Volume fluctuation with my new 5.1 speakers? :o
 

Soo, I got a new set of 5.1 speakers (two in teh rear, a left, right, and center speaker, and subwoofer). The only problem is that while listening to, say, mp3s with them seemingly randomly the volume shifts -- it will go quiet for a few seconds, then louder for a few seconds, then back to normal volume. It's very odd, and I have no idea what may be causing the problem. My old speakers didn't do anything like that so I am thinking it may be the onboard SoundMAX card not handling the speakers correctly or maybe some sort of odd setting? I'm just hoping someone may has experienced a similar problem.

Relevant Stats:
ASUS P4P800SE Mobo with "SoundMAX Integrated Digital Audio" (same prob with a SB Live! Value)
D-Link DFE-530TX PCI Fast Ethernet Adapter
BFG Nvidia GeForce 6800

Onboard sound cards like soundmax traditionally have a hard time with 5.1 sound. I've got a motherboard with soundmax on it and it worked fine with 2 speakers. When I switched it to 5.1 it started going crazy. Ghost sounds, dropping out, etc.

I would just spend a little money and go for a stand-alone card. Creative is good of course, but there are plenty out there for around $20-30 that give fine 5.1 sound. Newegg has a few, you could check them if you wanted.

what speakers are they? Sorry, I can't help you, but I'm looking into 5.1 speakers myself so I'm very curious.

EDIT: Regarding a sound card, I recommend the SoundBlaster Audigy if you're looking for a good but relatively cheap solution.

I plugged in my SB Live! Value (which supports 5.1, supposedly) and experience the same problem with the sound volume fluctuating. The speakers are the Creative Inspire T5400 model.

There's a difference between the SoundBlaster Live! 5.1 and the SoundBlaster Live! Value. I had no idea the Value supported 5.1, but I know for certain that the Live! 5.1 DOES support 5.1 very well. You can get the 5.1's on NewEgg for really cheap ($20 or less). I'd try to find someone with a 5.1 before you order one though...those Value's might actually support 5.1.

-Lasereth

Probably not what your problem is, but worth a check anyway:

If you've got the speaker wires touching any power cable, you could be getting interference. Usually if that's the case the distortion will be constant, but it's still worth a check. Check the easy, cheap stuff first I always say.