Member Avatar for c24w

Hello, thanks for reading.

I have recently noticed sound only coming from one speaker. I have done the obvious diagnoses and determined:

  • both speakers work fine (on another PC using the same set-up); and
  • it is not the operating system (Windows) - I booted a recent Ubuntu Live CD and the problem persisted; hence
  • it must be my sound card / the female aux connector? :(

I really appreciate any advice, thank you.

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by mjdodd

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Short diagnostic summary and next steps based on the thread: reports one speaker silent while the same speakers and cables work on other machines; the fault reproduces across different outputs (analog and digital) and was tested from alternate OS media, so a driver/OS issue is unlikely. and were right to flag simple mechanical causes (dirty or tired jack, broken cable, dry solder joints), and ’s suggestion of replacing the audio device is a pragmatic fallback if the card proves faulty.

Troubleshooting checklist (do each step with power off when touching connectors or the PCB):

  • Swap left/right speaker cables at the amp/sub or swap the speaker connectors on the sub. If the problem follows the speaker, the speaker/cable/amplifier is at fault; if it stays on one channel, the PC output is at fault.

  • Bypass the sub/amp: connect headphones or a speaker directly to the PC line-out with a known-good TRS-to-RCA or TRS cable. Try the front-panel headphone jack (if present) and the rear jack; note whether both outputs behave the same.

  • Use different cables and a different known-good source cable. Wiggle the plug gently while playing audio to detect intermittent contact.

  • Verify software balance briefly (alsa/ PulseAudio controls or Windows mixer) to ensure output isn’t lopsided by settings. Because the OP already tested from alternate OS media, software is unlikely the culprit — but confirming balance is quick and free.

  • Inspect the jack and PCB: look for dirt, bent contacts or cracked/dry solder joints around the jack. Reseat the card (if PCI) or try another PCI slot. If S/PDIF is crackly but analog also fails, the output stage on the card is likely degraded.

Workarounds and fixes: if the fault pins to the motherboard/sound card hardware, a low-cost USB or PCI sound adapter is the fastest reliable fix. If comfortable with electronics, replacing or reflowing the jack/solder joints can restore the original card; otherwise replace the card. Safety note: disconnect mains before probing or soldering.

Recommended Answers

All 13 Replies

Member Avatar for jbennet

You can get a PCI sound card for about £10-£15 so might be worth a go just trying it out.

Member Avatar for caperjack

you tried you speakers on another computer ,maybe try another set of speakers on your computer

Member Avatar for c24w

Hi, thanks for the replies. The speakers work fine with other devices (including computers). I also forgot to mention - I put headphones into the same port and got the same effect, with a high-pitched noise in one ear-piece. I think I'll try using some different audio ports from my sound card (phono) to experiment / as a solution, as soon as I get the sound system set up :)

Edited by c24w because: n/a
Member Avatar for caperjack

what make /model of sound card do you have in the computer ,

I know you know what you are doing ,but,do you have the speakers plugged into the green jack on the card .sounds like the jack you are using is maybe a mono jack and not stereo,not likely i know

Member Avatar for c24w

It's Realtek, but I'm not sure on the model. It definitely always used to be stereo ;) this is a recent development and I'm trying to isolate the source / get some advice. It's plugged into the green aux jack, which goes directly to my sub, which then splits the audio to each speaker via individual phonos. I have a couple of permutations to play with so I'll do that soon.

Member Avatar for caperjack

I have a couple of permutations to play with so I'll do that soon.

ok. if that doesn't work , if it were mine i would try a uninstall ans reinstall of the drivers

Edited by caperjack because: n/a
Member Avatar for c24w

It is not the drivers - from my first post:

it is not the operating system (Windows) - I booted a recent Ubuntu Live CD and the problem persisted

Member Avatar for caperjack

oops missed that ,i think then if it's a onboard sound device then jbennet,s suggestion is you best option

Edited by caperjack because: n/a
Member Avatar for c24w

Well, some more fiddlings left me still without a solution :(
I've tried using the digital audio out from my sound card (instead of aux) with a different sound system and all I'm getting is a horrible, crackly, poppy version of the sound I should be hearing :/ does it sound like my sound card is on the way out? It all seems very confusing to me.

Member Avatar for caperjack

giving that it didn't work in Ubuntu ,i would say it sure sounds like the card is the problem

Member Avatar for c24w

Something I forgot to mention and only just occurred to me to check again - the headphone aux jack works fine with the same speakers, cables, etc. Does this suggest it could be a fault with the other female aux connector, rather than sound card?

Member Avatar for caperjack

Something I forgot to mention and only just occurred to me to check again - the headphone aux jack works fine with the same speakers, cables, etc. Does this suggest it could be a fault with the other female aux connector, rather than sound card?

one can only assume so ,

Member Avatar for mjdodd

small jack sockets and plugs are not as reliable as people think! Often dirt or just tired springiness in the socket can cause one side to fall over. Another possibility is that with repeated use the plug cable has become broken inside the covering close to the plug where it gets a lot of strain from bending. (which can also move the female socket enough not to contact;) I realise this is now over a month old but it may help elsewhere; Also the solder joints may have become corroded (or failed due to dry joints).
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