Skip to main content
BadRiggins
Contributor I
June 29, 2025
Answered

Ray connection

  • June 29, 2025
  • 10 replies
  • 593 views

I got my father-in-law to get the Sonos Ray for his living room and he loves it. However, recently the tv messed up and they went out and got a new one. The new tv doesn't have an optical audio connection and so I'm needing help on how to hook it up the the Ray. What adapter do I need? 

    This topic has been closed for further comments. You can use the search bar to find a similar topic, or create a new one by clicking Create Topic at the top of the page.
    Best answer by Mr. T

    You would need an HDMI Audio Extractor with an optical (Toslink spdif) output.

    10 replies

    Mr. T
    Mr. TAnswer
    June 29, 2025

    You would need an HDMI Audio Extractor with an optical (Toslink spdif) output.

      leo07
      Prodigy I
      June 29, 2025

      I recommend you this one that someone (here in the Sonos community) recommended to me and it works well:

      https://amzn.eu/d/aZVkKV0

      :)

      106rallye
      106rallye
      June 30, 2025

      Replacing the Ray with a HDMI-ARC capable would, in my opinion, be the best option, though also the most expensive one.

      controlav
      controlav
      Lead Maestro
      June 30, 2025

      You would need an HDMI Audio Extractor with an optical (Toslink spdif) output.

      This is only useful if they are using an external source device. If they are using the TV built-in apps this won’t help.

      Author of the leading independent Sonos apps for Android, MacOS, iOS, Windows and Xbox.
      Rhonny
      Prodigy III
      June 30, 2025

      You would need an HDMI Audio Extractor with an optical (Toslink spdif) output.

      This is only useful if they are using an external source device. If they are using the TV built-in apps this won’t help.

       

      Hi, this isn’t true. I was the one that recommended it to ​@leo07 as I used to use this Extractor for years to connect my Playbar to the HDMI-ARC port on my Samsung TV. 

      It goes: HDMI cable from the TV’s HDMI-ARC port to the Extractor. Then optical cable from Extractor to the Ray. 

      I never experienced any issues at all playing the TV’s built in apps as normal. It works no differently to connecting an HDMI-capable soundbar to the TV. I’m not sure why this might have been flagged as an issue?

      ​(@BadRiggins) 

        BadRigginsAuthor
        Contributor I
        June 30, 2025

        Replacing the Ray with a HDMI-ARC capable would, in my opinion, be the best option, though also the most expensive one.

        I told him it's either that or switch the new tv back out to one that has the right connection. 

        BadRigginsAuthor
        Contributor I
        June 30, 2025

        You would need an HDMI Audio Extractor with an optical (Toslink spdif) output.

        This is only useful if they are using an external source device. If they are using the TV built-in apps this won’t help.

         

        Hi, this isn’t true. I was the one that recommended it to ​@leo07 as I used to use this Extractor for years to connect my Playbar to the HDMI-ARC port on my Samsung TV. 

        It goes: HDMI cable from the TV’s HDMI-ARC port to the Extractor. Then optical cable from Extractor to the Ray. 

        I never experienced any issues at all playing the TV’s built in apps as normal. It works no differently to connecting an HDMI-capable soundbar to the TV. I’m not sure why this might have been flagged as an issue?

        ​(@BadRiggins) 

        That's good to hear. I will have to tell him. 

        BadRigginsAuthor
        Contributor I
        June 30, 2025

        I recommend you this one that someone (here in the Sonos community) recommended to me and it works well:

        https://amzn.eu/d/aZVkKV0

        :)

        I'm looking at that one now. 

          Rhonny
          Prodigy III
          June 30, 2025

          ​@BadRiggins 

          I can’t recommend it highly enough. Such a simple and small addition, but ensures a much longer life for optical-only soundbars.

          controlav
          controlav
          Lead Maestro
          June 30, 2025

          You would need an HDMI Audio Extractor with an optical (Toslink spdif) output.

          This is only useful if they are using an external source device. If they are using the TV built-in apps this won’t help.

           

          Hi, this isn’t true. I was the one that recommended it to ​@leo07 as I used to use this Extractor for years to connect my Playbar to the HDMI-ARC port on my Samsung TV. 

          It goes: HDMI cable from the TV’s HDMI-ARC port to the Extractor. Then optical cable from Extractor to the Ray. 

          I never experienced any issues at all playing the TV’s built in apps as normal. It works no differently to connecting an HDMI-capable soundbar to the TV. I’m not sure why this might have been flagged as an issue?

          ​(@BadRiggins) 

          Oooh cool. I stand corrected.

          Author of the leading independent Sonos apps for Android, MacOS, iOS, Windows and Xbox.
            Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement