No 2.1 subwoofer using Windows 7 x64

[bobbobn]

Hi, all! Hope this is the right place for this question. I appreciate quality sound but am not that familiar with what hw/sw is behind it. I have Altec Lansing 621 speakers (2.1). On my XP (which died) with VIA Vinyl AC'97 drivers and no enhancements, the audio quality was adequate for me but the thing I really liked was that the sound totally filled the room (house) even rattling windows. The bass output was so great that I had the subwoofer level turned all the way down. The bass sounded as though it was coming from the subwoofer. Now I have an i3 Windows 7 Home Premium x64 with Realtek HD drivers (R263 now but I've tried R259 that came preloaded and MS's generic HD). While the sound is a little cleaner and crisper, all the sound (including the bass) comes only from the satellites and literally drops less than 2 feet from the speakers. There's no bass oomph even with the subwoofer level turned all the way up. It's as though there's not the appropriate signal causing the 2.1 system to channel anything thru the subwoofer. Since I don't know what was responsible on the XP for that room filling sound, I want to know (before I buy) will a sound card (I've always just used onboard) provide that or is there something else with my new system that is stopping the ability? Also, if a sound card is the answer, I would appreciate any suggestions as to the best one for my situation: 2.1 speakers want to fill room (don't game or care that much about headphone use) might optionally like to simulate surround upon occasion Thanks!

 

[Ross Ridge]

Make sure you've configured Windows and/or the Realtek drivers to use a simple two speaker configurtion. Set your speakers to be "full range" if you're given the option. Don't select any kind of 5.1, 7.1 or even 2.1 speaker configuration. That will cause low frequency sounds to be sent to the subwoofer output which you don't have connected.