Computer/sound card question - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

BenzOnline · #1 10-20-2005, 11:06 AM

Hey everyone, got a computer/sound card issue and always kind of had this issue....

My comp is about 3 yrs old and has a decent sound card from my knowledge in it (Creative Sound Blaster Live Value). One problem is has is the sound card can distort easily...for speakers I run it into the AUX of my Pioneer Home system and noticed the volume has to be higher than normal on the unit when listening to the AUX from the computer. With the volume cranked all the way on the computer's part the sound card distorts with the bass more than half and the sound is just not rich enough for my liking.

I tried several players such as WMP, Winamp and now Realplayer and some help some dont.

What would help in getting a more richer sound and volume?

diametricalbenz · #2 10-20-2005, 11:34 AM

SB Live Value is the Brown PCB PCI card correct?

Have you tested the output with a CD using the Digital line to the SB Live or are you running an MP3 player. Are you certain your mp3's are of a good bitrate? If you play a CD through Winamp reading the CD data through the drive as opposed to the digital feed by the IDE connector may affect audio performance as I have noticed with the other SB cards I have used in the past.

Does this problem occur if you plug it into the Front or Rear speaker channels?

BenzOnline · #3 10-20-2005, 12:06 PM

Bitrate of all my songs are 192 and above.

The type of line im using from the computer to the Pioneer's AUX is one end going into the computer has the same type of jack as a headphone then splits into R/L channels for the AUX.

Is there a special cable I can use to make better louder sound or?

diametricalbenz · #4 10-20-2005, 12:23 PM

So you're using a 1/8" stereo to RCA (Red and white) cable?

Which jack is the 1/8" stereo plug put into? It should be the green socket. Green is the front speakers, Black is the rear, Red (mic) etc.

Did you check the advanced options in the volume control panel to make sure the bass boost or other features aren't turned on?

BenzOnline · #5 10-20-2005, 12:42 PM

yup its that RCA cable I use and I have to confirm again if its in the green socket but Im pretty sure it is and I recall changing the plug to different sockets but didnt make any different sound.

Advanced options has bass more than half and treble all the way.

Volume is set to half as if I put it all the way it hits distortion on the sound card.

1985 300SD Sady · #6 10-20-2005, 01:24 PM

I bought a "HiFi Link" for my computer at http://www.xitel.com/

I actually bought it through microcenter, but they sell it on the site too.

I have had very good luck with this, it works flawlessly and is a snap to install and will work on anything with a USB port. They say that the output is better for a home system than most of the very expensive high quality sound cards.

diametricalbenz · #7 10-20-2005, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BenzOnline

yup its that RCA cable I use and I have to confirm again if its in the green socket but Im pretty sure it is and I recall changing the plug to different sockets but didnt make any different sound.

Advanced options has bass more than half and treble all the way.

Volume is set to half as if I put it all the way it hits distortion on the sound card.

Confirm it's the green socket. Have you tried lowering all of the output levels from the computer and then adjusting the amplifier volume? In my experience the output from the computer has to be abnormally low to cut the distortion down it's still not perfect but it sounds plenty good for most ears.

If that still doesn't work you can definitely try the USB converter but that thing still converts the signal to analog through the RCA cables. I guess unless you have a D to D setup there's always going to be that loss factor.