Buzzing noise and quiet speaker

agour · 10 Aug 2017 at 11:06

Hello!

I recently noticed that my right hand speaker is quieter than the left. It's a cheap logitech 2.1 system (model z313 I think).

I swapped the speakers from an identical set, and the problem persists. I couldn't swap the sub over.

I changed the input from rear on PC, to front audio on the case, and the problem persists.

When I plug the speakers into my phone the problem goes away! This is without moving the speakers or cabling..

I guess the audio part of my motherboard must be dying? So perhaps a PCI sound card would remedy the issue?

Thanks!
Paul

Marsman · 10 Aug 2017 at 12:47

Possible fault has developed on the right channel, but there's also a possibility it could be a software issue.

You could go in to the properties for your sound device in the Windows sound playback options and check to see if the left right balance has been altered. If that's as it should be, both level then you could try reinstalling the drivers.

If neither of those are problem, then it's more than likely a hardware fault with the audio device. In which case, a sound card is the answer.

Xonar DGX will do the job.DG is slightly cheaper, but being PCI, that will disappear eventually on motherboards. Worth paying the extra £4 or so as PCIe which is going to be around for a lot longer.

EsaT · 10 Aug 2017 at 12:51

Could be HW failure or simply EMI affecting other channel more.
What motherboard you have and did you change anything (hardware or software) before problem appeared?

Lack of problem with phone as signal source means it shouldn't be in speakers/amplifier.

agour · 10 Aug 2017 at 14:07

Thanks for the help!

I tried reinstailling the sound drivers, and it didn't help. The balance is also set correctly.

The motherboard is a GA-X99-UD4. I didn't change anything before the problem started..At least a sound card is a cheap test

agour · 18 Aug 2017 at 12:18

As I bought a new sound card, the speakers started working again. I plugged the sound card in, but have NOT started using it. The motherboard seems to be working OK again now..

Time will tell if it stays that way!

Marsman · 18 Aug 2017 at 17:15

The law of sod: Something doesn't work, so you buy something to get around the problem, only for the problem to go away once you've spent money on something that's no longer required.