Modern Xiaomi TVs are famous for their availability and smart features based on Android TV, but the built-in acoustics often leaves much to be desired. The thin body does not allow you to accommodate full-fledged speakers, which makes the sound flat, devoid of bass and depth. That is why the question of how to connect the music center to the Xiaomi TV, becomes one of the first for owners who value high-quality audio content.
Fortunately, the Mi TV ecosystem offers many interfaces for integrating external acoustics, whether it's an old Soviet tape recorder or a modern Hi-Fi system. You don't have to be an audiophile to notice the difference: even a basic cable connection can dramatically change the way you experience movies and music. In this article, we'll take a look at all the switching methods available, from digital to analog.
Before you start, it's important to understand that the choice of method depends on the year your TV is released and the model of the music system. Some old centers do not have digital inputs, and new TVs may not have analog outputs. Interface compatibility is a key success factor, which we'll discuss in a moment.
Analysis of available interfaces on Xiaomi TV
The first step is always to visually inspect the back and side panels of your device. Xiaomi TVs, depending on the series (Mi TV Stick, Mi Box, Mi TV P1, Q1), can have a different set of ports. You need to find the markings AUDIO OUT, OPTICAL or HDMI (ARC).
Often, people confuse inputs and outputs. To connect the music center, we need the outputs from the TV. If you connect the cable to the AUDIO IN connector, there will be no sound, because the TV will try to receive the signal, not give it away. Carefully study the technical documentation or the sticker with the ports.
In modern Xiaomi models, a combined 3.5 mm AV connector is increasingly found, which requires a special adapter-tulip, which is done to save space in thin cases. At the same time, flagship models retain the full optical output of Toslink, which provides the best quality of digital sound.
⚠️ Note: Never connect cables to power ports or USB, If you're not 100% sure about their purpose, trying to apply a 12V or 5V voltage to the music center's audio input can burn the incoming amplifier cascade.
Connecting via HDMI ARC is the best digital option
The most high-quality and convenient way to transmit sound is the use of an interface. HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel: This technology allows you to transmit multi-channel audio without compression and, most importantly, control the volume of the music center from the remote of the Xiaomi TV. ARC have HDMI-entrance.
The setup process is extremely simple and does not require complex manipulation of drivers, the TV itself recognizes the connected device and redirects the audio stream, which is ideal for home theater systems, where it is important to save formats like Dolby Digital or DTS.
To activate the function, you need to go to the system settings. Find the Settings section, then go to Sound or Device Settings. You need to find Digital Exit and select HDMI ARC or Auto mode. Also make sure that the CEC (HDMI Control) function is enabled, which allows the TV remote to control external acoustics.
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Use only certified HDMI cables version 1.4 or higher. Cheap cables may not support an audio return channel (ARC), and sound will only go through the TV's speakers.
If you don't have audio after you've connected, check the output format settings. Sometimes the TV tries to send a signal in a format that the music center doesn't support. Try changing the audio settings in the Settings menu → Sound → Format on PCM or Dolby Digital, depending on your system's capabilities.
Use of the optical output Toslink
Optical output (S/PDIF Optical) is the gold standard for mid- to high-end audio systems, transmitting a digital signal through a light guide, which completely eliminates the effects of electromagnetic interference from the electronics of the TV. On the case of Xiaomi, this port is often closed with a plastic plug that must be carefully removed before connecting the cable.
The main advantage of optical connectivity is stability, it does not degraph with a cable length (up to 10 meters in reasonable terms) and provides the cleanest sound, but it only transmits audio, so controlling the volume from the TV remote is not always possible, it depends on supporting the protocol for managing your acoustics.
To activate this method, perform the following actions:
- 🔌 Insert the Toslink cable into the port OPTICAL OUT TV and the corresponding entrance at the music center.
- 📺 In the menu of the Xiaomi TV go to Settings → Sound. → Exit the sound and select the Optical output.
- 🔊 At the music center, select the source of the signal (Source) Optical or Digital In.
It's important to note that the optical cable doesn't transmit video, only sound. If your music center doesn't have its own Dolby decoder, the TV may require you to switch the output format to PCM (stereo), otherwise you'll hear only noise or hiss instead of music.
| Type of connection | Sound quality | Control from the remote | Multichannel support |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDMI ARC | High (Lossless) | Yes (full) | Yes (5.1, 7.1) |
| Optics (Toslink) | High (Digital) | Partially/No | Yes (up to 5.1) |
| Bluetooth | Medium (Compressed) | Yes. | No (usually stereo) |
| Mini-Jack (3.5 mm) | Low (Analogue) | Yes. | No (Stereo) |
Analog connection via Mini-Jack and RCA
If your audio system is from the previous generation and doesn’t have digital inputs, you’ll have to use an analog connection. Xiaomi TVs often use a combined 3.5mm AV OUT connector. It looks like a regular headphone jack, but transmits a signal to three channels (video and two audio).
To connect, you'll need a special 3.5 mm by 2 RCA (tulips) adapter cable, and a white and red plug connects to the AUX IN or CD IN inputs at the music center, and the yellow plug is not used.
☑️ Verification of analog connection
The sound quality of an analog connection depends on the quality of the digital-to-analog converter (DAC) inside the TV. In low-end models, Xiaomi DAC can be mediocre, which will lead to background noise or a “metal” hue in the sound.
Note that with this connection, dynamic range can be limited. If the music center is powerful and the TV output level is low, you will have to twist the volume to the maximum on both devices, which can increase noise.
Wireless connection via Bluetooth
Xiaomi’s Android TVs today are equipped with Bluetooth, which allows wireless speakers and music centers to be connected without any extra wires, and it’s the most aesthetic way to avoid having to pull cables across the room.
To pair devices, follow the following steps:
- 📡 Transfer the music center to Bluetooth search mode (usually Pairing button or hold the power button).
- 📺 On the Xiaomi remote, click the settings button (cogs) and select Settings. → Remote and accessories → Add an accessory.
- 🔍 Wait for your center name to appear in the list and select it to pair.
Even with aptX or AAC codecs, the sound quality will be inferior to wired connectivity, basses can become less clear, and high frequencies can become smoothed, a method ideal for background music, but not critical listening.
How to reduce the latency of Bluetooth sound?
Solving problems with lack of sound
Even with the right connection, users often experience a situation where there is no sound, the most common reason is the wrong signal source at the music center. Make sure that the selected input indicator (for example, OPTICAL, AUX or BT) is on the display of the center.
The second common problem is setting the output in Android TV. The system may not have switched automatically. Go to Settings → Sound and manually change the Digital Output setting. Try switching modes between Auto, PCM and Pass-through. 90% of the time, this solves the problem.
It's also worth checking if the headphones only feature is activated in the audio settings. If it's on, the TV speaker and the external output can be turned off. Turn off this option so that the sound appears on the connected system.
⚠️ Note: When switching sound formats (e.g., with PCM Dolby can have a short-term interruption or click. Don't worry, this is normal digital-to-analog converter.
Use of external DACs and adapters
Owners of old but quality music centers may face a lack of necessary entrances. USB-TV outlet and center requires tulips, you will need an external sound card (DAC) feed-on USB. This device converts a digital signal into high-quality analogue.
The connection looks like this: USB port TV → USB-DAC adapter → RCA Cable → Music Center. In the settings of the Xiaomi TV, you will need to choose an external USB audio device as a priority, which allows you to get sound much better than through the built-in minijack.
When choosing a DAC, pay attention to sampling frequency support. 48 kHz/16 bit support is enough for TVs, but more expensive models can handle 96 kHz, which is useful for streaming high-resolution music.
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External USB-DAC is the best solution for resuscitating an old Hi-Fi system with a modern TV, providing a clean analog signal bypassing the weak built-in TV sound card.