home computer speakers

Judy123

I have 2 older, very basic polk audio speakers used with my 6 year old HP home computer. Just bought new HP and can't get the volume up to where I can hear it without holding the speakers to my ears. Any suggestions -

mshan242700

Are the Polk speakers self-amplified? (if not, you probably need an integrated amp or receiver to drive the Polks; your computer only provides a line level output).

If you have an amp for the speakers, check the sound mixer tab on your computer and make sure the WAV setting is set at 100%.

Eric W

If those speakers originally came with an HP Pavilion computer, they are only compatible with that computer. The amplifier was inside the computer, this is why the volume is very low when you try it out on a different computer. The only solution is to get new computer speakers.

mizthuphee

if I were you, i would invest on a used/new integrated amp & DAC (a must). Check out this dac http://www.emu.com/products/product.asp?category=610&subcategory=611&product=18388, I have not used it but i've read good things about it. for my set up, i have: imac>itunes (AIFF)>dac>HCT (ipod tube thingee)>rti4. pretty happy with it.