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PowerMac G5 Tower - TOSlink OUT to Analog Powered Speakers

Hopefully, this is a rather simple question to answer.

I have a PowerMac G5 tower and need to use the TOSlink S/PDIF Optical Out Port in order to get sound. The ONLY reason why I'm taking this route is because there has always been a problem with the analog out on my system, despite the fact that I purchased it brand new from Apple, where something in the port occasionally "pushes" a mini stereo jack back out. So there has been a problem in manufacture here. When the jack is pushed out, the sound to my analog powered speakers is altered/crappy or nonexistent. So I have sought to circumvent the problem now that it is out of warranty by using Digital Out.

The steps I have taken are to plug an S/PDIF cable into the TOSlink Out port, into a Gefen Digital to Analog Audio Converter, into a split RCA analog cable, which at the other end is a mini stereo end and into my analog, powered speakers. I now have no sound whatsoever. What could be the problem in what looks like a rather simple hookup?

PowerMac G5, Mac OS X (10.5.8)

Posted on Nov 16, 2010 6:57 PM

Reply
9 replies

Nov 16, 2010 8:30 PM in response to BDAqua

I got it to work, but not because I pulled out the mini stereo jack. There are 2 selections that both say Dolby Digital in the EyeTV software. I chose the 2nd and then suddenly got sound.

The only other problem I have, is that the TOSlink plug feels so loose in the jack. I've never plugged a thing into the jack prior to today? Is it supposed to be that loose? The other end that's plugged into the Gefen converter seems pretty solid. I only ask because I am hoping to not suffer from a loose digital connection that is an equal pain to a crapped up analog connection. If someone slams a door here, like my idiot neighbor, I'm back where I started.

Nov 16, 2010 8:47 PM in response to BDAqua

No, thanks for your quick help. Perhaps I will try the other TOSlink cable that I have to see if it is a snug fit. I must say though. These things may be of higher technical quality, but their basic manufacture is soft and flimsy. It may be sweet to have optical audio as an option, but I've seen tougher fairy feathers for Halloween.

Thank you for your time BDAqua.

PowerMac G5 Tower - TOSlink OUT to Analog Powered Speakers

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