Sony TV headphone out to 252 preamp input

I'm sure you have a set of L-R RCA outputs below the RGB Component sockets?

Yep, I can see them from here.

Thanks for the reply gents but the labelling on the back of the TV indicates that these RCA connectors are Composite / Component IN connections and not outputs.

Ken

Just looking at the i-manual on the TV it does state to use the headphone jack to connect the TV to an audio system and then select the [Headphone / Audio Out] connection to [Audio Out]. I just wondered if someone had done similar with there TV and that there were no issues with doing so. 

Ken

Southweststokie

If you want to maximise the SQ of your TV then you need to utilise that "Digital Audio Out" socket I can see, i.e. get yourself a little DAC.

Dave

Thanks Dave4jazz,

I have thought about that but it entails yet another box that I would ideally like to avoid.

Ken

+ 1

Or, you could get yourself a decent TV Ken!

Shat it Meerkat 

Thanks for your reply,

I do have that option but I wanted to ensure I could have the best TV sound if the PVR was recording other stuff as I do tend to record a lot of stuff.

Ken

Ken...Will you be using the Freeview tuner on the Sony, or your actual Freeview box?

Ken, set the headphone output to "audio out" - I assume this will optimise it for use as an output to an audio system rather than to headphones.  Maybe it will make it a fixed level output.  Use a good quality 3.5mm jack to DIN5 interconnect, such as Naim's own or one from Chord.  This should work fine.  Only possible issue you may get is hum.  This is caused by the fact that rather than be properly earthed at the mains, most TVs float at half mains voltage.  This isn't a problem when connected to other floating kit such as mainstream Japanese hifi components, but can cause issues when presented with a nice properly earthed system like a Naim.  The Naim system then becomes the earth for the TV via the i/c earth connection.  Hence the nasty hum... 

If this happens you'll need an isolating transformer for the i/c.  Otherwise use a small optically connected DAC.

What about a little Arcam DAC?  Tiny box sitting with the TV and costs £100ish

Dave,

The plan is to use the on board Freeview tuner on the Sony so the Humax can just be used for recorded stuff, it also means we could record two programmes whilst watching a third which often happens due to SWIMBO's soaps.

Ken

Richard,

Thanks for that confirmation regarding the Headphone / Audio Out. This is the approach I shall take as it is the simplest and cheapest and hope there is no hum issue.

Thanks,

Ken

Ken, if the TV doesn't fix the sound output (I'm guessing it fixes it for "audio out" but leaves the volume control for "headphone out") and you're feeling very bold, you could try connecting via an appropriate input on the 252 and setting it to unity gain.  You could then use the TV's volume control for when you want to listen to the TV through the system.  As to whether it will sound any good, I cannot say.  DO NOT try this if you are getting any hum via the standard connection.  

Sorry Ken

I've got the Sony 55W829 but use the optical out into the digital 2 optical input on my Uniti2. I'm interested in whether you are successful though as I'd like to control the TV volume from the TV remote and it appears I can set the Audio Out to Variable - which I guess will be the same on your TV.

I will need a headphone to RCA set of cables though. I'll have a look at what to get once you let us know how you get on with the hum...

Richard,

The Audio Out can be fixed or variable, I shall leave it as fixed and control the volume via the 252 volume control. The unity gain of the 252 is currently occupied being connected to my AV preamp out for my 5.1 front left/right channels, driving my Paradigm Signature S6's

Ken

I will report back when the cable arrives, should be here Monday.

Ken

Excellent. Best of luck with it!

Since you already have an AV pre amp, can't you connect the tv to it via optical?

Hi rackkit,

Yes I could run an optical cable to the AV amp but I am looking for the simplest solution which would be to connect the TV direct to the Naim 252. I don't have to mess around with settings on different boxes, I just have to set the Naim 252 to the Tuner input which is where I will connect the cable that I have now ordered the cable and mute the TV sound. The simplest solution also makes it easier for my wife to set it up.

Ken

The cable arrived yesterday, via the fast service from Mr Flashback, I have installed the cable with the TV 'Audio Out' set to fixed and connected to the 'Tuner' input of the 252. The cable works fine with no hum experienced. Also there is no 'echo' if I leave the TV sound on so it is actually in complete synch with the TV audio, something that never happens if you play sound via the satellite or Freeview box.

Result!

Ken