Why can't I get stereo?

[chickenlegs]

OK, I am slightly confused. I have plugged a standard headphone-type jack (from my 2.1 speaker set that were working perfectly on my windows pc) into the audio output socket on the back of my new iMac and I can only get sound through one channel. I have tried investigating sound settings and have got nowhere. Any help please?
Chris

 

[psonice]

Obvious, but this would cause the problem - check the plug is pushed in all the way. If it's not quite in, you get mono.

 

[chickenlegs]

Stereo

Mmmm - tried that...no luck. Could it be something to do with the Mac's soundcard?

 

[SaSaSushi]

Mmmm - tried that...no luck. Could it be something to do with the Mac's soundcard?

I would much sooner suspect a problem in the jack itself. You say it comes from a 2.1 system. Are you sure its a standard 1/8" mini stereo plugz? It could still be 1/8" and fit perfectly yet not be a "standard" plug. The obvious thing to do to rule out problems in the jack itself is to plug it in to another device and see if you are getting both channels.

 

[psonice]

Also try a pair of headphones in the imac - if that works, you know there's no problem with the mac setup or hardware.

 

[chickenlegs]

OK..I'm a numpty!

Yes, I now have glorious stereo coming out of my Logitech Z-3 speakers.

The plug that goes into the sub is a bit dodgy and it seems to have worked loose. I'm sure it wasn't me!!

Chris