Where's the bass?

[theotherseth]

Ok, I have a Altec Lansing surround sound speaker set which came with my horrible dell 8100. I have always been impressed with the sound system and have been enjoying it for 2 years. However in the last week the subwoofer has been cutting out when the volume is increased past about half volume. I checked the fuse and it looks fine, plus i figure if the fuse had gone then i would get no sound from the sub at any point. I can even play it at high volume for a short amount of time sometimes before it cuts out, but no more than a song or two.

I am no computer specialist but would really like a diagnosis as to whether this is a problem w/ my sub, soundcard or computer or what before i take it in.

Any suggestions??

Thank you

 

[Crysalis]

Give me some more info on your problem>

What to you mean cutting out? No sub at all or just low volume?

How is it connected to your soundcard? What soundcard do you have?

When does this occur? After a specific amount of time of use? When you turn the volume up?

I may know what your problem is, but i need some more info.

 

[ekÆsine]

most likely you are experiencing amplifier clipping. The only solution for that is replace your speaker system since the amplifier is built into the speaker or subwoofer box itself.

 

[Crysalis]

not always :freak:

 

[grego]

My guess would be that the sub amp is overheating and shutting off. Unless of course, the sub immediately comes back in once you reduce the volume. If that is the case then I don't know.

Not sure what you paid for them, but consider how much a new set would cost before you send them in to be serviced.

 

[theotherseth]

More Info

Ok, when it cuts out and i decrease the volume it doesn't come back on immediately, but it does after about a minute of low volume playing. I have a Santa Cruz sound card from Turtle Beach i think.

If the problem is that it is over-heating, which i feel like it could be for some reason, why would that just start happening now? i have been using it for 2 years w/ no problem.

Thanks for al lthe help so far

 

[theotherseth]

Something else i've just noticed which is wierd but i think relates to heat is that when i place the speaker on its side, or hold it in the air, it will play normally for longer than when its put down normally. however it does cut out, and even wierder is that if i literally touch it or place my hand over the bottom it begins to work again?! i'm really baffled

any more ideas?

 

[EricB]

sound like a short somewhere or your speakers has a near short