My computer speakers - sound too low

mdguy
mdguy Posts: 3
edited July 2014 in Troubleshooting
I have a pair of Polk HIPS HB speakers that came with my Dell computer. I have them plugged in, the pc Windows volume is at 95, but the sound coming through the speakers is barely audible. I have to put the speakers up to my ears to hear the sound. The speakers have two small dials under the base (for gain adjustment??)... one is set at 4 and the other at 1. I have tried to turn these up but they won't turn. Suggestions?
Post edited by mdguy on
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  • ken brydson
    ken brydson Posts: 8,774
    edited November 2010
    Lasareath wrote: »
    Yes. Buy real computer speakers.

    Like logitech.

    I'm using a Hitmaster. It's great!! :biggrin:
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  • wayne3burk
    wayne3burk Posts: 939
    edited November 2010
    Hook up a cheap receiver and some vintage speakers to your audio out on your computer...

    then you have volume control, tape, cd, aux, and phone inputs.

    buy a soundblaster mp3+ (external USB device) off of ebay so you can get some mediocre quality 16bit DAC ?quality? from your usb port.

    or buy some real computer speakers (altec lansing or cambridge soundworks with sub and satellites).

    take the polk computer speakers outback and execute them with a 12 gauge (shotgun).

    thats all.

    -- wayne --

    p.s. -- welcome to cult polk

    :D
    Yamaha RX-V2700, EMI 711As (front), RCA K-16 (rear), Magnavox Console (Center & TV Stand), Sony SMP-N200 media streamer, Dual 1249 TT =--- Sharp Aquas 60" LCD tellie
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  • ken brydson
    ken brydson Posts: 8,774
    edited November 2010
    Lasareath wrote: »
    Is it stereo? Or mono?

    Stereo. Kicks the crap out of any computer speakers I've heard.
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  • AudioGenics
    AudioGenics Posts: 2,567
    edited November 2010
    welcome to Club Polk.
    check your connections and settings.

    can always contact Dell Support and Polk Support for
    technical questions.


    Customer Service & Tech Support:
    polkcs@polkaudio.com
    1-800-377-POLK (7655)
    9AM-5:30PM EST Mon-Fri
    (410) 764-5470 FAX
    International +1-410-358-3600

    http://support.dell.com/support/DPP/Index.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=bsd
    Contact Us; 1-800-456-3355 or Live Chat
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  • mdguy
    mdguy Posts: 3
    edited November 2010
    I'm using another pair that are working fine. But I was wondering if there was a trick to turning those two little dials or what. I can't get them to budge.
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  • fbm211
    fbm211 Posts: 1,488
    edited November 2010
    Klipsch promedia v2 400 are the best pc speakers Ive heard for a pc based sound system.
    SDA-2BTL with custom IC
    Adcom 565 monoblocks--Monarchy Audio M-10 preamp
    Theta Data Basic Transport--Stello DA100 Signature DAC--Camelot Dragon Pro2 MK III
    Harman Kardon T-55c TT
    DH Labs Q-10 Signature Speaker Cables With Furez silver plated copper bananas
    Revelation Audio Labs Prophecy Cryo-Silver Reference AES/EBU
    Revelation Audio Labs Prophecy Cryo-Silver i2s digital cable
    4 Furutech FP-314Ag with FI-11cu Plugs/FI-11AG IECs--- Power Cords
    DH LABS REVELATIONS ICs-amps
    Revelation Audio Labs Paradise cryo-silver ICs-Source to pre
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  • AudioGenics
    AudioGenics Posts: 2,567
    edited November 2010
    saw this thread
    not sure if same but here is the link...

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=49828
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  • ken brydson
    ken brydson Posts: 8,774
    edited November 2010
    Lasareath wrote: »
    I wanted to try one out. I may have to buy one. It seems like it would be good for an extra speaker when I need to add some sound someplace. It does have an internal amp?

    100w internal amp. The $40 Wallyworld online deal is still on AFAIK. No brainer at that price. I paid $70 for mine at Fry's and thought that was a good deal. and the volume knob goes to 11!! (ala Spinal Tap)
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  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited November 2010
    Very old school, at the moment. Two Minimus 7 (Ratshack) speakers....powered by the outputs of an AIWA (1983 $250 Boom box--has L/R Speaker audio outs). Believe it our not...it sounds OK.

    Even better where those old school self-powered Polk computer Speakers from years AGO that JSTAS demoed at PolkFest. Awesome little guys!

    You do need a new set up. But it doesn't have to cost much depending on what you're looking to do?

    cnh
    Currently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!

    Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
    [sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash]
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  • mdguy
    mdguy Posts: 3
    edited November 2010
    AudioGenics wrote: »
    saw this thread
    not sure if same but here is the link...

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=49828

    I saw that thread when I was researching around.... same model, same problem. The poster never mentioned the little dials and it's no wonder, they look like an engraving on the plastic. I had to use a magnifying glass to see that they are dials with settings on them. But there's no way I can turn the darn things to a higher level... they just don't want to turn. :confused:
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  • Anony Mous
    Anony Mous Posts: 1
    edited July 2014
    Solution Re Low Volume On External Speakers

    http://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Desktop-PC-Sound-and-Audio-Reply-Only/low-low-volume/td-p/41882

    For a detailed slightly technical explanation, go to the link above.

    After reviewing responses at the link above, I found that powered speakers are required on newer model desktop computers.

    The older speakers that simply plugged into a jack have very low volume and for all practical purposes will not work on newer computers.
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  • Phatattack
    Phatattack Posts: 30
    edited July 2014
    Sda's would cure all your ills :)
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  • voltz
    voltz Posts: 5,384
    edited July 2014
    ^^^^

    That is wickedly cool!
    2 ch- Polk CRS+ * Vincent SA-31MK Preamp * Vincent Sp-331 Amp * Marantz SA8005 SACD * Project Xperience Classic TT * Sumiko Blue Point #2 MC cartridge

    HT - Polk 703's * NAD T-758 * Adcom 5503 * Oppo 103 * Samsung 60" series 8 LCD
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