No 2.1 speaker option in XP

norrinradd · Aug 6, 2008, 03:54 PM

Hi, I own a set of Creative A300 speakers, which are a 2.1 set up.

When I try to play back DVDs, I have a lot of problems with audio playback; the sound cuts out and stutters, but the picture is fine. Oddly, I don't have this issue when I play games.

When I look in the audio set up for XP, there is no audio set-up for 2.1(but there seems to be every other option: desktop, monitor, quadraphonic, 7.1 etc.). So I'm sure the problem is because there is no configuration for the 2.1 speaker system. And, yes, I've tried all the other options and none of them work.

My system is a Dell XPS 600 system and I use Windows XP. I've downloaded all the latest audio drivers from Dell and none of them address the issue.

The audio device is a Realtek AC97 Audio version 5.10, produce ID 101/1.

I then went on to the Realtek website and downloaded the latest audio driver for AC97, which is hopefully the answer to the problem. However, when I tried to install it, I got the error message that "Realtek AC97 Audio has not passed Windows Logo testing to verify...Microsoft strongly advises not to install" So, I didn't install it.

Does anyone else have experience of this this problem? I've googled around and not really found much.

**temeteus82** · Aug 6, 2008, 03:59 PM

Hi there and welcome to DriverHeaven!

There isn't need for 2.1 to be separated from 2.0 since in the end it's the same thing. I bet that your speakers are connected with one 3.5mm plug to the audio out. What software you use to play DVD's?

norrinradd · Aug 6, 2008, 05:18 PM

Hi, yes, the speakers are connected via one 3.5mm plug to the audio out.

Just to be clear, my set up is a woofer and two small speakers set next to the monitor.

When you refer to 2.0, I assume to your refer to 2 standalone desktop speakers, for which there is the option in XP.

I'm beginning to think that given that there is no issue with games, then the problem might not be related to the 2.1 speaker issue.

**temeteus82** · Aug 6, 2008, 05:25 PM

Yeah since basically the signal to speakers is stereo and the subwoofer just plays the lowest frequency's and passes through the rest.

**dj_stick** · Aug 6, 2008, 11:41 PM

there is no such thing as 2.1 - the .1 refers to a seperate discrete LFE channel, which is not present on stereo speaker set ups like yours - there is a crossover in the sub unit which diverts the lower frequencies to the sub, and the higher ones to the satellites.

use the 2.0 setting

Aug 6, 2008, 03:54 PM	#1
norrinradd DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 2 Rep Power: 0	No 2.1 speaker option in XP Hi, I own a set of Creative A300 speakers, which are a 2.1 set up. When I try to play back DVDs, I have a lot of problems with audio playback; the sound cuts out and stutters, but the picture is fine. Oddly, I don't have this issue when I play games. When I look in the audio set up for XP, there is no audio set-up for 2.1(but there seems to be every other option: desktop, monitor, quadraphonic, 7.1 etc.). So I'm sure the problem is because there is no configuration for the 2.1 speaker system. And, yes, I've tried all the other options and none of them work. My system is a Dell XPS 600 system and I use Windows XP. I've downloaded all the latest audio drivers from Dell and none of them address the issue. The audio device is a Realtek AC97 Audio version 5.10, produce ID 101/1. I then went on to the Realtek website and downloaded the latest audio driver for AC97, which is hopefully the answer to the problem. However, when I tried to install it, I got the error message that "Realtek AC97 Audio has not passed Windows Logo testing to verify...Microsoft strongly advises not to install" So, I didn't install it. Does anyone else have experience of this this problem? I've googled around and not really found much.

Aug 6, 2008, 05:18 PM	Thread Starter #3
norrinradd DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 2 Rep Power: 0	Hi, yes, the speakers are connected via one 3.5mm plug to the audio out. Just to be clear, my set up is a woofer and two small speakers set next to the monitor. When you refer to 2.0, I assume to your refer to 2 standalone desktop speakers, for which there is the option in XP. I'm beginning to think that given that there is no issue with games, then the problem might not be related to the 2.1 speaker issue.