Optical Audio Output

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Level 1

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Optical Audio Output

I can't get the optical audio output to work with my new Audyssey Lower East Side Media speakers, which are designed to be used optimally with an optical cable rather than a 3.5 headphone cable. I bought the optical cable with the necessary adapter but have not been able to get the speakers to produce any sound using the opticla audio output port of my iMac (circa 2009). The weird thing is is that they work on the optical "in" port rather than the "out" port (except the the volume knob won't work). I don't know why the speakers would work on the "in" port, and I am afraid that I will damage the computer if I use it this way. I see that many people have had troubles with the optical port in the past and have not been able to find a solution in the previous posts. Can anyone help? Thanks!

iMac, Mac OS X (10.6.8)

Posted on Apr 28, 2012 4:41 PM

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Answer 1

den.thed

Level 9

77,356 points

Apr 28, 2012 5:06 PM in response to kynopolis

The "Headphone out/optical digital audio out port" is the outer most port.

see > http://manuals.info.apple.com/en_US/iMac_Late2009_UG.pdf

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Answer 2

kynopolis Author

Level 1

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Apr 28, 2012 5:27 PM in response to den.thed

Thank you for your reply. Yes, I am aware that the "out" port is the outer most port, and the regular 3.5 cable supplied with the speakers does indeed work in that port, but the optical cable will not work there. It will only work in the second port, which is the "in" port. I can't figure out why it would work there.

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Answer 3

den.thed

Level 9

77,356 points

Apr 28, 2012 8:34 PM in response to kynopolis

Strange indeed, sounds all most like it's crossed wired or shorting internally. Has it ever been in for service, if so for what? I suppose it could also be software induced, but I wouldn't have a clue for how, why or by what...?

Reset the SMC > Intel-based Macs: Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC)

1. Shut down the computer.

2. Unplug the computer's power cord.

3. Wait fifteen seconds.

4. Attach the computer's power cord.

5. Wait five seconds, then press the power button to turn on the computer.

and the PRAM > Resetting your Mac's PRAM and NVRAM

1. Shut down the computer.

2. Locate the following keys on the keyboard: Command, Option, P, and R. You will need to hold these keys down simultaneously in step 4.

3. Turn on the computer.

4. Press and hold the Command-Option-P-R keys. You must press this key combination before the gray screen appears.

5. Hold the keys down until the computer restarts and you hear the startup sound for the second time.

6. Release the keys.

Run the Extended Apple Hardware test from appropriate Disc that came with the iMac, as per the instructions at > Intel-based Macs: Using Apple Hardware Test

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Answer 4

kynopolis Author

Level 1

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Apr 29, 2012 8:42 AM in response to den.thed

I have performed all of the resets and tests, and there is still no sound. However, I have discovered that if I manually move the jack inside the port I can produce sound, but only intermittently.

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Answer 5

den.thed

Level 9

77,356 points

Apr 29, 2012 8:57 AM in response to kynopolis

Try a different 3.5mm adapter.

Toslink / Fiber Optic Adapters

Amazon.com: Recoton Fiber Optic Toslink to 3.5mm Mini Adapter: Electronics

Toslink to Mini Plug Adapter - Cables N Mor, Inc - Steren 260-710

Or cable and adapter(s)

NewerTech CBLAOPTMT Toslink to Mini Toslink Optical... in stock at OWC

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Answer 6

kynopolis Author

Level 1

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Apr 29, 2012 9:05 AM in response to den.thed

Thank you, I will try that. However, the present cable with adapter works in the "in" port, just not in the out port, leading me to believe it's a problem with the port rather than the cable.

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Answer 7

kynopolis Author

Level 1

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May 3, 2012 1:51 PM in response to den.thed

I tried a new adapter and I get sound, but it cuts out briefly on a regular basis. Very frustrating. I suppose I could try a whole new cable.

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Answer 8

X423424X

Level 6

14,265 points

May 3, 2012 3:19 PM in response to kynopolis

These cables with the glass or plastic fiber can be a bit fragile so it could be the cable.

I'm curious though. What kind of adapter do you need? Don't these cables already have 3.5mm fiber optical plugs to go into the respective optical sockets without needing any aditional adapters?

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Answer 9

kynopolis Author

Level 1

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May 3, 2012 5:37 PM in response to X423424X

The Belkin model that I purchased at apple came with a 3.5mm mini adapter attached to a regular toslink cable (same at both ends). Since the new adapter did not completely take care of the problem, I went to Radio Shack and purchased a mini toslink to toslink cable (no adapter needed on this one), and it works perfectly. I'm so relieved. Now all I have to do is return the Belkin to Apple and all is well. Yay!

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Answer 10

X423424X

Level 6

14,265 points

May 3, 2012 5:54 PM in response to kynopolis

I understand now. Thanks. Up till now I never thought about "mini-toslink" and always thought in terms of normal toslink plugs.

Glad you got it working.

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