This device automatically switches reliably and as expected. The only thing preventing it from being five stars is that there is no way to completely disable automatic switching via serial control.

Leopold | April 1, 2023

A good product

For tinyToslink - Raspberry Pi Optical Audio

I bought the product at first week of January and I selected no tracking service. The product was lost. However, after some mails I got a good service from the seller and sent another one. I recommend paying a bit more and select tracking service.

There's no documentation. However, you just need to connect the gadget in the only possible position and that's all. The software is a little tricky. Or you edit directly the config.txt file and add the suggested line or connect to the raspberry (ssh), mount the /flash partition and edit the config.txt and reboot.

The quality is much better than the analog jack audio in my RPi4. I highly recommend this product

Valerie | Dec. 29, 2022

Great Product!

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

This product does exactly what you'd hope for it to do: it's an optical output switch with automatic override. Works a trick!

The only thing I should mention is that I ran into some issues with my TV when I first received it; I could hear audio when it came through the PlayStation (connected to the TV) but not when I was attempting to watch something directly on the TV. I was able to go into the settings and select PCM output for the optical audio, which resolved the issue.

Maciej | May 13, 2022

Works perfectly on Ubuntu Server

For tinyToslink - Raspberry Pi Optical Audio

Great value! works as described. Speedy delivery to UK.
Now my good old, headless Raspi3B is hooked up to my good old Fireface400 and can play all kind of files (including 96/24 flac) without a sweat.
(Next step ahead - connect Raspi’s bluetooth to tinyToslink :D)
--

Took me some time but managed to set tinyToslink up on Ubuntu Server :-)
--
Ubuntu’s equivalent of /boot/config.txt is
/boot/firmware/usercfg.txt

and in this file you need to add line:
dtoverlay=hifiberry-digi

reboot, done.

---
in case of problems

check if the device shows up on the list:
aplay -l

check if default output is correct:
pactl list sinks short

set the volume level:
amixer -D pulse sset Master 95%

if still no sound you can try reinstalling audio software (alsa and pulseaudio):
sudo apt-get install --reinstall alsa-base pulseaudio
sudo alsa force-reload

Dan | May 2, 2022

Works great right out of the box!

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

I bought this to connect a Chromecast Audio's Optical-Out to my receiver's Optical-In, in parallel to my TV's Optical-Out. I hooked everything together and plugged in power, and it worked perfectly. Very happy!

I had formerly been hooking them both into the receiver directly, and letting that be my manual switch. But going into the receiver interface to switch sources has always been clumsy, and definitely not significant-other-friendly in my case, which has led to confusion when I've left the source on something other than the TV. This box removes my further need to worry about switching audio sources. Thanks for creating this device!

Gordon | April 11, 2022

Tiny Toslink works great.

For tinyToslink - Raspberry Pi Optical Audio

Easy way to bring digital audio to Raspberry Pis. Worked first time. I haven't tried digital audio input but I was able to right an ALSA application to send audio to the device.

Carsten | Oct. 15, 2021

I've been searching for this for years!

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

Thank you for this great product! I absolutely love it. There is no better, more convenient or smarter toslink switch on the market. I really hope, you get this patented and sell it over amazon. You will be a rich man soon!

Best regards,
Carsten Meyer

Germany

Bjarne Risbjerg | Sept. 15, 2021

State of the Art

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

Really good sound.
The logic works as it's told to do
Fine crafted box
Absolutely nothing to complain about

Ville | June 17, 2021

Robust plug'n'play device

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

I bought the audio switch to connect a PS3, PS4 and PC (USB optical audio) to a stereo amplifier with only one optical input. Build quality is great and the device does exactly as advertised and documented. I chose the combination model with both optical and RCA inputs and outputs for potential future expansion or if I need to change the room configuration. The selling points for me were: automatic input switching with clear and simple priority rules, and duplicated output signal in both optical and RCA (e.g. multiroom audio possibilities).

Wenzel | June 11, 2021

Great addon for a media center Pi

For tinyToslink - Raspberry Pi Optical Audio

I've orderd the DIY Kit and I used my homemade reflow oven to make it complete. There were some optional parts in the kit and no documentation about that. So I just placed them all on the PCB. With some grinding work it fits in a heatsink case for the RPi 4. I'm using it for a media center with LibreELEC.

Before using tinyToslink I had a button at GPIO3 (Pin5) to boot and shutdown the Raspberry Pi (Tutorials for this can be easily found on the net). Unfortunately, GPIO3 is used by tinyToslink now. The shutdown functionality can be rerouted to another pin but the pin for booting the pi needs to be GPIO3. I wanted to keep my power button and managed this with a little extra circuit.

Gerald | May 18, 2021

Wonderful

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

This is the one and only Switcher you should buy! It works wonderful. It is just sad, that it doesn't has a branding! I wrote the instructions on labels, which I printed and glued on the part.
I immediately would by it again!

Peter | March 26, 2021

Fantastic piece of kit, solves a lot of connectivity issues.

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

I finally bought this automatic SPDIF-switch, in its most extensive format: optical and bnc inputs and outputs, plus the bult-in DA, providing a stereo analog output. The unit has replaced a 4x2 optical SPDIF-matrix, two SPDIF-to-coaxial converters, plus a separate D-to-A converter. This is an amazing piece of kit, functioning very well, the automatic switching is so very convenient, and just works! Buy it, you will not be disappointed!

Julien | March 9, 2021

9.9/10 super easy to use!

For tinyToslink - Raspberry Pi Optical Audio

Plug-and-play, super easy to use! I'm running Volumio and was able to select the "HiFiBerry Digi" driver and everything ran perfectly! I'd love to see a direct download to the driver on this page, and shipping took a couple of weeks, but overall I am VERY impressed with this little hat.

Adam | Feb. 21, 2021

Superb as a format converter

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

I'm using this device not as a switch but as a S/PDIF format converter (TOSLINK optical to RCA coax) to connect my computer audio interface to my studio monitors (which have a digital input). Believe or not, essentially all of the converters available on Amazon--which probably all contain the same one or two chips--do a crummy job of this (analog audio can be heard over the supposedly digital RCA output, suggesting either a poorly isolated unused DAC or, worse, conversion by way of a paired DAC/ADC--either of which can cause havoc with signal-detection circuitry on the monitors). Not with this device! As Benjamin notes in his description, the device contains a high-quality digital audio processor that does de-jittering as well, and the optional output transformer avoids ground-loop situations (so if using the RCA out, I strongly recommend getting that feature).

On top of this, the LED status light helps me diagnose signal-chain issues by indicating whether there's a valid bitstream, a silent/invalid stream, or no signal at all present.

Benjamin was also super responsive to questions and helpful with answers. If you're in the U.S., be sure to allow some time for shipping, as the international postal system is having a lot of issues due to COVID, etc.

Oh, and be sure to click on the datasheet, which is actually the full manual.

Michael | Feb. 15, 2021

As described, automatically switches between Optical and RCA

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

Works well and automatically detects the input that is playing music either optical or RCA. It is a really well made device and Benjamin is fantastic to deal with. The only thing I would like to point out, and it is a very minor point, is that the switch takes about 10 seconds to detect a change of input but in terms of convenience in having a switch tucked away and autochanging inputs into my DAC it is brilliant. I currently have three devices, a Bluesound Node 2i, a Naim unitiserve and a CD transport connected to the switch.

I marked documentation as OK because it doesn't come with any. To be honest you don't need any documentation as it is such a straight forward device and very obvious what gets plugged into where.

I highly recommend the switch. It is the solution to automatic switching of multiple inputs, optical and RCA, into a DAC.

Response from Beni_Skate | Feb. 19, 2021

Thank you very much for your review :)
I guess both of your devices always transmit a signal (light in the cable on) - in this case the switch toggles between the input, as it has to analyze the signal of the current active input - when the signal (light) is off and turned on it switches to higher prio immediately.
For a documentation please check the "datasheet" on the Tindie page.

Dennis | Dec. 4, 2020

A SPDIF switch that surpassed my expectation

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

I ordered the version with the coax output transformer. The coax-out goes straight into my Genelec 8340 (with a Neutrik NADITBNC-M). I change the volume with the GLM kit and a DIY motorised potentiometer. Together it's like a little 'pre-amp' and it works like a charm!

Response from Beni_Skate | Feb. 19, 2021

Thank you very much for your review :)

Wit | Sept. 25, 2020

Great audio switch. The DAC that can be ordered is good

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

The optical audio switch on this device is spectacular. Plug in all the inputs you have and... it just works.
I have ordered a version with built-in Sabre DAC, to potentially replace SMSL Sanskrit 10 mk2 DAC.
The output of the built-in Sabre DAC is good - but not spectacular, compared to the SMSL DAC. There is absolutely no noise or distortion, but - again - compared to Sanskrit DAC - it lacks when it comes to fine details, sound stage.

At first, I thought about returning the Sanskrit DAC, but after listening to the builtin Sabre for longer period, I have connected it via optical and it's a keeper.

The optical switch by Beni is highly recommended - works great and you'd have hard time finding another device like this in the whole world!
As for the DAC - if you already have one that you like, the built-in Sabre DAC will not bring any benefit (but won't hurt, you can always use it as a backup if your main DAC breaks).

Shipment:
Shipment via postal service was a disaster in Poland. Costs a small fortune (13$) and was not even delivered home. I had to go to the post office to grab the package. Package itself was destroyed by Polish Post - paper box crushed and torn. It was then repacked in a sealed plastic bag.
Due to the safe packing done by Beni, the device did not receive any harm.
Maybe another way of shipping in the EU could be introduced?

Response from Beni_Skate | Feb. 19, 2021

Thank you very much for your review :)
Sorry that polish post is a disaster - I will think about it when I send something to Poland again - unfortunately other shipping options are way more expensive, because I can't ship thousands of packages per week.

Andrew | Aug. 26, 2020

Works well, simple to set up

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

Very pleased: it makes it very easy to get very high quality audio from multiple inputs to my hifi without needing extra remote controls or buttons.

I bought this to connect my TV and several Hifi and streaming components to my Chord DAC and then to the hifi. It works well, but I had a few problems (not sure if they're anything to do with this unit or something else). My Teufel Streamer had to have its "used fixed clock" setting set otherwise my DAC had lots of problems (but the Teufel app did say that, so maybe to be expected). My Sony TV seems to always provide some kind of signal that the device picks up, even when the TV is off. Not sure why. In the end, I was glad I got the unit with lots of input and output connections (optical and coaxial) because I needed them to make the auto-detection work well. My DAC has a couple of auto-detecting inputs and that didn't work well with this device, so I had to make all the digital inputs go into this switch and then just one output to the DAC.

It didn't have any negative impact on the sound. The sound worked excellently. And I had no problem playing a variety of high-sampling-frequency and high-precision audio files from my streaming devices.

It had no problem being powered from the USB port on the Teufel streamer.

It took about a week to arrive, so not long considering there's a pandemic on and I chose the extra input/output options.

Response from Beni_Skate | Feb. 19, 2021

Thank you very much for your review :)

Jochem | Aug. 10, 2020

Works flawlessly

For tinyToslink - Raspberry Pi Optical Audio

After installing and configuring the Pi according to instructions posted by others, it worked immediately. Sound quality with Spotify is noticeably better compared to my setup with Chromecast, which wasn't something I necessarily expected, but am really happy with (could also be because my receicer has a better decoder for toslink vs hdmi). Awesome product, definitely recommended.

David | July 20, 2020

Does what it's supposed to at a fair price.

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

Searched the world over for this functionality, and this is the only device I could find. Works great. Really nice, small company makes it. Super simple to use -- self explanatory operation. Highly recommended.

Slow delivery to USA, though, thanks to relying on the postal system during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. If you are reading this while the pandemic is still active, and you have a UPS or FedEx account, you can email them a "return" shipping label for faster delivery.

Response from Beni_Skate | Feb. 19, 2021

Thank you very much for your review :)

Andre | July 12, 2020

Superb

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

The device works absolutely flawlessly. Communication with the seller was a pleasure, he always responded swiftly.
I am not aware of any similar device, it replaces a remote-controlled switch that I imported to Germany from the US a few years ago - so far it was the only one that I could find matching my requirements to provide toslink an RCA inputs/outputs. I am very happy with my decision!

Response from Beni_Skate | Feb. 19, 2021

Thank you very much for your review :)

Paul | June 24, 2020

Cost effective digital audio output

For tinyToslink - Raspberry Pi Optical Audio

This device was the most cost effective way for me to resolve the HDMI CEC wakeup problems in my home theatre setup and pipe the Pi's digital audio output to my receiver. Setup took about 10 minutes and I'm really happy with it.

Jesper | June 10, 2020

Works great

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

The product works great and as advertised.
Shipping took a bit longer than I expected but that wasn’t a problem.

Response from Beni_Skate | June 16, 2020

Thank you for your review :)

Caleb | Feb. 2, 2020

Definitely works as advertised

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

It comes *so* close to my ideal use-case, which is the advertised automatic switching. This totally fixes my audio lag between my Sonos setup and my OLED tv (video was almost 1 second ahead of sound, which cannot be compensated for in the sonos app or tv). My external hardware (PS4, XBox One) work great! But the TV has a weird issue where I have to change to an unused input before the sound will come across when using internal tv apps (Youtube, Sling, etc). Since the tv already had weird optical out issues, I'm going to blame it on that, and ultimately that isn't a huge hurdle.

Shipping required me to be home, which I wasn't, so I had to take off work to get to the post office. Package was packed fine.

Overall very satisfied!

Response from Beni_Skate | Feb. 3, 2020

Thank you for your review! :)
This really sounds like your TV has some problems with the optical output.
Yes people have to sign for the package (because it's shipped insured and with tracking).

Matthias | Feb. 2, 2020

Works a treat!

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

A small review has been published in the RME Audio forum:

https://forum.rme-audio.de/viewtopic.php?pid=149763#p149763

It doesn't get better than this!

Response from Beni_Skate | Feb. 3, 2020

Thank you for your detailed review in the forum! :)

Tom | Jan. 23, 2020

Does exactly what it says

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

Works very well, got it with the ES9023 DAC option which sounds better than I'd expected based on previous experience with this chip. As a no-fuss solution to an AV system containing several different sources, some of which will "idle" with a zero signal, it fills the gap perfectly - I was working on a remote controlled solution using an AK4113 but this is more elegant. Also consumes very little power, meaning the TV can power it as well as the HDMI switch using a USB splitter cable.

Response from Beni_Skate | Jan. 23, 2020

Thank you for your review! :)

Casey | Dec. 16, 2019

Simple product that works well

For tinyToslink - Raspberry Pi Optical Audio

I am using this as optical audio out for Raspbian on a Raspberry Pi 4. It works well out of the box with minimal setup.

I found instructions online here: https://www.hifiberry.com/docs/software/configuring-linux-3-18-x/

You will want dtoverlay=hifiberry-digi

I don't believe I received any documentation, but a little googling and looking through the reviews was enough to get it setup.

100% would buy again.

Angel | Nov. 25, 2019

It works on a RBPi4 with OpenELEC

For tinyToslink - Raspberry Pi Optical Audio

I bought this one because it's so small that I can use the heat sinks in the hottest chips of my Raspberry Pi 4.

It's simple to install: plug it in the correct way following the images and you're done.

In the Setup Info does not mention that if you have basic IT skills, to edit config.txt, you can avoid to plug the MicroSD into another computer. Instead, it can be done easily via SSH following some general instructions like:
https://openelec.tv/documentation/configuration/raspberrypi-config-txt

Brian | Sept. 21, 2019

Perfect device to integrate into a smart home setup

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

I've been using this device for about 15 months now, and it's still functioning flawlessly. I haven't been able to find any device that replicates it's functionality.

I have 4 input devices (tv/cable box/Xbox one/Bluetooth receiver) which all output to my 5.1 speakers. My original goal was to use this switch to get my Amazon Alexa to override my other outputs when I speak to it, and come out over my 5.1 speakers when I talk to it. I still haven't succeeded with that, but that's Amazon's fault.

What I have been able to do is establish a voiced control AV system by pairing this automatic toslink switch with some cheap manual toslink switches and a smart home power strip.

I've put each of the manual switches upstream of this device, and plugged their power cords into the smart power strip. I don't actually use the 'switch' functionality of the manual devices, I just plug one input in and have the output run to the automatic switch. By using voice commands to alexa, I'm able to power on the plug at the smart power strip, which powers on the manual switch, which then sends the signal to the autoswitch, causing it to switch to that input (if it's highest priority input). For the audio from the actual Alexa, I found a Bluetooth receiver with a toslink output that I put on the highest priority input on the automatic switch. The key is that the particular BT device doesn't register as an active input on the automatic switch unless it's connected to a BT source. So when I say "Alexa, connect Bluetooth", it automatically connects to the BT receiver, activates it's output, which switches the automatic switch to that input. In this way I have an overriding music input. Disconnecting Alexa from Bluetooth shuts down the output on the receiver and reverts the automatic switch to another input.

The backbone of all of this whole setup is the automatic switch, which works extremely reliably and predictably, something I can't sat about most other devices I've tried to integrate into the system.

To the developer, if there's updated firmware can you please send me a link?

Thank you for making such a great device.

Response from Beni_Skate | Sept. 24, 2019

Thank you for your detailed review! :)

Short time ago I got a feedback from another customer that there is a good bluetooth receiver that switches off the signal when there is no audio (also when a bluetooth device is still connected) available here:
https://www.amazon.de/dp/B00KMS7HFG?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf
(but I didn't test this bluetooth receiver myself)

Some time ago I finally started to write a detailed manual about the switch and a first version is available on the product site here on Tindie (added as Datasheet):
https://d3s5r33r268y59.cloudfront.net/datasheets/10187/2019-05-06-15-47-31/Automatic_Audio_Switch.pdf
Downloadlink for the newest firmware and instructions how to update the firmware are included (Windows computer needed).
You can also check the current firmware version that you have with the Windows client tool.

If you have any other questions just write a message.

Best Regards
Benjamin

Henri | July 28, 2019

Extremely useful and easy to use device

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

There are very few options in the market for a device like this, and what I've come across, this is definitely the best one. The case is robust and seems very durable. Completely silent. Fast shipping. Ability to choose different build configurations for the device is great.

The default time of 10 seconds between activating an input is slightly long (considering that pausing video playback appears to trigger this), but as the switch parameters can be configured with over USB, I don't think it's a big issue.

I definitely recommend this to anyone considering an optical switch.

Response from Beni_Skate | July 28, 2019

Thank you for your review :)

Ivan | May 2, 2019

Excellent HifiBerry digi alternative

For tinyToslink - Raspberry Pi Optical Audio

I use tinyToslink on my Pi 3B with Volumio as radio streamer/media player for my AVR. Since I only needed to use Toslink as input for my AV Reciever, classic Hifiberry digi seemed a bit too much for me, so this came as a perfect solution.

I ordered a kit, received schematics and datasheets by mail. Instructions and packaging were really clear for my needs, although I would like to know more about the use of the optional components (EEPROM and LED). This is not a downside at all, as I believe that one e-mail to Beni would give you all the information you would need if you opt for the usage of optional components. I placed everything in a Rpi 2B case I had lying around, drilled a hole with a Dremel and it all fits fine.

Communication with Beni was great, I had some questions before purchase which he answered really fast.

All in all, I am really satisfied with tinyToslink and service provided by Beni.

Response from Beni_Skate | May 7, 2019

Thank you for your review :)
For the LED I have to say: I never assembled it so I'm not sure what the driver really does with it.
In the future all Raspberry Pi boards should get a EEPROM which serves as identifier, so that you can just plug it onto the Pi and it will load all drivers, etc. automatically (because the Pi knows what board it is) - currently this is not in use here, but I just wanted to keep it in the layout of the board to be on the safe side.

Travis | March 26, 2019

Awesome product and awesome seller!

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

The device works flawlessly and it is one of a kind - I can't find one like it anywhere else. The seller provides great support and communication!

Response from Beni_Skate | April 10, 2019

Thank you for your review :)

Kristoffer | March 26, 2019

Great product

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

Good build quality and it does exactly what it promises. You forget that it is there, which is the point of having it:-).

Response from Beni_Skate | April 10, 2019

Thank you for your review :)

Jim | Jan. 21, 2019

A unique product for a unique situation that works perfectly

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

Like the creator of this product, my TV doesn't forward HDMI 5.1 and has no ARC port, so I wanted a way to force my optical 5.1 devices to output over toslink to my 5.1 soundbar, and this is literally the only product I ran across. I've received it and am very happy to say that it works perfectly and exactly as advertised, and now all of my devices are outputting 5.1. My next TV upgrade will have a functional ARC port, but that it as least $3000 away, so this is wonderful until then.

Like many customers, I would like instructions on how to shut off the blinking LEDs :-) but otherwise this is a quality product.

Response from Beni_Skate | Jan. 22, 2019

Thank you for your review :)
I'll send you a mail regarding how to disable the LEDs.

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