Computer Hope
Hardware => Hardware => Topic started by: audioproblems on May 30, 2012, 07:22:01 AM
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Hi
I've got quite a weird problem: I get almost no sound out of my computer, even though the PC/Speaker volume is turned all the way up and I replaced my sound card. After a great deal of trying to fix it, I still don't even know for sure if it's hardware or software related. I'll try to explain as clearly as possible, it's quite a story though already.
How and when
Two days ago, I connected my self built desktop computer (I'll list specs below) to a Pioneer SA-530 (http://www.hifiengine.com/manuals/pioneer/sa-530.shtml) amplifier I got from a friend recently, using a cable like this one (http://www.iec.net/Images/jpeg/M7401.jpg). I put the mini jack in the green speaker outlet on the back of my PC. As far as I know I couldn't do any wrong with that, but I'm afraid I did. It did work though: I could listen to the song played in Winamp through the speakers from the Pioneer amp, but the volume was very low which I found strange already. The Pioneer amp works fine. Before I connected my desktop to it, I installed a Technics turntable from my dad from the 80's which works perfectly.
So that is how and when the problem occurred: after getting almost no volume through the Pioneer amp, I reconnected the speakers (http://www.alteclansing.com/ae/us/computer-speakers/vs2420/invt/vs2420) I've been using before. I had to turn the PC volume and the speaker volume all the way up, and only then I could here the music being played very softly, and with an overdrive and lots of noise through it. I immediately tested my speakers with my iPod: they work fine. I then connected my headphones to my desktop computer, and I got the same problem: very low volume, overdrive and noise. If I connect my iPod to the Pioneer amp, it works perfectly though.
The problem
- almost no volume, even though PC/speaker volume is maxed
- overdrive on the sound
- noise
What I tried to fix it
I have an onboard Realtek High Definition Audio soundcard on my motherboard. I figured something might be wrong with the driver, so I went on line and updated it, but that didn't help. I googled for similar problems but couldn't find anything. My conclusion was that when connecting the Pioneer amp to my desktop, I somehow broke the onboard Realtek soundcard.
So, convinced that everything would be fixed by that, I bought a PCI sound card yesterday. I installed it using the instructions provided: physically install it in the computer, then install the drivers with the CD. After rebooting, nothing had changed. I figured maybe the driver from the CD was too old, so searched for the newest driver. That's where a second problem rises: I don't know which sound card I have bought. Very strange, but I'll explain:
- According to the box: LogiLink PCI Sound Card PC0027B (http://www.logilink.com/showproduct/PC0027B.htm?seticlanguage=en) The card is identical to the image provided on this site.
- According to device manager, after installing the card and the driver, I've got this sound card: C-Media CMI8738/C3DX Audio Device, meaning one of these (http://www.cmedia.com.tw/ProductsIndex.aspx?ClassifySerno=28).
At first, I installed the driver listed on the LogiLink site; that didn't help. Then I went searching for the C-Media drivers and installed one of them, don't remember which one but it didn't work.
Being adviced to do so by my uncle, I then disabled the Realtek soundcard in the BIOS settings, although the new PCI sound card was already listed as the standard device for audio.
I then tried the following Windows help site (http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/help/no-sound-in-windows), which asked me to run troubleshooter programs. Through that I found out I was still using Service Pack 2, so just to be sure I updated to SP 3, but that didn't help.
To be clear: switching from the onboard Realtek sound card to the new PCI sound card didn't change anything, the sound volume is/was still very low with overdrive and noise.
On line help from computerhope.com chat
I then went on line on the chat from this site and got help by a few people. I was adviced to remove the new PCI sound card, switch back to the Realtek one in the BIOS settings and do a system restore back to when everything worked fine. I did all of that, also reinstalled the Realtek driver, but nothing changed. One member of the chat thought I somehow broke the audio output on my motherboard because of the Pioneer amp not being grounded.
Specs
- OS: MS Windows XP Professional 32-bit SP2 (had SP3 yesterday but due to system restore back on SP2. Will update to SP3 though later today)
- ASUS M3A78-EMH HDMI motherboard
- Processor: AMD Athlon 64 X2 4800+
- RAM: 4.0GB Dual-Channel DDR2 @ 357MHz (5-5-5-18) Corsair
- Video: 512MB nVidia GeForce 9600 GT
Soundcards
- Onboard: Realtek High Definition Audio
- New PCI soundcard: OR LogiLink PCI Sound Card PC0027B (http://www.logilink.com/showproduct/PC0027B.htm?seticlanguage=en) according to the box, OR C-Media CMI8738/C3DX Audio Device, meaning one of these (http://www.cmedia.com.tw/ProductsIndex.aspx?ClassifySerno=28), according to device manager after installing it.
I bought my PC in the summer of 2008, so it's about 5 years old. (*censored*, that's fast!)
Conclusion
I really don't know what is wrong, nobody I called knows, googling didn't help and the chat here neither.
If it's a software problem, the system restore should have fixed it as far as I know.
If it's a hardware problem, the new soundcard I installed and which got accepted by device manager should have taken over from the presumably broken Realtek onboard sound card.
The only thing I can think of, like the person from the chat said, is that I broke something on my motherboard itself. Something that can't even be fixed by adding an external PCI sound card.
I was planning on bringing my computer to a PC tech, but I'm able to borrow a USB sound card one of the following days. That's really the last thing I think I can try I think. But being a musician and audiophile, I'm really desperate to get it fixed as soon as possible. :)
If I really broke my motherboard, I don't know what the best option would be though. The PC is about 5 years old, so I expect it would be pretty hard to find a motherboard that is compatible with all the other hardware, although I'm not an expert on that.
So, what do you guys think? Is it software or hardware related? Would reinstalling Windows help? Anyone with a creative idea that might help?
I'm really out of idea's... :(
If anyone needs more info or specs or anything, please ask and I'll do my best.
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TL;DR: (almost) no sound + overdrive/noise after connecting desktop PC to old stereo amp. Updated drivers, replaced onboard sound card with a new PCI one, no change. Switched back to onboard and did system restore. Still don't know if it's hardware or software related. I'm afraid I somehow broke my motherboard.
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The only observation i can make re the introduction of the external amplifier is that when inputting sound from an external source to a computer audio card it is advisable to use a pre amplifier rather than an actual amplifier. While an amplifier can be used if the precaution of lowering the output volume is not adjusted to the lowest possible volume the possibility exists to blow the sound card. When i had a need to do this i used a preamp and achieved volume increases through the computer sound card.Although i suspect that you may have already done so (but if you have you don't mention it) have you tried using other input/output jacks on the computer? truenorth
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You need a line level preamp. I had the same problem with my vintage stereo with a modern TV & MP3 player.
Get one of these & your problem is solved.
http://www.phonopreamps.com/TC-780LCpp.html
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The only observation i can make re the introduction of the external amplifier is that when inputting sound from an external source to a computer audio card it is advisable to use a pre amplifier rather than an actual amplifier. While an amplifier can be used if the precaution of lowering the output volume is not adjusted to the lowest possible volume the possibility exists to blow the sound card. When i had a need to do this i used a preamp and achieved volume increases through the computer sound card.Although i suspect that you may have already done so (but if you have you don't mention it) have you tried using other input/output jacks on the computer? truenorth
Hmmm, correct me if I'm wrong, but if I connect the (green) output from the desktop to the amplifier AUX input, aren't I inputting the computers' sound in the amplifier?
In any case, when I tried it at first, the volume of the amp was all the way down indeed.
I tried every other input/output jack with my headphones to check if any of them did anything, but to no result...
You need a line level preamp. I had the same problem with my vintage stereo with a modern TV & MP3 player.
Get one of these & your problem is solved.
http://www.phonopreamps.com/TC-780LCpp.html
I don't think that would fix the fact the sound coming out of my computer is of a very low volume, and overdriven/noisy...?
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Hmmm, correct me if I'm wrong, but if I connect the (green) output from the desktop to the amplifier AUX input, aren't I inputting the computers' sound in the amplifier?
In any case, when I tried it at first, the volume of the amp was all the way down indeed.
I tried every other input/output jack with my headphones to check if any of them did anything, but to no result...
I don't think that would fix the fact the sound coming out of my computer is of a very low volume, and overdriven/noisy...?
Yes, the green is the output. If the line level is too low, the volume will be too low.
Have you tried external powered computer speakers?
No volume in headphones either?
Get it working without the stereo first.
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There indeed isn't any volume through my headphones either. I tried my usual pair of computer speakers which work fine, but they also get a very low volume.
The stereo isn't important indeed, I just wish I could ge some (clean) sound out of my pc...
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How long has this sound problem been occurring?
Was the sound working prior to trying to connect the Pioneer stereo?
Are you using the rear jacks on the computer?
Since you now have 2 sound sources, how do you know which one is really on?
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audioproblems, "Two days ago, I connected my self built desktop computer (I'll list specs below) to a Pioneer SA-530 amplifier" it was this statement that led me to believe (and i suspect CC as well) that the connection was FROM the amplifier TO the computer hence my observation above.If it is the reverse the suggestion is NOT relevant. truenorth
P.S. Acknowledging ALL you have done i tend to believe the issue is hardware related. I am going to suggest another alternative to onboard or card type sound card.That is an external sound card (USB) .The connection then will be via a different route than the other 2 and might make a difference. here is a link to a multitude of those devices.They are relatively inexpensive.
http://www.google.com/search?q=external+usb+sound+cards&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:unofficial&client=seamonkey-a
truenorth
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This is all very strange.
I can understand why the stereo doesn't work.
I can see no reason why the powered PC speakers or headphones don't work.
They must be a common element here besides the motherboard. Maybe a bad sound cable, the one that connects to the computer, NOT this this (http://www.iec.net/Images/jpeg/M7401.jpg) one because the stereo won't work, even with the mini to RCA cable referenced.
It might be a combination of things, at this point. Remove the PCI sound card & go back to the onboard sound.
Your goal is to return the computer to a state before this sound problem occurred.
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How long has this sound problem been occurring?
Was the sound working prior to trying to connect the Pioneer stereo?
Are you using the rear jacks on the computer?
Since you now have 2 sound sources, how do you know which one is really on?
Hi. The sound problem occurred when I connected the amp to my computer. I had played some vinyl records through a turntable with the same Pioneer amp, so I knew the volume was strangely low when I played audio through my computer. I switched back to my old speakerset, which I now need to turn all the way up along with the PC volume to hear something.
The sound was working perfectly before indeed.
I am using the rear jacks indeed, my PC doesn't have any front jacks.
At the moment, I'm using the Realtek onboard sound card. I removed the PCI sound card after someone on the chat here advised me to do so. The Realtek is also listed as standard device in device manager now.
audioproblems, "Two days ago, I connected my self built desktop computer (I'll list specs below) to a Pioneer SA-530 amplifier" it was this statement that led me to believe (and i suspect CC as well) that the connection was FROM the amplifier TO the computer hence my observation above.If it is the reverse the suggestion is NOT relevant. truenorth
P.S. Acknowledging ALL you have done i tend to believe the issue is hardware related. I am going to suggest another alternative to onboard or card type sound card.That is an external sound card (USB) .The connection then will be via a different route than the other 2 and might make a difference. here is a link to a multitude of those devices.They are relatively inexpensive.
http://www.google.com/search?q=external+usb+sound+cards&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:unofficial&client=seamonkey-a
truenorth
I'm sorry, that is indeed correct. I meant to say the other way around: I connected the amp to the speaker outlet of my desktop, so that I could use the superior speakers that are connected to it.
Thanks for the advice. I am indeed getting one of these USB cards the coming days; my nephew has a spare one. I really hope that fixes the issue.
This is all very strange.
I can understand why the stereo doesn't work.
I can see no reason why the powered PC speakers or headphones don't work.
They must be a common element here besides the motherboard. Maybe a bad sound cable, the one that connects to the computer, NOT this this (http://www.iec.net/Images/jpeg/M7401.jpg) one because the stereo won't work, even with the mini to RCA cable referenced.
It might be a combination of things, at this point. Remove the PCI sound card & go back to the onboard sound.
Your goal is to return the computer to a state before this sound problem occurred.
Well, the stereo does work in fact. Using the very same cable I used to connect the stereo to my PC, I can listen to music on my iPod. So the AUX-channel on the stereo should be alright as far as I know.
What kind of cable could that be then? Inside the computer case?
At this time, I'm only using the Realtek onboard sound card. On advice from someone on the chat from this site, I removed the PCI card and switched back to the Realtek, which is now the only one showing up in device manager.
The same person also adviced me to do a system restore after removing the card. I did that and restored to monday around noon, which is a few hours before I connected to stereo to my desktop, but that didn't help...
Could someone maybe clear this up for me:
- if system restore to a state before it all happened does not work, does that rule out possible software problems?
- if adding a PCI soundcard does not work to avoid the problem of the "fault" on the motherboard, does that mean that something on the motherboard got damaged in a way that you can't bypass it by adding a PCI card, making it definitely a hardware problem?
Thanks for your help already guys, I really appreciate it. :)
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Are you sure you're plugging the speakers into the right port? It's usually the lime green one.
Have you tried clearing CMOS?
if system restore to a state before it all happened does not work, does that rule out possible software problems?
It should. Let's make sure. Right click on your speaker icon and choose Adjust Audio Properties. Under device volume, make sure it's turned up then click advanced open the Master Volume window. Make sure all of your levels are turned up there and that none of them have a check next to mute. Back in the audio properties window, under speaker settings click on advanced. Under speaker setup make sure desktop stereo speakers are selected. Then click on the performance tab and choose restore defaults.
Does another user account have the same problem?
If you had a Linux live CD you could boot to it and test the sound. If the problem persists in another operating system, then it is indeed a hardware problem.
According to the box: LogiLink PCI Sound Card PC0027B The card is identical to the image provided on this site.
According to device manager, after installing the card and the driver, I've got this sound card: C-Media CMI8738/C3DX Audio Device, meaning one of these.
It is a Logilink PC0027B. If you have a look at the link you posted, you will see that CMI8738 is listed next to chipset. That means that, on the sound card, the microchips Logilink used for the card are manufactured by Cmedia and CMI8738 identifies the exact microchips.
Are you quite sure you download the correct driver from LogiLink?
Here is a direct link if you need it:
http://www.2direkt.de/i-sell2u/images/driver/PC0027B.zip
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Are you sure you're plugging the speakers into the right port? It's usually the lime green one.
Have you tried clearing CMOS?
Yeah, I'm definitely shure about that, both when I use the Realtek card and the PCI card.
What do you mean by CMOS?
It should. Let's make sure. Right click on your speaker icon and choose Adjust Audio Properties. Under device volume, make sure it's turned up then click advanced open the Master Volume window. Make sure all of your levels are turned up there and that none of them have a check next to mute. Back in the audio properties window, under speaker settings click on advanced. Under speaker setup make sure desktop stereo speakers are selected. Then click on the performance tab and choose restore defaults.
Does another user account have the same problem?
If you had a Linux live CD you could boot to it and test the sound. If the problem persists in another operating system, then it is indeed a hardware problem.
I did all of that before. All volumes are maxed, I tried switching from stereo desktop speakers to headphones and back.
This is my personal computer, no one else uses it.
I did get a link yesterday to download a Puppy Linux disc, which I will try later today (need to burn it to a disc first). I'll post back here when that is done.
It is a Logilink PC0027B. If you have a look at the link you posted, you will see that CMI8738 is listed next to chipset. That means that, on the sound card, the microchips Logilink used for the card are manufactured by Cmedia and CMI8738 identifies the exact microchips.
Are you quite sure you download the correct driver from LogiLink?
Here is a direct link if you need it:
http://www.2direkt.de/i-sell2u/images/driver/PC0027B.zip
Aha, thanks for that, that's good to know.
Yes, that is the exact link I used to download the driver I found on the LogiLink site, didn't work.
I'll try the Linux CD later today, then I'll be sure about the software/hardware thing. Thanks already! :)
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I just tried the Puppy Linux CD. I played some test sounds with it, and can sadly confirm that it's a hardware problem. Still a low volume, need to turn speakers/PC volume all the way up just to hear some overdriven noise.
So, apparently my motherboard is broken in a certain way that even a PCI soundcard can't fix? Or could it still be something else?
I'll wait until I have that USB sound card, that should be this weekend hopefully.
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I had a computer with the onboard Realtek that exhibited a similar problem. The Realtek software will override the Windows sound settings. It will also autodetect if the sound cable is plugged in. If I remember correctly, there's a mute setting checkbox.
Since you are having the same problem with the PCI sound card & the Linux CD, it must be hardware related.
This is the 1st computer I've heard of or worked on in 20 years where the sound cannot be fixed by an add-on card. Connecting to Stereo Aux input would have no detrimental effect on anything. Those stereo mini-jacks can be tempermental, if pushed in too far or not far enough, won't make proper contact. I would start looking carefully at all the cables & connectors. On my computer the problem was the mini-jack not making proper contact and I would get the low volume you describe. Play around with the jack, pull it in & out just a bit while sound is playing & see if it makes any difference. When you pull the plug, you should see the Realtek popup saying you unplugged it & go awasy when you plug it back in.
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While it would be wonderful if this turned out to be the problem "Those stereo mini-jacks can be tempermental," . I too can relate that exact same issue on one of my computers some time ago. truenorth
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I had a computer with the onboard Realtek that exhibited a similar problem. The Realtek software will override the Windows sound settings. It will also autodetect if the sound cable is plugged in. If I remember correctly, there's a mute setting checkbox.
Since you are having the same problem with the PCI sound card & the Linux CD, it must be hardware related.
This is the 1st computer I've heard of or worked on in 20 years where the sound cannot be fixed by an add-on card. Connecting to Stereo Aux input would have no detrimental effect on anything. Those stereo mini-jacks can be tempermental, if pushed in too far or not far enough, won't make proper contact. I would start looking carefully at all the cables & connectors. On my computer the problem was the mini-jack not making proper contact and I would get the low volume you describe. Play around with the jack, pull it in & out just a bit while sound is playing & see if it makes any difference. When you pull the plug, you should see the Realtek popup saying you unplugged it & go awasy when you plug it back in.
That's what people have been telling me indeed. I don't understand it at all. The stereo works fine, with my iPod and the same cable...
I just did what you adviced. I do indeed get the Realtek pop-up as usual, but if I play around with the plug, it's either the low volume sound I've been getting all the time, or the (usual) noise you hear when you pull out a speaker plug.
The mini-jack goes straight into the motherboard, so there are no other cables there I could check. I don't see any connectors either, it's just the block with six audio plugs like you can see here (http://cdn1.afterdawn.fi/hardware/large/5575.jpg) at the top in the middle.
I really don't understand it. I'm always very careful with expensive stuff. I connected the amp to the PC like I put my headphones in my iPod, nothing special or so. It just broke I guess. :p
While it would be wonderful if this turned out to be the problem "Those stereo mini-jacks can be tempermental," . I too can relate that exact same issue on one of my computers some time ago. truenorth
You did? How did you fix it if I may ask?
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2 questions:
1. The cable to your iPod and the cable from your computer to these (http://www.alteclansing.com/ae/us/computer-speakers/vs2420/invt/vs2420) is the same cable?
2. Plugs on both ends?
If yes to both, it's the cheap jacks they use on the motherboard & the PCI card and/or the cable. Find the "sweet spot" where it works. If the jack or plug is slightly out of spec, this is the result. You might find another cable with plugs that works just fine in everything.
I had exactly the same problem with my motherboard (now dead & gone). If you moved the cable a little bit, no sound & had to fiddle with it for a while.
Sorry, it took me a while to understand your problem.
BTW, the "pointy" end is called the plug which inserts into the jack. Both are also known as connectors. So, jacks & plugs are types of connectors. Connectors are much more complicated than they appear & there is a specification for all the dimensions. The Chinese are so driven by price, that saving a bit of metal when you make millions of them, adds up to greater profits. Nobody bothers to inspect or test, so it's easy to fool everyone & it becomes someone else's problem after the sale, i.e. You & Me, etc.
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Hmmm, no, I'll explain. I've got two cables that I'm using:
A) a 1,5 meter mini stereo extension cable, like this one (http://www.cablesondemand.com/Images/Products/subcat/MSEXT.jpg). This cable goes into my desktop, straight into the green motherboard jack.
B) an RCA-to mini-jack cable, like this one. (http://joday.free.fr/images/hw/mini-jack_rca.jpg)
- These (http://www.alteclansing.com/ae/us/computer-speakers/vs2420/invt/vs2420)are my "old" speakers, the ones I've been using for the pas two years. They are connected with my desktop through cable A.
- The 1980 Pioneer stereo: I briefly connected it to the green jack on the motherboard using cable B.
Both cable A and B work fine, I attached my iPod to both of them and that works well.
I also tried to connect the speakers directly to my PC, without the use of cable A, but that gives me the same result.
The problem is thus the PC itself, probably the green jack indeed.
Although, question: shouldn't the PCI sound card work then? It doesn't make use of the green output jack on the motherboard?
When did the problem with your motherboard occur? Also after plugging in something else?
I tried fiddling with it indeed, but it doesn't seem to help me.
No problem, I'm glad you're trying to help. :)
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BTW, the "pointy" end is called the plug which inserts into the jack. Both are also known as connectors.
(http://external.ak.fbcdn.net/safe_image.php?d=AQB68xd8Jzc0EPn2&w=180&h=540&url=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2Fthumb%2F8%2F8b%2FAudio-TRS-Mini-Plug.jpg%2F720px-Audio-TRS-Mini-Plug.jpg&fallback=hub_likes&prefix=d)
Generically, this type of connector is called A TRS (tip ring sleeve) connector. In British English speaking countries, the terms jack plug and jack socket are commonly used for the respective male and female TRS connectors. In the U.S., a stationary (fixed) electrical connector is called a "jack".
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...Both cable A and B work fine, I attached my iPod to both of them and that works well.
1. I also tried to connect the speakers directly to my PC, without the use of cable A, but that gives me the same result.
2. The problem is thus the PC itself, probably the green jack indeed.
3. Although, question: shouldn't the PCI sound card work then? It doesn't make use of the green output jack on the motherboard?
...
1. You had to use some cable to do this; it's not cable A or B. That's the one that has not been used on the iPod. It must be a male plug to male plug.
2. Maybe not. Explain #1 first.
3. Let's solve one problem at a time.
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Ah, I see what you mean.
Well, the Altec Lansing speakerset has a mini-jack cable that is fixed to one of speakers. It is that cable that I connect to cable A, and cable A goes to the motherboard.
That cable, the whole speakerset in fact, work fine.
Actually, everything works fine apart from the PC. :p
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I have never seen a mini-jack permanently affixed to the speaker. I have several Altecs, they are all the same, except for the addition of the Aux input. If both cable are plugged in at the same time, one overrides the other.
The iPod connects to the Aux on the Altec speakers. It does not use the mini-jack according to pic 4c. Computer is show in 4a.
Model VS2420 Quick Connect Card (http://www.alteclansing.com/content/ebiz/alteclansing/resources/images/quickconnectcard/VS2420-QCC.pdf)
Try a different set of powered speakers with the computer.
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I have never seen a mini-jack permanently affixed to the speaker. I have several Altecs, they are all the same, except for the addition of the Aux input. If both cable are plugged in at the same time, one overrides the other.
The iPod connects to the Aux on the Altec speakers. It does not use the mini-jack according to pic 4c. Computer is show in 4a.
Model VS2420 Quick Connect Card (http://www.alteclansing.com/content/ebiz/alteclansing/resources/images/quickconnectcard/VS2420-QCC.pdf)
Try a different set of powered speakers with the computer.
Well, [ur=http://i.imgur.com/Mdmsr.jpgl]mine is[/url]. The cable on the right is the cable that goes into the PC. Could be because it's the European version maybe?
I've never used the AUX input on the Altec set. If I use the iPod with the speakers, I just plug in the same fixed cable and that works fine.
I just tried another set of speakers, same issue. Same with my headphones which I've tried before.
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I have never seen a mini-jack permanently affixed to the speaker
My current Labtec speakers and also the previous four sets of powered speakers have been that way.
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I have a 3 speaker Dell system on one of my computers and all are hard wired to one another and the master input is also hardwired. What seems strangest to me is that other than the introduction of a pci sound card all other alterations (the amplifier and cables ) were all outbound from the computer.Therefore given that this issue only arose after the introduction of the amplifier and from that point until now has rendered in audible sound from the original and also from the installed sound card. Also that it affects both speaker and headset reception tends to eliminate the female jacks (as i believe it to be unlikely that both female line out on the pci card and the connection on the mobo for the onboard would both go out at the same time.As to your question"You did? How did you fix it if I may ask?" Initially i just very slightly altered the placement of the mini stereo plug in the female jack eventually i experimented with other cables until i found one that didn't misbehave. I cannot see how the external addition of the amplifier could cause a backward fault to any of the sound system software/hardware on the computer.The only factors that occur to me (and this is beyond my pay grade as to how if they even COULD affect things ) they are resistance or impedance created from the amplifier. This is a real conundrum.truenorth
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My current Labtec speakers and also the previous four sets of powered speakers have been that way.
Indeed, all the speaker sets I've ever had have been that way.
I have a 3 speaker Dell system on one of my computers and all are hard wired to one another and the master input is also hardwired. What seems strangest to me is that other than the introduction of a pci sound card all other alterations (the amplifier and cables ) were all outbound from the computer.Therefore given that this issue only arose after the introduction of the amplifier and from that point until now has rendered in audible sound from the original and also from the installed sound card. Also that it affects both speaker and headset reception tends to eliminate the female jacks (as i believe it to be unlikely that both female line out on the pci card and the connection on the mobo for the onboard would both go out at the same time.As to your question"You did? How did you fix it if I may ask?" Initially i just very slightly altered the placement of the mini stereo plug in the female jack eventually i experimented with other cables until i found one that didn't misbehave. I cannot see how the external addition of the amplifier could cause a backward fault to any of the sound system software/hardware on the computer.The only factors that occur to me (and this is beyond my pay grade as to how if they even COULD affect things ) they are resistance or impedance created from the amplifier. This is a real conundrum.truenorth
Exactly. It cannot be that the PCI sound card output jack would be damaged, it was new. It had to be something on the motherboard itself, I can't think of anything else.
I'll try to get hold of some other cables to test it further, but so far I've tried plugging in my Altec Lansing speakers, another speakerset, my headphones and the original extension cable attached to the previous ones. That's four different cables....
And yes, I (and several others) can't wrap my head around it either. I got the stereo from a friend of mine who used it before without any issues, also using the AUX-input to connect the stereo to his laptop.
I'm actually curious to see what it would do to connect the stereo to my laptop, but I'm not risking anything now. :D
I really hope the USB sound card will help, otherwise I'll have to look for a new motherboard compatible with the current hardware, which is now almost five years old.
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Looking ahead (but also hoping that the external sound card will fix things--although i am having my doubts about that) instead of the MOBO replacement unless a very inexpensive one can be found if it were me and the only real thing i wanted was a computer capable of integrating with the amplifier and stereo i want to use i would cast about for a used computer that would do that. The cost would be probably comparable and you could still use the current one for your other needs. Anyway let's think positive. As i write this i don't have ready access to page one of your post and it occurs to me has this amplifier/stereo ever worked on any computer prior to your attempting this? Excuse me if you have already dealt with that.truenorth
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Looking ahead (but also hoping that the external sound card will fix things--although i am having my doubts about that) instead of the MOBO replacement unless a very inexpensive one can be found if it were me and the only real thing i wanted was a computer capable of integrating with the amplifier and stereo i want to use i would cast about for a used computer that would do that. The cost would be probably comparable and you could still use the current one for your other needs. Anyway let's think positive. As i write this i don't have ready access to page one of your post and it occurs to me has this amplifier/stereo ever worked on any computer prior to your attempting this? Excuse me if you have already dealt with that.truenorth
I'll probably get hold of it monday, if there's any - hopefully positive - news, I'll let it know here.
I thought about what you said, but since I use Youtube and Band in a Box etc. a lot, I probably should get it fixed anyway.
And yes, a friend of mine used this stereo for probably about a year with his laptop, worked perfectly.
I'm just a little nervous to try to connect it to my laptop now. I know it should not be any problem at all, it worked fine with my iPod, but I don't really want to risk my only way of listing to my music.
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We all have our fingers crossed.truenorth
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I just received the USB sound card from my cousin, it's an Edirol UA-1A (http://www.roland.com/products/en/UA-1A/). I just plugged it in, connected the AUX input from the amp to it using an RCA cable, and it works like a charm! :) (YES - I am happy!)
So: I found a way to get my sound working again, but according to my cousin (an audio engineer) there still should be some setting that I could adjust. He said that there's no way I could have broken my motherboard by connecting the amp to my PC (which I thought too initially), and that there should be some sort of setting that got changed while plugging it in. I don't know how I could possibly find out what that could be, so for now I'll just be using this Edirol device.
Thanks everyone for their help. If I ever find out what the issue was, I'll post back here. If someone still has an idea, I'd still be very much interested.
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;D truenorth