Audio adapters: An overview

Audio adapters come in handy when there’s a mismatch between the source device and the audio system. There are many reasons why individual audio components might be incompatible: sometimes amplifiers or headphones are significantly older than the source device, or the necessary ports are simply already in use. Additionally, many interface standards continue to evolve. In most cases, audio adapters can provide a reliable solution.

Video Tutorial: Smart Ways to Transmit Audio Signals

In this video tutorial, we’ll give you practical tips on choosing the right audio adapters for amplifiers, headphones, and more.

By loading the video, you agree to YouTube’s privacy policy.
Learn moreOpens in new tab

Load video

Always unblock YouTube

Audio Adapters for Jack and RCA Connections

Audio cables with RCA and jack connectors have been widely used in the audio world for years. Analog signals transmitted electrically offer a key advantage over other signal types: they can be easily split without compromising sound quality. This is done using Y-adapters and multi-splitters that plug directly into the appropriate output. Here’s an overview of common analog audio adapters:

➥ 2-way or multi-split adapters for jack outputs: These signal splitters allow you to connect, for example, two pairs of headphones to a smartphone or MP3 player.

➥ Y-adapters or cables for mono RCA to stereo: Often used when connecting subwoofers to amplifiers. A Y-adapter cable enables a mono sub-out from an amplifier to connect to a subwoofer with dual inputs.

➥ Stereo RCA (RCA) to 3.5 mm jack adapters: These adapters let you connect laptops, smartphones, and other source devices with a jack output to amplifiers or AV receivers.

➥ USB to jack adapters: Since the iPhone 7, adapters from USB Type-C or Apple Lightning to jack have become increasingly important. These allow you to continue using headphones with jack plugs even if your device only has a USB-C port.

Audio adapters for S/PDIF

For many years, the S/PDIF interface was the most popular way to transmit digital audio signals. The interface supported two types of cable connections, the optical TOSLINK and digital coaxial. While standard Y-adapters are available for TOSLINK signals they cannot be used to duplicate the signal.

A TOSLINK Y-adapter functions more like a switch: it allows you to avoid unplugging cables at the amplifier when TOSLINK ports are limited. However, it cannot supply two devices with the optical signal simultaneously.

If you want to convert a digital audio signal to an analog RCA input, a simple adapter won’t suffice. You’ll need a digital-to-analog converter (DAC). The same applies to adapters between digital coaxial and TOSLINK: although both use the S/PDIF interface, one transmits electrically and the other optically—requiring a converter.

Stereo speakers from Teufel

Common misunderstandings regarding TOSLINK to audio jack adapters

There’s a good bit of confusion surround adapters with both audio jacks and TOSLINK connections. These are actually not intended to convert analog signals from a source device into a digital optical signal. For this, as already mentioned, a special converter is required. Cinch/TOSLINK adapters are therefore only useful if the source device is capable of transmitting an optical signal. This sort of S/PDIF cinch connections are usually found on notebooks and desktop computers.

Teufel Bluetooth Adapter – The Wireless Alternative

Opens in new tab

▶ Teufel BT Link bluetooth adapterOpens in new tab: Missing inputs on your audio system? Why not skip the cables altogether? The BT Link Bluetooth adapter acts as a receiver and connects to your amplifier via jack. To preserve sound quality, it supports the Bluetooth aptX codec.

▶ Looking for the right cable for your sound system? At Teufel, you’ll find a wide range of speaker cablesOpens in new tab, including the mentioned audio Y-splittersOpens in new tab and Lightning-to-headphone adaptersOpens in new tab.

Conclusion: Audio Adapters Offer Simple Solutions for Analog Signals

• Audio adapters for RCA and cinch cables can duplicate analog signals without diminishing signal quality
• Y adapters for mono to stereo cinch plugs are practical for connecting a subwoofer and source device to an amplifier
• The digital interface S/PDIF can only be connected to an analog interface with a Digital-to-Analog Converter
• A converter is required to connect the two standards within the S/PDIF interface, TOSLINK and digital coaxial.