Short answer: Use RCA when your TV or source has a line-level audio output. High-level (speaker-level) inputs are typically for connecting to speaker outputs and aren’t common on soundbars.

• RCA (line-level): Sends a low-voltage signal and is common on soundbars as “RCA,” “Line In,” or “AUX (R/L).” It’s a good fit if your TV has red/white audio out or a 3.5mm headphone/line out (with an adapter).
• High-level: Designed to accept amplified speaker outputs, more common with some amps or subwoofers than soundbars.
• Consider alternatives: If your setup supports it, optical or HDMI ARC can offer cleaner digital audio and convenient TV-remote volume control.

You can filter for “RCA input” on the site to see compatible options.

They’re round, color‑coded audio jacks. On most soundbars, RCA inputs appear as two small circular ports labeled R and L (or “Line In,” “AUX,” or “RCA”).

• Colors: Red is right channel, white is left channel.
• Labeling: Look for “Audio In,” “RCA In,” or “Line In (R/L).”
• Don’t confuse with video: A yellow RCA jack is usually video (composite) and won’t carry audio.
• Cables: You’ll use a stereo RCA cable (red/white plugs). Some soundbars include a 3.5mm AUX jack instead; you can still connect RCA using a 3.5mm-to-RCA adapter.

Match colors and labels to avoid plugging into the wrong ports.

RCA and 3.5mm AUX both carry analog stereo and can sound very similar. Differences usually come down to the devices and cable quality rather than the connector itself.

• Use what fits best: If your TV has red/white “Audio Out,” RCA to RCA is straightforward. If it has a headphone/line jack, a 3.5mm AUX cable works.
• Settings matter: TVs with a fixed-level line out can feed a cleaner, consistent signal to your soundbar compared with a variable headphone output.
• Consider digital: If available, optical or HDMI ARC can reduce noise and may enable TV-remote volume control and audio formats not supported over analog.

Trying both analog options, if you have them, can help you decide.

1. Find the TV’s analog audio out: Look for red/white ports labeled “Audio Out.” If you only see a 3.5mm jack, use a 3.5mm-to-RCA cable.
2. Connect to the soundbar: Plug red to red and white to white on the soundbar’s “RCA/Line In.”
3. Select the input: Use the soundbar remote or button to choose “AUX,” “Line,” or “RCA.”
4. Adjust TV audio settings: Set audio to “External speakers” or “Line out,” and if there’s a choice, try “PCM” for compatibility. Volume behavior varies by TV.
5. Fine-tune levels: Start with moderate TV volume, then use the soundbar volume for daily control.

Connections and names vary by model, so your TV’s manual may provide additional guidance.

Yes, with an adapter. If your TV only has optical or HDMI ARC/eARC and your soundbar takes RCA, you’ll need a converter.

• Optical to RCA DAC: Connect the TV’s optical output to a digital‑to‑analog converter, then run RCA to the soundbar. Set the TV’s digital audio to PCM for compatibility.
• HDMI ARC to analog extractor: Some boxes convert ARC/eARC to RCA. Setup and volume control support vary by device.
• Power and cables: Converters usually need USB or wall power and the appropriate cables.

Results can vary based on TV settings and the converter used, so reviewing the converter’s compatibility details is a good step before purchasing.