Connect AMH A399U to speaker system?

Hardware Other Hardware
1

Hello everyone,

So I am looking at getting the AMH A399U monitor covered by Tek syndicate earlier this year but am unsure about one thing. My set up is a little complicated so bare with me as I try to explain it. I use an HDMI switch to connect to my main TV/monitor(which is going to be replaced by this AMH A399U). My Fios cable box, chromecast, and pc all go in to this hdmi switch. On my current set up, my tv has a 3.5mm audio out that then goes into my surround sound speaker system. With the AMH A399U there is no audio out. I know this won't be an issue for my computer as I can simply change the audio out to my speaker system as I have another 3.5mm wire going from my computer's audio out to the speaker system. Where I see the issue being is when using my chromecast/fios box and getting the audio to come out my surround speakers instead of the AMH A399U speakers. I have somewhat looked into solutions but was wondering if anyone on here had any ideas. From what I could find it seemed like I could get a HDMI audio extractor which is basically an HDMI passthrough box that gives you a separate 3.5mm out from the box or a new HDMI switch that has a 3.5mm audio output. If these are my only two options, does anyone have any good recommendations on reliable quality products I could buy?

My current solution involves this:
Getting this hdmi audio extractor: http://www.amazon.com/ViewHD-Extractor-Support-Converter-VHD-H2HARCi/dp/B00N5MEQYG/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1451453288&sr=1-1&keywords=hdmi+2.0+audio+extractor&refinements=p_72%3A1248879011
And pairing it with this RCA to 3.5mm cable: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004Z5CP?keywords=rca%20to%203.5mm&qid=1451453638&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1
I know it is super jenky but its the best I can come up with so far...

My other option would be to get a new HDMI switch like this one that has an rca output: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00U8WBOOG/ref=mp_s_a_1_8?qid=1451454823&sr=8-8&pi=AC_SX118_SY170_QL70&keywords=4k+hdmi+switch+with+audio&dpPl=1&dpID=31s4nNCcZnL&ref=plSrch
Paired with the aforementioned rca to 3.5mm adapter.

Feel free to ask me to clarify anything. I tried to explain it the best I can. Thanks!

2

I had the 399 and faced a very similar problem with my Chromecast as it only has HDMI audio. I had to return the display, but I came to the same conclusion as you.

Another way to do it would involve an HDMI splitter, 1 in 2 out, and then plug one HDMI into the monitor and the other into a HDMI to VGA adapter with a 3.5mm out. Just as, if not more janky, but I guess it's good to have options.

I ended up going with another monitor that has SPDIF out. (Tiena QXM4000) If you stick with the 399, at least the audio extractor isn't too much money. Not sure if it will add latency, though.

3

Thanks for the reply luken. I ended up going with this hdmi switch with audio out: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QJGAKCW?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01
and this cable to convert the RCA to 3.5mm: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MJYIMM8?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00 .
I'll post back next week once everything arrives to let you know if it works or not.

Thanks again

4

I didn't realize they made extractors with multiple inputs. Sounds like that should work well for your setup. My only concern would be the box only supports HDMI 1.4. This may not be an issue for you, but it's something to think about depending on how you decide to get your 4k content.

5

I have received the hdmi switch and rca cable and it does work. No noticeable audio delay. I tested it with my other devices and will test it with the tv when it comes next Tuesday. As for the 4k content, I will have a separate display port cable running to the tv from my computer to get that quality as that is currently my only means of displaying 4k content. It may become an issue again later down the road when 4k is more available via fios or a chromecast but for now it should work.

6

Just actually looked up what HDMI 1.4 changes vs hdmi 2.0 and the loss in maximum hertz is fine. Since it'll only be my fios box and chromecast going through the hdmi switch and my pc will go over display port I won't need the high refresh rate through the switch. Thanks for pointing that out though!