August 2015
My flat panel TV doesn’t have a headphone jack. It has dual RCA jacks labeled “R/L line out” and a “TOSLINK” connector. What would be the simplest way to get my headphones hooked up to this TV?
Please log in to post an answer.
Chad, a small headphone amplifier could be used. Look at the ones for amps and guitar accessories.
The easiest way to listen to your TV via headphones is by using a set of computer speakers connected to your TV using a stereo 1/8” (3.5mm) jack to RCA plugs y-adapter (see below).
Plug:
Turn the computer speaker on and adjust the volume to your liking.
Here are some sources for the y-adapter:
Parts Express
www.parts-express.com/dual-rca-male-to-35mm-stereo-female-y-adapter-audio-cable--240-070
MCM Electronics
www.mcmelectronics.com/product/24-13885
RadioShack
NOTE: RadioShack doesn’t have a “direct” adapter, you need to create one from the following parts - http://comingsoon.radioshack.com/3-ft-1-8-stereo-to-dual-phono-rca-plug-y-cable/4200494.html#.VaesjHWuPIo and http://comingsoon.radioshack.com/1-8-stereo-phone-coupler/2741555.html#.VaesxHWuPIo
Finally, depending on how far away from your TV you are, you may need the appropriate length male-female stereo extension cord to patch the adapter to the computer speakers.
I would use a external computer speaker set. It will provide a cheap small amplifier, volume control and an input for your headphones to plug into. If it comes with an external power supply you won’t need to buy batteries. The computer speaker system will most likely come with a stereo mini 1/8” phono plug so you will also need to get an RCA adapter cable. The computer speakers must have a place for you to plug in your headphones.
Attach the adapter to your TV and then plug the speakers into the adapter. Once the speakers are connected you should be able to play audio out of them. Then plug in your headphones and the speakers will shut off and all the sound will feed into your headphones. Adjust the volume on the speakers.
Done and your total cost should be less than $25 (15-$20 speakers and $5 for the adapter).
