Etzin Digital To Analog Converter

Etzin Digital To Analog Converter

The Etzin Digital To Analog Converter is a small converter box that takes a digital audio signal from a television, media player or similar source and converts it into an analog audio signal that older amplifiers, powered speakers and music systems can accept. It solves a common and frustrating mismatch in home entertainment setups: many current televisions and players provide only digital audio outputs, while a large number of perfectly good amplifiers, stereo systems and speaker setups accept only analog inputs. Placed between the two, this converter translates the signal so the existing sound equipment can keep doing its job with the newer source in front of it.

Key features

• Converts digital audio to analog audio in a single compact unit
• Digital inputs for optical and coaxial sources, as listed for this model
• Analog output for connection to amplifiers and music systems
• Made for televisions, home theatre setups and music systems
• Compact size that sits discreetly behind or below the television
• Simple plug-in installation between source and amplifier

The problem it solves

As televisions became thinner, the analog audio outputs that older models carried as standard were quietly dropped, leaving a digital output as the only way to take sound out of the set. Anyone connecting such a television to a trusted two-channel amplifier, a pair of powered speakers or a music system with only analog inputs has no direct way to make the connection. A digital to analog converter is the missing link in that chain. It receives the digital stream from the television or player and outputs a standard analog signal at line level, which the amplifier treats exactly as it would treat the output of a CD player or tuner. The same applies to game consoles, set-top boxes and media players whose audio needs to reach analog-only equipment.

Connection and setup

Setup follows the signal path. Connect the digital output of the source, optical or coaxial as listed for this converter, to the converter’s digital input, then connect the converter’s analog output to a spare line input on the amplifier or to the input of the powered speakers, and supply power to the converter. On the television, select the digital output as the audio source and, where the menu offers a choice, choose the standard stereo PCM output format, which is the format converters of this type are designed to receive. Set the amplifier to the corresponding input and raise the volume gradually. Because the converter outputs a fixed line-level signal, day-to-day volume control stays where it belongs, on the amplifier or television remote, and the converter itself can simply be left connected and powered as part of the system.

Where it fits best

The natural home for this converter is a living room where a newer television meets an older, well-liked sound system: a stereo amplifier driving good speakers, a music system used for film sound, or powered speakers that predate digital inputs. It also suits bedrooms, small offices and commercial displays where television sound needs to reach existing analog speakers without replacing them. It is a conversion device only; it does not amplify speakers by itself, decode surround formats into multiple channels, or add inputs to an amplifier that has none free, so the rest of the chain still needs an amplifier input available and speakers suited to the room.

For anyone whose television and sound system speak different signal languages, the Etzin Digital To Analog Converter is the small, inexpensive translation step that lets the two work together, using the equipment already in the room.