Convert Bi-cable to optical

[Ray Miller]

I have two Sony bi-cable speakers that were part of a component system I bought back in 1988. They're tall, bulky, and absolutely beautiful. In their lifetime, they've never been above 7 (Led Zeppelin, Physical Graffiti. Mom's China was rattling in the front of the house). I have them hooked up to my smart TV through a couple of converters, Bi-wire to RCA then RCA to optical. When I turn the volume knob I hear a loud, piercing static. Also there is a constant humming in the background. Is it possible to physically convert each speaker to an optical speaker so I simply have one Toshlink cable connected to both then into the TV?

 

[Apesbrain]

couple of converters

Can you provide more detail on these "converters"?

In your Sony TV "Audio" settings, look for switch to select "PCM" or "Bitstream" and try both. Watch your volume until you confirm it works as expected.

 

[Kal Rubinson]

I have two Sony bi-cable speakers that were part of a component system I bought back in 1988. They're tall, bulky, and absolutely beautiful. In their lifetime, they've never been above 7 (Led Zeppelin, Physical Graffiti. Mom's China was rattling in the front of the house). I have them hooked up to my smart TV through a couple of converters, Bi-wire to RCA then RCA to optical. When I turn the volume knob I hear a loud, piercing static. Also there is a constant humming in the background. Is it possible to physically convert each speaker to an optical speaker so I simply have one Toshlink cable connected to both then into the TV?

Not easily. It is likely that these speakers depend on an external crossover to separate the frequencies, high and low, for the internal drivers. In other words, they require separate feeds and cannot be combined.