volume way too low

[SpeedEng66]

something I never figured out

on my htpc the volume is soooo low (all the settings are at max)
im currently using the onboard sound off the mb(headphone jack)
I have to turn the tv volume pretty high but I always forget to turn the volume down before switchin to (for example) the cable box or the dvd player..

is there anything I can do or is this just normal?

 

[sivart]

Operating system? UI (if any) that you are using? Need to know what you are using to provide recommendations.

 

[SpeedEng66]

Operating system? UI (if any) that you are using? Need to know what you are using to provide recommendations.

Rig Name: My HTPC POS
CPU: Intel E6550 2330MHz
Motherboard: FoxConn P35a
Memory: 3072 MB DDR2 667
Video Card: ATI 4350 HD 512mb ATI Radeon
Hard Drive: WD Green 1,000.0 GB @ 5400 RPMS
Monitor: LN52b750
Storage Interface: SATA
Internet Connection: Fios Other
Operating System: Vista HP x86

I tried on another monitor same problem low volume ..
normal volume for tv/dvd/ps3 is around 15
but using a pc on the monitor I have to crank it up to 40

it just seems like PC dont put out a strong output

 

[kalrith]

Does your video card have HDMI? If so, just use that. If not, then I'm not sure there's anything else you can do (short of getting a video card with HDMI or getting a receiver with digital coax input). There's another thread about low PC volume output through the stereo plugs.

I use the digital optical out from my HTPC's motherboard, and the sound is on par with my PS3. It might be a little quieter, but it would be a minimal difference, like using 40 with the PS3 and 45 with the HTPC (on my receiver lower numbers are louder).

FWIW you might be able to buy a 4550 for really cheap. I recently bought one for $16 after cashback and mail-in rebate ($40 up front) with no tax and free shipping.

 

[sivart]

Make sure your wav output is set to max and your playback device (Windows Media Player, Windows Media Center is set to max).

Other than that, like suggested, use HDMI out to your monitor.

 

[s44]

It may just be your motherboard. I have one (different manufacturer) that has the same problem: seems the signal power that should go to just the stereo outs is being spread out among the entire 5.1...

I think you need to either switch to digital (HDMI via vidcard or coax/optical via mobo) or get a cheap soundcard, maybe USB.