Bose Speakers On My Computer

[imported_shiola]

I gt some nice Bose Companiion 2 speakers for my computer - I've plugged them in OK, but the Bass is really fucked on them. I have to play music really quiet because the Bass is very distorted on the speakers.

Do I have to change something on my computer settings? Or do I need a better soundcard? (My present one is the original from about 3 years ago, so it nothing special).

[staticxess]

Congratulations on your new purchase or your gift!
Now I'm assuming your audio card has a stereo output on it or that there is a stereo output a.k.a. Line Out provided on your desktop, I know you probably checked but make sure the computer is turned off and that you have the speakers connected correctly (RCA ends to Source A-Left and Right) and that all plug ends are securely in their sockets. Bose suggests plugging in these component speakers to the Line Out on your desktop's soundcard. I would think they should work from the speaker output that is standard on most desktops, but for the sake of ruling out anything else make sure the mini stereo cord end is plugged into the Line Out of your soundcard.
(it may have a short in it which could be causing the distortion but we'll deal with that in the event that a volume adjustment doesn't work)

Next you want to find out if the volume is set too high on your computer's sound card, assuming you are using a Windows XP compatible desktop with a celeron or pentium processor most factory sound cards are similar
click start, then accessories, then entertainment, volume control should be listed there next to your default windows media player
click on volume control
Click on the options tab and click properties
There should be a list of checkboxes including
Volume Control, Wave, CD Player, Line In, Mic In, etc.
Make sure that the Wave selection box is checkmarked. Click OK.
Now you can adjust the volume to your suitability
I know on my setup I am using a Polk Audio 3.1 system and that I have to bring the volume down to about 1/3 of the peak volume for both the Master Volume and The Wave Vol. as well or it sounds bassy and/or distorted.
The Bose system you bought has its own independent Volume Control on one speaker so you can adjust it's loudness there now & in the future. Just tweek the two Volume Controls lower on your computer's soundcard as I mentioned until the sound clears up. Chances are this is your problem, and a simple one fortunately. ; )

Lemme know what happens.
Also, not standing in a bucket of water whilst doing these steps helps enormously, take it from me. Although it makes for a wonderful light show....

[imported_shiola]

Cheers Static.

OK, I have Windows XP Pro and SoundMAX Digital Audio sound stuff. I tried adjusting the sound volume on the computer but that doesn't help. I'm not sure what the Line Out is - I can only see the standard speaker jack connection at the back of the PC.

I can still only hear it really low without distorting.

[staticxess]

Hello again friend!
Sounds like we have to go thru a list of variables and eliminate the problem
by trial and error. Which is really the best way to learn about your set-up anyway. It sucks and can be time consuming but you've gone this far already at least we'll get them working one way or another.
Make sure again that your soundcard ( Soundmax ) is selected for your desktop's mixer by selecting again Volume Control then Properties (enclosed pic below of what you should see and select). Next I believe that Soundmax has it's own audio output and inputs try to find out if on the back of the computer you should see some color coded plugs. A blue plug, a green plug
( the green should be the Line Out jack ) , and a pink plug at the very least, maybe you have a few other color coded plugs as well with your Soundmax system. But since I cannot look at them (unless u posted a pic here),
a good site for reference is
http://forms.analog.com/Form_Pages/soundMax/soundMaxSupportFAQ.html#question19ink
There are several troubleshooting options listed at this link for Soundmax
1.)Check to see if your soundcard/Soundmax driver(s) need to be updated.
2.)Turn off (or on) software/hardware acceleration (detailed under section 39 "I've tried everything, is there something else that might fix the problem?")
3.)Review section 21 "How do I get my digital speakers to work?" I think your Bose speakers support digital audio and may have a SPDIF input on them.
You may want to try connecting the speakers using this option if it is available with your current setup.
4.)I have found as a last resort buying new cords for connecting components is sometimes the cure for most audio problems after everything else has been eliminated.
5.)If all these options fail then call or email customer support at both Bose and Soundmax
Bose Tech support 1-800-905-2138
Customer support at support@bose.com
ADI-Soundmax Tech support 1-800-262-5643
customer support at support@soundmax.com

Hopefully this helps, let me know either way.

[staticxess]

So how'd it come out mate?

[BlackSunshineAZ]

The problem is you have Bose speakers. They aren't supposed to have bass.

Sorry, I used to sell them...and don't have a very high opinion of their overpriced and underperforming products.

[staticxess]

Aww BSAZ
don't be a part of the precipitate lol

[VprDmnd]

I myself have Logitech Z-680's on my computer and I absolutely love them...

[staticxess]

Is that a digital surround system?

[VprDmnd]

Yeah, it is.

[staticxess]

Cool. Good choice.
Too bad they don't make portable SS for laptops yet...or do they?

[Shiola]

OK, I finally got my arse in gear and looked at your post Static. I've managed to fix it by muting Bass Boost - looks like you're right Black Sunshine, Bose don't do Bass very well, or at least the speakers I got.

Anyway, they're working fine now.

Thanks for your help.