OREI DA21 Optical/Coaxial to RCA 3.5mm Converter

OREI DA21 converts optical or coaxial digital audio into stereo analog sound via RCA and 3.5mm outputs, with a dedicated headphone/speaker jack for easy connection to legacy audio gear.

Many modern TVs, game consoles and media players send sound as a digital stream, but older stereo receivers, powered speakers and headphones need analog left/right audio. The OREI DA21 bridges that gap by accepting SPDIF optical or coaxial inputs and delivering clear 2-channel PCM output through RCA jacks and a 3.5mm mini jack. It supports a wide range of sample rates and resolutions for compatibility with most consumer sources, while remaining a straightforward, compact box that is easy to set up.

How do I connect the DA21 to my TV or media player?

Hooking up the DA21 is a two-step process: connect the digital audio out from your TV or player (optical TOSLINK or coaxial) to the converter’s input, then run RCA or a 3.5mm cable from the DA21 to your amplifier, powered speakers, or headphones. Power the unit with the included adapter and set your source’s audio output format to PCM to ensure compatibility.

• Use TOSLINK or coaxial cable to the DA21 input.
• Use RCA or a 3.5mm cable to analog speakers or amp.
• Plug in the supplied power adapter before use.
• Set the TV/player digital audio output to PCM (not Dolby).

Will this convert surround sound formats like Dolby Digital or DTS?

The DA21 only converts uncompressed PCM stereo from digital inputs to analog left/right; it does not decode or downmix Dolby Digital, DTS, or multi-channel surround streams. If your source sends Dolby/DTS you will hear no audio or distortion unless the source is configured to output PCM.

• Supports PCM stereo only — not a decoder.
• Does not support Dolby, DTS, 5.1ch, or 7.1ch formats.
• If you need downmixing from Dolby, consider a dedicated decoder model.
• If you hear clicking or no sound, switch the source to PCM output.

What audio qualities and sample rates are supported?

The DA21 accepts common sample rates up to 192kHz and 24-bit resolution, so it handles high-resolution PCM sources from most modern players and TVs. This ensures accurate stereo reproduction as long as the incoming stream is PCM rather than an encoded surround format.

• Supported rates: 32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 96kHz, 192kHz.
• Up to 24-bit resolution for precise stereo audio.
• Converts only PCM — passthrough of encoded audio is not supported.
• Works with most streaming boxes, Blu-ray players, and TVs when set to PCM output.

What troubleshooting tips help if I get clicking, screeching, or no audio?

Most audio issues relate to the source’s output format or cabling. Ensure the TV or source is set to output PCM stereo and that cables are firmly seated. If you still have problems, test with an alternate cable or source to isolate the issue.

• Set source digital audio output to PCM to avoid clicks.
• Replace optical/coaxial cables if the signal is intermittent.
• Check power adapter connection and LED indicators.
• Use a decoder unit if your device requires Dolby/DTS conversion.

Who is this for: The OREI DA21 is aimed at anyone who needs to connect modern digital audio sources to older analog equipment — homeowners with legacy stereo amps, gamers using powered headphones, or offices repurposing speakers for video conferencing. It’s ideal when you only need clean stereo output from optical or coaxial sources and do not require surround-sound decoding. If you require downmixing from Dolby or multichannel audio, choose a model that explicitly lists decoder capabilities.