Need help picking out some speakers! :S

My Razer Piranha headset is so quiet I probably wouldn't hear an elephant fart right next to me.-.-🙂That’s why I need some speakers (up to $67) where I can plug my headphones in, and once they're plugged in, I need to be able to adjust the volume on them (SO THE SOUND IS ACTUALLY CLEAR). I originally bought some great Logitech speakers with a headphone jack, but I realized I couldn't control the volume through them. So then I bought the cheapest ones at the drugstore, but the sound was garbage... After that, I picked up some from $23 which were slightly better, but still not great... now I'm looking for something new🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂...I was looking at the Logitech S220 but I don't know if I can actually adjust the volume when the headphones are plugged in... those would be perfect (I guess xd), but if you know of anything cheaper, let me know. I'M BROKE 🙂...and I have this sound card from an old PC, but I don't know if I should plug it in or if it would even help the sound quality...

thanks in advance

None of these speakers have a built-in volume knob for your headphones... you have to adjust the volume using the physical dial right on the headset itself, which is exactly what the Razer Piranha has. If your audio sounds way too quiet, it’s probably because:

1. Your headphones are shot.
2. You're losing power from your sound card because you've daisy-chained cheap splitters or low-quality extension cables together.
3. Your sound card is just putting out a weak signal.

That's basically it...

What kind of sound card are we talking about from that old PC? If it's a decent one, it might actually outperform this integrated crap, so if you can find drivers online, that might fix things.

Look, the Piranha uses a standard 3.5mm stereo jack, so you can test those headphones on any computer, laptop, stereo system, or even a phone with a jack to see if they're actually fine. These headphones usually sound great and get pretty loud—if you crank them all the way up, they actually get annoyingly loud. If yours don't do that when you plug them into, say, a phone, then just go buy new headphones...

darkowl72 said:None of these speakers have a built-in volume knob for your headphones... you have to adjust the volume using the physical dial right on the headset itself, which is exactly what the Razer Piranha has. If your audio sounds way too quiet, it’s probably because:

1. Your headphones are shot.
2. You're losing power from your sound card because you've daisy-chained cheap splitters or low-quality extension cables together.
3. Your sound card is just putting out a weak signal.

That's basically it...

What kind of sound card are we talking about from that old PC? If it's a decent one, it might actually outperform this integrated crap, so if you can find drivers online, that might fix things.

Look, the Piranha uses a standard 3.5mm stereo jack, so you can test those headphones on any computer, laptop, stereo system, or even a phone with a jack to see if they're actually fine. These headphones usually sound great and get pretty loud—if you crank them all the way up, they actually get annoyingly loud. If yours don't do that when you plug them into, say, a phone, then just go buy new headphones...

Right now I'm just using the onboard audio... I have a separate sound card, but it's not even in the PC right now. And that volume knob does exist (if I'm remembering correctly, some speakers let you adjust headphone volume once you plug them in). I had speakers a long time ago, but my dad tossed them because he thought a new computer meant everything had to be new too... I guess I'm not an expert here. http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:A... It's a Manli M-CMI8738-6CH LX sound card. My Piranha is in the shop, so I'm using iPhone earbuds and having the same issue... I've only got one cable. Since nobody seems to know, maybe someone can just recommend some decent speakers... thanks.

Perhaps you might consider adjusting the audio levels within Windows...

I have this nagging suspicion that the issue lies somewhere in those settings. 🤣

rowdyotter10 said:Perhaps you might consider adjusting the audio levels within Windows...

I have this nagging suspicion that the issue lies somewhere in those settings. 🤣

Man, I'm not that much of an idiot, it's already at max. :S

Justin Price3 said:Man, I'm not that much of an idiot, it's already at max. :S

now, please don't be upset... it was merely a small joke...

It feels somewhat foolish that you mentioned at the start that you weren't even looking to buy speakers, yet here we are again, asking for recommendations....
Nowadays, almost any speaker set from $20-$50 offers excellent quality, so there isn't really a reason to overthink it... just purchase one and be done with it....
However, if your intention is to plug headphones into them, then that approach lacks logic..

In reality, what you are actually seeking is a headphone amplifier..
Because if you simply swap out a sound card that lacks a dedicated built-in amp—meaning a difference of less than $150—you truly won't notice any improvement...

So, either spend an extra $150 on a sound card that includes an amp, or look for an external headphone amplifier, which you can find locally for upwards of $67 or perhaps order from overseas...
Just a word of caution... prices for speaker amplifiers typically range from $110 all the way up to several thousand dollars... 😉...
Perhaps try to find something used for around $110-$67.. that would likely be your most sensible path...

(A long time ago, I actually attempted a little DIY project using cheap speakers.. I took them apart, salvaged the amplifier, did some minor modifications, and converted it into a headphone amp.. it is quite straightforward and inexpensive, provided one is comfortable with a soldering iron and basic electronics)

Go ahead and hop onto eBay and search for "headphone amplifier"

There are some decent prices out there 😉

I don't want to point out any specific listings just yet... I wouldn't want anyone thinking I'm actually trying to sell something myself. 😁 😁

rowdyotter10 said:Go ahead and hop onto eBay and search for "headphone amplifier"

There are some decent prices out there 😉

I don't want to point out any specific listings just yet... I wouldn't want anyone thinking I'm actually trying to sell something myself. 😁 😁

http://www.craigslist.org/cs/audio/headphone-amp-listing-12345 ? Is this any good? 😉

rowdyotter10 said:now, please don't be upset... it was merely a small joke...

It feels somewhat foolish that you mentioned at the start that you weren't even looking to buy speakers, yet here we are again, asking for recommendations....
Nowadays, almost any speaker set from $20-$50 offers excellent quality, so there isn't really a reason to overthink it... just purchase one and be done with it....
However, if your intention is to plug headphones into them, then that approach lacks logic..

In reality, what you are actually seeking is a headphone amplifier..
Because if you simply swap out a sound card that lacks a dedicated built-in amp—meaning a difference of less than $150—you truly won't notice any improvement...

So, either spend an extra $150 on a sound card that includes an amp, or look for an external headphone amplifier, which you can find locally for upwards of $67 or perhaps order from overseas...
Just a word of caution... prices for speaker amplifiers typically range from $110 all the way up to several thousand dollars... 😉...
Perhaps try to find something used for around $110-$67.. that would likely be your most sensible path...

(A long time ago, I actually attempted a little DIY project using cheap speakers.. I took them apart, salvaged the amplifier, did some minor modifications, and converted it into a headphone amp.. it is quite straightforward and inexpensive, provided one is comfortable with a soldering iron and basic electronics)

whatever, people have been saying that on multiple threads anyway xd

Got anything specific in mind? ...I'm not exactly an expert at this stuff... I'm just a high schooler...

Justin Price3 said:http://www.craigslist.org/cs/audio/headphone-amp-listing-12345 ? Is this any good? 😉

To be perfectly honest... I am at a loss.

I find myself increasingly drawn to those smaller amplifiers that require a traditional connection to a wall outlet... I simply have little patience for anything running on battery power.

Well, I did a little digging on Google, and I actually stumbled upon this article regarding the matter:

I’ve been spending quite a bit of time lately revisiting certain tech reviews from back in the day, and I recently stumbled upon this particular critique regarding the iPod Mini. It’s interesting, really—looking back at how we perceived portable media players before everything became a smartphone. The reviewer takes a very specific, almost surgical approach to the device. There is a certain level of earnestness in how they weigh the hardware against the user experience. They touch on the tactile feel of the click wheel—which, let's be honest, was a marvel of engineering at the time—but they don't shy away from the frustrations of storage capacity and the sheer effort required to manage a music library manually. It reminds me of those early days when you had to carefully curate every single megabyte of space, much like how one might meticulously organize a physical collection of vinyl records or high-end audio equipment here in the States. It is a somewhat fragmented read, perhaps, but there is a sincerity to the critique that feels missing from today's polished, corporate tech journalism. It isn't just about specs; it's about the actual friction of living with the gadget. I found myself nodding along to several points regarding the interface. One can't help but wonder if we've traded true intentionality for mere convenience. We have more power in our pockets now than we ever dreamed of in 2008, yet I sometimes miss that deliberate, almost meditative process of managing a small, dedicated device. It makes one think.

So, if what people are saying is actually true... you could just order the exact same thing from overseas for maybe forty bucks? That seems... well, it seems rather unlikely, doesn't it? But then again, I suppose I shouldn't be so quick to dismiss it.$17 ...on top of the free shipping...

And then they have the nerve to claim it won't work on everything... as if that's some kind of flaw. It was specifically engineered for MP3 players in the first place. One has to wonder about the logic there.

I find myself somewhat at a loss... I simply cannot wrap my head around it.

Well... if that is truly how you see things, then I suppose my suggestion would be this: rather than relying on those portable units, you might find more stability by opting for a semi-professional headphone amplifier—the kind that actually plugs into a wall outlet instead of running on batteries. It seems a bit more reliable, don't you think?

This would be absolutely perfect for what you're trying to achieve, and honestly, I can see it being used for all sorts of other nonsense too... just please, for heaven's sake, make sure you pick up an adapter for it as well!!!
I am currently looking into various musical equipment options, and I came across an interesting listing on a local marketplace. It seems to be a specialized advertisement for music gear, though the details require a bit of careful scrutiny. It is quite a process, isn’t it? Trying to find exactly what one needs amidst all the digital noise. One moment you are searching for a specific amplifier, and the next, you find yourself lost in a rabbit hole of vintage pedals or obscure synthesizer models. I often find myself spending far more time browsing than actually purchasing, which is perhaps a flaw in my own methodical nature. I suppose I should examine the specifics of this particular offer more closely. There is always that slight uncertainty when dealing with private sellers online—one wonders about the condition of the items or if the descriptions are entirely accurate. Still, there is a certain sincerity in these individual listings that you just don't find on the massive corporate sites like Guitar Center or Sweetwater. It feels more... personal, I suppose. Even if it does take a bit more effort to verify everything. Anyway, I shall continue my investigation. It is a slow process, but I prefer to be deliberate.

Now, I must say... if you're looking to acquire this, it really is a remarkably good thing. Truly. It’s almost... well, let's just say it's quite an impressive opportunity.
I happened upon an interesting listing online today regarding some high-end audio components for sale. It seems to be a rather substantial collection, involving several pieces of equipment that would likely appeal to any serious audiophile looking to upgrade their home setup. The listing details a variety of gear, including what appears to be a high-quality amplifier and perhaps some integrated components that could serve as the centerpiece of a listening room. One cannot help but wonder about the provenance of such items—whether they were meticulously maintained by a single owner or passed through various hands over the years. In my experience, the history of a piece of hi-fi gear often tells as much of a story as the sound quality itself. It is quite a tempting proposition for anyone living in a major metropolitan area like Chicago or New York, where finding such specialized equipment locally can sometimes be a bit of a challenge. I found myself lingering on the page for a moment, contemplating the sheer complexity of modern audio engineering versus the classic, warm tones of older analog setups. There is a certain sincerity in older hardware that is hard to replicate, wouldn't you agree? Anyway, I thought it was worth mentioning to the group. It’s always pleasant to stumble across a find like this while browsing the digital marketplace. I shall continue to ponder whether such a setup would truly transform one's auditory experience or if it is simply another pursuit of perfection that remains perpetually out of reach.

rowdyotter10 said:To be perfectly honest... I am at a loss.

I find myself increasingly drawn to those smaller amplifiers that require a traditional connection to a wall outlet... I simply have little patience for anything running on battery power.

Well, I did a little digging on Google, and I actually stumbled upon this article regarding the matter:

I’ve been spending quite a bit of time lately revisiting certain tech reviews from back in the day, and I recently stumbled upon this particular critique regarding the iPod Mini. It’s interesting, really—looking back at how we perceived portable media players before everything became a smartphone. The reviewer takes a very specific, almost surgical approach to the device. There is a certain level of earnestness in how they weigh the hardware against the user experience. They touch on the tactile feel of the click wheel—which, let's be honest, was a marvel of engineering at the time—but they don't shy away from the frustrations of storage capacity and the sheer effort required to manage a music library manually. It reminds me of those early days when you had to carefully curate every single megabyte of space, much like how one might meticulously organize a physical collection of vinyl records or high-end audio equipment here in the States. It is a somewhat fragmented read, perhaps, but there is a sincerity to the critique that feels missing from today's polished, corporate tech journalism. It isn't just about specs; it's about the actual friction of living with the gadget. I found myself nodding along to several points regarding the interface. One can't help but wonder if we've traded true intentionality for mere convenience. We have more power in our pockets now than we ever dreamed of in 2008, yet I sometimes miss that deliberate, almost meditative process of managing a small, dedicated device. It makes one think.

So, if what people are saying is actually true... you could just order the exact same thing from overseas for maybe forty bucks? That seems... well, it seems rather unlikely, doesn't it? But then again, I suppose I shouldn't be so quick to dismiss it.$17 ...on top of the free shipping...

And then they have the nerve to claim it won't work on everything... as if that's some kind of flaw. It was specifically engineered for MP3 players in the first place. One has to wonder about the logic there.

I find myself somewhat at a loss... I simply cannot wrap my head around it.

Well... if that is truly how you see things, then I suppose my suggestion would be this: rather than relying on those portable units, you might find more stability by opting for a semi-professional headphone amplifier—the kind that actually plugs into a wall outlet instead of running on batteries. It seems a bit more reliable, don't you think?

This would be absolutely perfect for what you're trying to achieve, and honestly, I can see it being used for all sorts of other nonsense too... just please, for heaven's sake, make sure you pick up an adapter for it as well!!!
I am currently looking into various musical equipment options, and I came across an interesting listing on a local marketplace. It seems to be a specialized advertisement for music gear, though the details require a bit of careful scrutiny. It is quite a process, isn’t it? Trying to find exactly what one needs amidst all the digital noise. One moment you are searching for a specific amplifier, and the next, you find yourself lost in a rabbit hole of vintage pedals or obscure synthesizer models. I often find myself spending far more time browsing than actually purchasing, which is perhaps a flaw in my own methodical nature. I suppose I should examine the specifics of this particular offer more closely. There is always that slight uncertainty when dealing with private sellers online—one wonders about the condition of the items or if the descriptions are entirely accurate. Still, there is a certain sincerity in these individual listings that you just don't find on the massive corporate sites like Guitar Center or Sweetwater. It feels more... personal, I suppose. Even if it does take a bit more effort to verify everything. Anyway, I shall continue my investigation. It is a slow process, but I prefer to be deliberate.

Now, I must say... if you're looking to acquire this, it really is a remarkably good thing. Truly. It’s almost... well, let's just say it's quite an impressive opportunity.
I happened upon an interesting listing online today regarding some high-end audio components for sale. It seems to be a rather substantial collection, involving several pieces of equipment that would likely appeal to any serious audiophile looking to upgrade their home setup. The listing details a variety of gear, including what appears to be a high-quality amplifier and perhaps some integrated components that could serve as the centerpiece of a listening room. One cannot help but wonder about the provenance of such items—whether they were meticulously maintained by a single owner or passed through various hands over the years. In my experience, the history of a piece of hi-fi gear often tells as much of a story as the sound quality itself. It is quite a tempting proposition for anyone living in a major metropolitan area like Chicago or New York, where finding such specialized equipment locally can sometimes be a bit of a challenge. I found myself lingering on the page for a moment, contemplating the sheer complexity of modern audio engineering versus the classic, warm tones of older analog setups. There is a certain sincerity in older hardware that is hard to replicate, wouldn't you agree? Anyway, I thought it was worth mentioning to the group. It’s always pleasant to stumble across a find like this while browsing the digital marketplace. I shall continue to ponder whether such a setup would truly transform one's auditory experience or if it is simply another pursuit of perfection that remains perpetually out of reach.

So, what’s actually the issue here? I just realized my PC audio sounds like garbage using the same headphones because I'm stuck using the integrated sound card. Tried them on my laptop instead, and the volume is twice as loud. I actually have a dedicated sound card sitting here, but I can't seem to figure out how to get it installed properly. Basically, I just want to fix the audio quality.

So you finally figured out what I told you ten posts ago? Great. Better late than never, I guess... 😬

Grab the drivers here, I found them for this version: http://driverscollection.com/?H=CMI8...a&SS=Windows 7

Watch out, though—don't click on anything saying "Run a free scan..." or "Update drivers and improve..." That's just junk that makes everything more complicated and nobody actually uses it. On that page, just click where it says "Download C-Media CMI8738 Beta Driver v.8.17.37" and leave it at that...

Restart your PC, go into the BIOS, and disable the onboard audio. Shut the computer down, pop the case open, install the card, and close it back up. Once you boot it back up, run that installer you downloaded. And look, don't go thinking this is some magic fix; your sound card is ancient and honestly, it's total garbage. You might even end up with worse sound quality than what you're getting from your integrated audio right now. Aside from the quality, it's mostly about the signal strength—this dedicated card should give you a stronger output for your speakers or headphones, so it might be decent enough for starters.

Plus, you could just check Craigslist for used sound cards. Grab an old Creative Sound Blaster for $17 and you'll have a solid setup for whatever you need...

darkowl72 said:So you finally figured out what I told you ten posts ago? Great. Better late than never, I guess... 😬

Grab the drivers here, I found them for this version: http://driverscollection.com/?H=CMI8...a&SS=Windows 7

Watch out, though—don't click on anything saying "Run a free scan..." or "Update drivers and improve..." That's just junk that makes everything more complicated and nobody actually uses it. On that page, just click where it says "Download C-Media CMI8738 Beta Driver v.8.17.37" and leave it at that...

Restart your PC, go into the BIOS, and disable the onboard audio. Shut the computer down, pop the case open, install the card, and close it back up. Once you boot it back up, run that installer you downloaded. And look, don't go thinking this is some magic fix; your sound card is ancient and honestly, it's total garbage. You might even end up with worse sound quality than what you're getting from your integrated audio right now. Aside from the quality, it's mostly about the signal strength—this dedicated card should give you a stronger output for your speakers or headphones, so it might be decent enough for starters.

Plus, you could just check Craigslist for used sound cards. Grab an old Creative Sound Blaster for $17 and you'll have a solid setup for whatever you need...

So you mean I should just buy a new sound card? And that would actually make the volume louder? 🙂

Thanks in advance

Yeah. If you're looking for some love, check this one out:

It's solid, and honestly, one of the few that actually includes a dedicated headphone amp...

http://www.overclock3d.net/reviews/a...ar_dg_review/1

So, I've still got this old ATI Radeon HD 6850 graphics card, and I can't figure out how to get into the BIOS... I know it’s that thing where you hit F2 right when the computer boots up, but I keep tapping it and nothing's happening.

The GPU isn't the issue here. You need to get into the BIOS... try tapping the "Del" key on your numpad while it boots up.

Well, if that's how you want to play it... go ahead. But my advice? Try swapping in an old sound card first. If that doesn't cut it, then maybe look into buying a new one. Just stay away from used gear; you can pick up a perfectly decent new sound card for about ten bucks online without much trouble...
And if that still fails to fix things, try an amplifier. If even that doesn't work, well, you can either pay a professional to finally solve the problem or just keep banging your head against the wall. 😁 😁 😁

rowdyotter10 said:Well, if that's how you want to play it... go ahead. But my advice? Try swapping in an old sound card first. If that doesn't cut it, then maybe look into buying a new one. Just stay away from used gear; you can pick up a perfectly decent new sound card for about ten bucks online without much trouble...
And if that still fails to fix things, try an amplifier. If even that doesn't work, well, you can either pay a professional to finally solve the problem or just keep banging your head against the wall. 😁 😁 😁

hey, I got it all sorted out 🙂 the old sound card works fine... now I'll see which new one to pick up... THANKS

darkowl72 said:Yeah. If you're looking for some love, check this one out:

It's solid, and honestly, one of the few that actually includes a dedicated headphone amp...

http://www.overclock3d.net/reviews/a...ar_dg_review/1

:SSS man, I really need that 😢 but I've only got $67... maybe I'll check eBay for a used one