StreamerUser wrote:Plugging an amplifier into a device's HEADPHONES jack to drive external SPEAKERS isnt exactly a good or supported solution (this isn't 1990 or even 2000), especially considering there are digital audio output options (HDMI/ARC, Optical) either of which can be sent to an amplifier/AVR/Soundbar either directly or via a splitter/extractor:
e.g. https://www.amazon.com/Extractor-Converter-Support-Digital-Coaxial/dp/B0919Y12B3/
There are many similar devices, between $10-20 - find one that meets your needs.
It's funny that you say "this isn't 1990 or even 2000". The amplifier I'm using is a Realistic SA-150. Realistic is a brand name for electronics produced by the nearly defunct Radio Shack. The Realistic brand was phased out in the mid-1990's, and this particular amplifier was introduced in 1984. There's a fair chance that this little amplifier is older than you :smileyvery-happy:. I got it from a second-hand store probably 10 years ago, although I would have been old enough to buy this when it was new (the "58" in my username is a hint at that). So go ahead and "OK Boomer" me all you want. Just stay off my lawn! :)
Anyway, I disagree that using the headphone output to drive this amp is a bad idea. Amplifiers, even way back then, commonly accepted headphone outputs as their input. Also, according to the manual for my TV,
You can connect headphones or an analog sound bar (not provided) to the TV’s
headphone jack.
Tip: Inserting a plug in the headphone jack disables the sound from the TV’s built-in
speakers.
Warning: Loud noise can damage your hearing. When using headphones, use the
lowest volume setting on your headphones that still lets you hear the sound.
And from TCL's blog:
ANALOG AUDIO OUTPUT
All TCL TVs have an ANALOG AUDIO OUTPUT in the form of a 3.5 mm jack. With this, you can send analog audio to headphones, a sound bar, or a home receiver. Note you may need an adapter cable to go from 3.5mm to RCA L/R audio…only a couple of bucks.
So it appears that driving other devices is a supported function. A home receiver isn't any different than a 1980's audio amplifier.
I left in that "Warning" from the manual to highlight why I think this TV's firmware design is defective. Loud sounds can indeed damage hearing, especially when wearing headphones, so why would Roku disable the ability to help prevent such damage by not allowing the Volume Leveling mode? It doesn't make any sense at all. You could be watching a show and then a commercial comes on with that idiotic blast in volume. It might take some legal action to get Roku to make any changes, though. But, hey, I've got tinnitus (the "58" in my username is a hint at why). Maybe I need to go that direction? (Just kidding) :)
However, with all that said, it appears to be the way it is. I wasn't aware that those ARC and SPDIF converters are that inexpensive. I wasn't even aware this TV had an ARC port, as I'm using that one for my Chromecast HDMI. I will definitely look into those adapters. Thanks for that info. That second-hand shop is now out of business, so I may have to buy new. :)
And just for kicks...
Holy retro, Batman! That's a good amplifier. My Dad (75 years old) has that exact unit as a part of an entire Realistic/Pioneer setup. We got it in 1979 and it's an amazing system. It's still the backbone of his current system -- to which he's added satellite sound for the whole house, and an in-floor sub woofer for the family theater (with a 200ish-inch projector screen.) As a side note: The projector is analog but it still kicks any digital screen's tail when it comes to Blue Ray movies. He has NONE of the image issues that I'm having with all new flat screen TV's on my PC or streaming sticks. (Admittedly, he's not getting HDR, but sitting 8 feet from a 200-inch screen in analogue might just be as good or better.) This stereo system, and his tool-set are the only things I hope to inherit some day.
