I have a problem connecting my laptop to my hi-fi and getting stereo
output: no sound comes out of the left speaker, only the right
speaker.

I have been importing my CD collection to iTunes using 160kb AAC
encoding. I have connected my Powerbook 17" to my amplifier using
3.5mm to 2 RCA leads from the headphone socket.

All my other sources (TV, DVD player, tuner, Sky+ box) output
currectly to all speakers, so the speakers aren't the problem. I have
also swapped the cables connected to the Powerbook to the connections
on the amplifier that I know already work, but as soon as I connect
the Powerbook cables the left speaker dies, so the amplifier doesn't
seem to be the problem.

Also, listening to music on the Powerbook through headphones sounds
fine, with sound in both ears.

Is there something basic that I'm missing? Any help is gratefully
received.

On Sun, 21 Sep 2003 11:02:29 -0700, AlexB wrote
(in message <7b49b65.0309211002.7d61c258@posting.google.com> ):

> I have a problem connecting my laptop to my hi-fi and getting stereo
> output: no sound comes out of the left speaker, only the right
> speaker.
>
> I have been importing my CD collection to iTunes using 160kb AAC
> encoding. I have connected my Powerbook 17" to my amplifier using
> 3.5mm to 2 RCA leads from the headphone socket.
>
> All my other sources (TV, DVD player, tuner, Sky+ box) output
> currectly to all speakers, so the speakers aren't the problem. I have
> also swapped the cables connected to the Powerbook to the connections
> on the amplifier that I know already work, but as soon as I connect
> the Powerbook cables the left speaker dies, so the amplifier doesn't
> seem to be the problem.
>
> Also, listening to music on the Powerbook through headphones sounds
> fine, with sound in both ears.
>
> Is there something basic that I'm missing? Any help is gratefully
> received.

I see two likely problems. One, the most likely, some part of the chain
between the computer's output port, and the hi-fi equipment's import port is
mono. A cable, or an adapter plug, or something. Two, the equipment between
the export and import plugs is stereo, but the connection is not being made.
One of the wires in the stereo cable is broken, or the plug is not seated
completely. Stuff like that.

Steve <nobodyNOSPAM@comcast.net> wrote in message news:<0001HW.BB947A6D00E4D997F0284600@netnews.comc ast.net>...
> On Sun, 21 Sep 2003 11:02:29 -0700, AlexB wrote
> (in message <7b49b65.0309211002.7d61c258@posting.google.com> ):
>
> > I have a problem connecting my laptop to my hi-fi and getting stereo
> > output: no sound comes out of the left speaker, only the right
> > speaker.
> >
> > I have been importing my CD collection to iTunes using 160kb AAC
> > encoding. I have connected my Powerbook 17" to my amplifier using
> > 3.5mm to 2 RCA leads from the headphone socket.
> >
> > All my other sources (TV, DVD player, tuner, Sky+ box) output
> > currectly to all speakers, so the speakers aren't the problem. I have
> > also swapped the cables connected to the Powerbook to the connections
> > on the amplifier that I know already work, but as soon as I connect
> > the Powerbook cables the left speaker dies, so the amplifier doesn't
> > seem to be the problem.
> >
> > Also, listening to music on the Powerbook through headphones sounds
> > fine, with sound in both ears.
> >
> > Is there something basic that I'm missing? Any help is gratefully
> > received.
>
> I see two likely problems. One, the most likely, some part of the chain
> between the computer's output port, and the hi-fi equipment's import port is
> mono. A cable, or an adapter plug, or something. Two, the equipment between
> the export and import plugs is stereo, but the connection is not being made.
> One of the wires in the stereo cable is broken, or the plug is not seated
> completely. Stuff like that.

The problem was not so much a faulty connection in the chain as the
fact that there was a chain. I had two three-meter cables running from
my amplifier to my PB, joined by phono connectors to make a six meter
cable run. When I placed the PB next to the amplifier and connected
it using a single cable, the problem was solved. I have now ordered a
single cable that is long enough to do the job.

Thanks for you help, Steve.