HDMI Earc/Arc Audio Extractor Adapter - Extract eARC/ARC to RCA

In this review of the HDMI Earc/Arc Audio Extractor Adapter, the bottom line is straightforward: this compact adapter is for anyone who needs reliable audio extraction from a TV eARC or ARC port to legacy stereo or digital audio gear. The reviewer found it especially helpful for connecting soundbars, powered speakers, or older amplifiers that lack HDMI inputs because it converts eARC/ARC audio into RCA, optical, and 3.5mm outputs while keeping TV volume control for analog outputs via CEC. It is plug-and-play for most setups and preserves multichannel HDMI or optical passthrough when needed.

Key Features

• eARC and ARC support: Accepts eARC or ARC input from the TV so modern TV audio can be sent to older stereo systems.
• Multiple outputs: Provides HDMI (audio only), fiber optical, RCA left/right, and 3.5mm headphone outputs to suit a variety of speaker and receiver setups.
• CEC volume control: RCA and 3.5mm headphone output volume can be adjusted with the TV remote when CEC is enabled, simplifying daily use.
• PCM and 5.1 indicator lights: LED indicators show whether the TV is outputting PCM stereo or 5.1 multichannel audio so you know which outputs will be active.
• Simple configuration: When using analog outputs, setting the TV to PCM ensures consistent stereo output through RCA and 3.5mm jacks.

Who It's For

This adapter is ideal for homeowners who want to route TV audio to older amplifiers, bookshelf speakers, or a 3.5mm powered speaker while keeping convenient volume control via the TV remote. It is also a good fit for users who need to preserve multichannel audio to a receiver via HDMI or optical while simultaneously feeding a stereo system.

It is less suitable for users who expect the device to output video or serve as an HDMI switcher, since the HDMI port carries audio only. Also, anyone requiring analog multichannel beyond stereo should look for a dedicated decoder, because RCA and 3.5mm outputs only pass stereo when the TV is set to PCM.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Extracts eARC/ARC audio cleanly for use with analog or digital audio systems without noticeable delay.
• Multiple output options make it flexible for older and newer gear, including optical and HDMI audio passthrough.
• TV remote volume control works for RCA and 3.5mm outputs via CEC, simplifying day-to-day adjustments.

Cons

• RCA and 3.5mm outputs do not work when the TV outputs 5.1; you must set the TV to PCM for analog audio.
• Build quality received mixed feedback from users, so buyers who need ruggedized hardware may be disappointed.

Specifications

Supported inputs	eARC / ARC HDMI port
Outputs	HDMI audio only, optical (TOSLINK), RCA L/R, 3.5mm headphone
Volume control	RCA and 3.5mm controllable via TV CEC; optical and HDMI not controllable
Audio mode indicators	2.0 LED for PCM stereo, 5.1 LED for multichannel
Analog requirement	Set TV to PCM for RCA and 3.5mm stereo output
Use case	Extract eARC/ARC audio to legacy or digital audio gear

Our Verdict

This HDMI eARC/ARC audio extractor is a practical, value-oriented solution for converting modern TV audio to analog and digital outputs. It is especially useful when you need TV remote volume control for RCA or headphone outputs and want the option to pass multichannel audio through HDMI or optical. Despite mixed notes about build quality and the limitation that analog outputs require PCM, it is a convenient, affordable bridge between new TVs and older audio equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this device output video?
No. The HDMI port on the unit transmits audio only and does not pass video.

Why do I get no sound from RCA or 3.5mm?
If the TV is outputting 5.1 (DTS, AC3) the RCA and 3.5mm will be silent; set the TV audio output to PCM stereo to restore analog sound.

Can I control all outputs with my TV remote?
Only the RCA and 3.5mm headphone outputs respond to TV CEC volume control; the optical and HDMI audio outputs do not.