optical into an HDMI ARC port.
Do you need optical, coaxial, or both?
Choose an optical-only adapter if your soundbar or headphone base uses Toslink. If your audio equipment uses coaxial digital input, select a model that lists coaxial output, such as the first product or VPFET. Confirm which input your equipment accepts; an output type on the converter does not change the input options on the sound system.
What audio settings should you check?
TV menus vary, but the supplied product instructions commonly call for selecting the ARC device as the audio output and using PCM or a listed Dolby/DTS 5.1 format. Some ARC setups also require HDMI-CEC to be enabled. Check the converter’s directions and your TV’s audio options if sound does not play.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an optical-to-HDMI converter connect a TV to an optical soundbar?
No. For that setup, you need the reverse direction: HDMI ARC/eARC input from the TV and optical output to the soundbar.
Will these converters work with any HDMI port?
No. The listed models require a TV port labeled ARC or eARC. A standard HDMI port is not sufficient.
Do I need to enable CEC?
It depends on the model and whether the TV uses ARC or eARC. The first product’s instructions require CEC; eSynic says CEC is needed for ARC and optional for eARC. Check the specific product directions.
Will a converter guarantee Dolby or DTS surround sound?
No guarantee is stated across these listings. The first product mentions PCM 2.0 or Dolby/DTS 5.1 settings, but the TV, converter, and audio system must all support the selected format.