@icedquinn The reason could be a faulty connector or poorly designed TV where the 3.5mm output isn't shielded/whatever and has loud hum to it. Surely no modern TVs would cut costs like that, surely?

3.5mm to rca is a valid choice too if find something with only rca plugs. It really doesn't matter in home usage (she says while having full-chain of balanced xlr cables). Especially just for listening to TV, when the broadcasts are just about speech lol Don't overthink it too much. Any loud box probably will do fine.