ELAC HDX21 HDMI ARC-to-stereo analog audio converter with variable output

Name: ELAC HDX21
Brand: ELAC
SKU: 970HDX21BK
Price: 299.0 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 2.0 (2 reviews)

Item # 970HDX21BK

This handy converter lets you pass signal from your TV's ARC input to an amp or speakers that don't have an HDMI port.

Converts HDMI ARC to variable analog audio

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What's in the box

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ELAC HDX21 Converts HDMI ARC to variable analog audio

This handy converter lets you pass signal from your TV's ARC input to an amp or speakers that don't have an HDMI port.

Item # 970HDX21BK

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$299.00

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by Crutchfield's Colin M.

Play your newer TV through an old-school audio system

Do you have an existing audio system that rocks but doesn't have an HDMI port that can accomodate the latest TVs? There's no need to upgrade your whole audio system. The ELAC HDX21 is a simple solution that lets you pass signal from your TV's ARC port to an external amplifier or powered speakers via an analog RCA input.

Automatic switching for an additional source

A secondary RCA input lets you hook up another stereo source like a music streamer or CD player. The HDX21 switches to this second source when it senses an input signal. Use the customizable signal threshold and time delay settings to dial in the automatic source switching.

You'll control the volume of your connected audio system using your TV's remote.

Product highlights:

lets you send audio signals from your TV's HDMI ARC port to non-HDMI-equipped components
use your TV remote to control the volume of an external amp or powered speakers
customizable timing and threshold level for auto switching to a secondary connected source
- threshold adjustment: 2 to 200mV
- time delay: 0.5 to 130 seconds

Connections:

HDMI ARC connection
stereo RCA analog audio input
variable-level stereo RCA analog audio output
3.5mm 12-volt trigger output for automatically powering on a compatible connected audio system using your TV remote

General info:

keyhole slots for wall-mounting
6-1/8"W x 1-1/8"H x 3-1/2"D
weight: 1.49 lbs.
warranty: 1 year
MFR # HDX21-BK
Item # 970HDX21BK

What's in the box:

ELAC HDX21 owner's manual

HDMI to analog converter
AC power adapter (attached 58" DC cord)
Instructions

Researched by Crutchfield's Mark G.

Features & specs

Design
Type	Desktop/Component
Built-in Rechargable Battery	---
Built-in Headphone Amplifier
Output Power	N/A
Output Impedance (Unbalanced)	N/A
Output Impedance (Balanced)	N/A
Audio Specs
Bit Depth (USB)	0
Max Sampling Rate (USB)	0
Bit Depth (S/PDIF)	0
Max Sampling Rate S/PDIF	0
S/N Ratio (Unbalanced, in dB)	0
S/N Ratio (Balanced, in dB)	0
THD (Unbalanced)	Not given
THD (Balanced)	N/A
Supported File Types
PCM	Up to 192kHz
DSD	No
DXD	No
MQA	No
Inputs
Total Inputs	2
USB	0
Optical Digital	None
Coaxial Digital	None
3.5mm Digital	None
Stereo RCA Analog	1
Stereo 3.5mm Analog	None
Stereo XLR Analog	None
Headphone Outputs
3.5mm Unbalanced	None
1/4-inch Unbalanced	None
4.4mm Balanced	None
XLR4 Balanced	None
Other Headphone Outs	None
Line Level & Digital Outs
RCA Line Out	1
3.5mm Line Out	None
XLR Line Out	None
Subwoofer Out	None
Optical Digital Out	None
Coaxial Digital Out	None
Wireless Connectivity
Bluetooth	No
Wi-Fi	No
Apple-compatible	No
Android-compatible	No
General Info
Width (inches)	6-1/8
Height (inches)	1-1/8
Depth (inches)	3-1/2
Weight	1.49 lbs.
Parts Warranty	1 Year
Labor Warranty	1 Year

Product Research

Features

HDMI ARC to Variable Analog Converter: The Elac HDX21 provides variable analog audio from today's flat-panel TVs that feature HDMI ARC connectivity by converting HDMI ARC audio into an analog stereo signal. Using the TV's remote control you are now able to operate the the volume of connected powered speakers or external amplifiers without the need for a complex home automation system.

HDMI ARC: A HDMI 1.4 ARC jack plugs into your TV's HDMI ARC or eARC jack using a standard HDMI cable (sold separately). The HDX21's HDMI ARC jack supports 2ch PCM only (not Dolby Digital or DTS).

Analog In with Threshold & Delay: A second audio input that consists of stereo analog RCA jacks allow for automated switching between the TV's HDMI ARC audio and a secondary external audio source connected via a stereo RCA cable (sold separately). You can customize the timing (0.5-130 seconds)and threshold level (2-200mV) for when the secondary analog audio source becomes active.

Analog Out: An analog stereo RCA output connects to the analog or aux input on your powered speaker system or amplifier using a stereo RCA cable or stereo RCA-to-minijack cable (both sold separately).

12V Trigger Out: A 12V trigger out (3.5mm) allows you to synchronize power on/off between the converter, your TV, and connected powered speaker system.

AC Power Adapter: The included AC power adapter plugs into the back of the Elac HDX21 and into and AC power outlet or surge protector/line-conditioner (sold separately).

Mounting Options: The Elac HDX21 can simply be mounted on a flat tabletop surface. It can also be wall-mounted using its two integrated keyhole slots.

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2 questions already asked

Is this box acting as a preamp? Meaning it would have to be plugged into a fixed level input, also referred to as a home theater bypass?

davidp Sep 29, 2024

1 answer

Greetings David. Thank you for your question. This does have variable output, so it can go into just a fixed input. It technically could also go into a variable input on your receiver as well. Just have to remember that two possible devices could possibly control the volume at that point.

thomas Sep 29, 2024 (Staff)

what kind of DAC is this using?

colin Sep 16, 2024

1 answer

Hey Colin, there is no information on file from ELAC on the type of chip they are using for this piece. Its pretty new to the market as well so that is information that may come forward later, but until then, you can reach out to ELAC at 714-252-8843 and see if they may have that information on file.

red Sep 16, 2024 (Staff)

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