Connecting Old Klipsch 5.1 System To HDMI

[Sn3akyP3t3]

I have an old Klipsch ProMedia 5.1 personal audio system that has been boxed up for about a decade. I unboxed it with hopes to connect to some modern equipment, but I'm finding that task to be quite difficult. I figured I could find an HDMI audio extractor that would work with this configuration, but I'm not having any luck. The inputs are not like anything else available on the market so whatever Klipsch or the industry was thinking when they made this wasn't exactly industry standard. I do remember having a custom computer audio card that was able to connect to this thing, but I don't remember the details.

This is what the inputs and outputs look like on the unit.

 

[BMXTRIX]

Computer audio output often is still available with 5.1 analog connections using 3.5mm (1/8") stereo mini connectors.

What you need is not just a hdmi audio extractor, but a full on DSP which converts the full surround audio formats from digital to an analog 5.1 output.

Like this:
https://www.amazon.com/ViewHD-Extractor-Decoder-Headphone-VHD-H2HADi/dp/B01D9MPCUI

So, now you have you 5.1 analog audio, and you will then need to get stereo 3.5mm to RCA adapter cables (3 of them)...
https://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-105597-3-Feet-Premium-Stereo/dp/B0094A1F3S/ref=sr_1_8?keywords=3.5mm+stereo+to+rca&qid=1557248878&s=electronics&sr=1-8

You will need to the volume control unit to control the volume of the system, and this has no HDMI audio switching or much else along with it.

As a setup which may have been a halfway decent computer speaker system, it's fine, but for actual modern surround sound it will be a difficult course to go down.

But, it'll only run you about $70 in materials to give it a whirl.

I would save that $70 for something that follows AV industry standards which have been in place for decades, but that's up to you.

 

[Sn3akyP3t3]

Thanks for the tip. I hate to add to my pile of depreciated hardware, but I can't justify saving the $70 to throw at a new system for awhile. Unfortunately, that means this old bird must be given a second life and needs to sing the song of my people

I read some pretty nasty reviews on that recommended 5.1 decoder. Must be just a rubber-stamp model from China with bad QA and/or circuit design. I'm going to settle on this unit model (sorry, can't post link): AU-HDLB300 I already had cables like the ones recommended in the box which means that the computer setup I once had long ago must have been equipped with these.

Again, thanks! You saved me a ton of searching headache!

 

[BMXTRIX]

If you look at the photos, all indications are that both units are exactly the same.

I'm not sure how well either unit really works, as it doesn't offer much in the way of surround decoding. It literally ONLY works with PCM surround audio, which means that's what you have to set your source to. I'm sure many people have used it who have no idea how to set their equipment up right. Don't be one of them.

I expect either will be identical, but totally up to you what to get, and if you get good usage out of your old gear, then more power to you.

But, seriously... Start saving for something badass.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Another option is to look and 2nd hand shops, Kijiii, Craigslist etc... for Dolby Digital/DTS HDMI receiver with 5.1 pre-outs. I think given how old such unit would be, you may score something in $50 ballpark. I'd personally prefer it over HDMI decoder BMX linked to.
You'd still the 3 cables of dual RCA to stereo 1.8" same as above.

 

[BMXTRIX]

Another option is to look and 2nd hand shops, Kijiii, Craigslist etc... for Dolby Digital/DTS HDMI receiver with 5.1 pre-outs. I think given how old such unit would be, you may score something in $50 ballpark. I'd personally prefer it over HDMI decoder BMX linked to.
You'd still the 3 cables of dual RCA to stereo 1.8" same as above.

Question???

Do you think he could get a normal A/V receiver with a subwoofer preout only?

Hook his existing speakers up to the receiver and use the subwoofer pre-out into the existing bass module that he has? I hadn't really thought about it, but it certainly may open a lot more doors than trying to find an older A/V receiver with the proper pre-outs, as they were often so limited to higher end products. While, cheaper A/V receivers had the necessary surround processing built in and standard connectivity.

I saw this one as an example...
https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/ele/d/stafford-yamaha-rx-v465-av-receiver/6881720328.html

So, just take the 'subwoofer' out to the Klipsch, and hook the five speakers up to the receiver?

Thoughts?

 

[B SUBASCHANDRA BOS]

You will need an AVR with pre out(old/new) doesn’t matter.
Preferably 5.1.
Set your output on the AVR all to large.
Don’t use the sub out.
The left and right input will handle the sub.
You’ll need 3.5 to rca for left and right.One more for the surround.And a single 3.5 to rca mono for the centre.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk