Unable to attach extenal speakers to HP laptop

Once again I turn to my go-to forum for some help. As a senior, non-techie, I have relied on you good posters for some guidance before. This time my problem is trying to attach a computer soundbar to an HP (17-cp0010ds) laptop.

 

The soundbar is a no-name one, but one that I have used in the past on my PC. In the process of trying to hook up to this laptop, I have tested the soundbar on my PC, I have tried switching USB ports on the laptop, and tested the headphone input. All seem to be fully functional. This laptop is running Windows 8, whereas my PC is on Windows 10. Could that be the problem? Is there some Sound setting I need to adjust... I tried but couldn't find anything that looked like it applied. Any help would be appreciated.

 

 

 

Hi, HP 17-cp0010ds I find is made for Windows 10 and can update Windows 11.

 

Why is it you are running Win 8 a unsupported OS on it ?   Makes no sense.

 

As well you could have given us the correct Support Page URL rather than having results us search for it find : 17-cp0000 page.

 

You have not told us how this connects nor the make and model of the sound bar.

 

These would be the things you start a Topic with.

 

At this time, not enough information.

My guess is that the Laptop has a different socket to the Sound-bar's plug.

 

The laptop's socket will be for combined Headphones (sound) and Mic (voice). Whereas the sound-bar's will be for sound only

Hi, @weybrew:

I'm a bit confused, because you mention "switching USB ports" on the laptop.
And you use "speakers" vs. "soundbar" - these are not quite the same thing.
And "attach" suggests a physical compatibility issue, rather than an audio output issue.

Can you please clarify the problem:

1. Are you able to physically connect the soundbar to the laptop (e.g. via USB)?

2. If so, then is the problem that there is no audio output from the soundbar when it is connected?

3. OR, are you unable to physically "plug in" the soundbar into the laptop's socket because the "plug" on the soundbar doesn't match the socket?

In addition, as we are not in front of your computer, it would very much help if you could please provide the details requested by @Pkshadow, and/or photos.

Thank you

Thanks to kind folks who have responded so quickly. I didn't realize that the model number you cited was the same Laptop number I provided. I will gather some additional answers to the question posed asap and post. Sorry for the inaccurate / incomplete data.

The biggest problem I see in many attempted installs of various audio devices is the impedance matching.  Low level or auxillary input and outputs are usually in the area of 100KOhms and not above 100 millivolts level.  Audio outputs for external speakers and headphones are usually 8 Ohms impedance and levels up to five volts.  Many external audio speakers also have their own powered amplifiers to increase the levels enough to drive speakers, they work well with either output level.

to the OP

 

Post some picture of what you are trying to plug into what. (pictures of the plugs and the sockets.

 

It might be something as simple as your laptop not recognising the soundbar is plugged in and then not making it the default device.

Sorry for the confusion in my first posting... I'll try to address each concern.

 

Post #2: The correct OS is Windows 10 Home (I copied some bad data). I am attaching the correct HP support page. Soundbar particulars ... Brand/model Solion R30, pic attached.

 

Post #3: The soundbar plug appears to be type TRS and seems to connect just fine, but no audio output.

 

Post #4: I am physically able to connect the soundbar via USB and the fit seems secure, as does the audio cable. Just no sound.

 

Post #6 and #7: The soundbar doesn't have a powered amplifier, just a USB connect. I'm sure that a User Guide for this model would answer would have that info, as                                well as diagrams of each side panel. Unfortunately after extensive searching I have been unable to locate one from any of my usual sources. I                                          attempted to take a pic, but only got one side. It is attached.

 

Hopefully this additional info will. And, as always, many thanks to all you kind responders.

Edited by weybrew, 19 April 2024 - 09:48 PM.

Try this.

 

Plug the green plug from the soundbar into the headphone socket on the laptop.

Turn on the soundbar

Open Control Panel on the laptop.

Select Sounds in control panel

Change the default device in the window that opens to headphones.

 

Now see if you have sound via the soundbar. (don't forget to adjust the volume on the laptop as well as the soundbar).

Is it possible that the laptop is not providing sufficient power to run the Sound-bar

Well it does look from this Amazon page https://www.amazon.com/Soulion-R30-Computer-Speakers-Colorful/dp/B085HZPNRJ that the soundbar might need more power than a laptop might provide.

Try connecting the audio cable to the headphone jack on the laptop, and the USB plug to a suitable mains charger (at least 1A output), and see if this helps.

Edited by GeoffK, 20 April 2024 - 08:08 AM.

Since your laptop has a USB c port an adapter like the one below may work. Depends on how much power the laptop gives to the USB c port. This would be the last option if you can't get the soundbar to work on the laptop. If you want better sound than what the laptop provides you may have to look at bluetooth speakers. Your Soundbar comes in a bluetooth version for $40

 

https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Basics-Converter-High-Speed-Certified/dp/B01GGKYXVE?th=1

Thanks again ,good folks. I tried plugging the USB socket of a 1A charger. I don't want to revert to a Bluetooth version of this soundbar. I tried connecting to another, older laptop and everything worked fine, so I feel sure that there is adequate power. I also tried going into Sound settings and adding another device but the laptop couldn't find the newly connected soundbar so I didn't have the option to change the default audio output.

​

As another connection check, I tried to add an pair of inexpensive headphones that needed only a single audio plug. Even they were not recognized. All audio plugs appear to 3.5mm TRS type. 

If regular headphones didn't work then it may be a hardware issue.

 

With the inexpensive headphones attached click the speaker button in the system tray and select Playback devices. Do you see your headphones? If yes, do you see a green check mark next to them? If not click on the headphones and select set as default device.

Hi, JohnC_21. Playback Devices don't list the headphones as an option, so I tried Add A Device and the system scan could not find the headphones at all. This was the same result when I tried the soundbar, and separate speakers.