I got back to my PC after Christmas to find out that my sub is making an annoying crackly sound. It does it regardless of what the volume's set at (on the speakers and in Windows), but it only does it when it's actually plugged into the back of my PC, not when it's only got power. So I wondered if it was my soundcard being broken, but I've switched over to the onboard sound and I'm still getting it. Any of you guys & girls know if there's anything else I can try, or is it time to get new speakers?

I've solved a similar problem (although mine was all the speakers, not just the sub) by using a ferrite ring. They're normally only about £2 so it's a cheap option before you start looking at more expensive equipment.

Cheers dude, I think I've got one of those kicking around somewhere so I'll give it a try. Although my current speakers are dirt cheap so I'm tempted to buy some new ones. Just for the joy of having new stuff

does it crackle with headphones as well?

if not its probably physical dmg to the speaker, like a rip or something.

Yeah it's only the sub that pops & crackles, the satellites are fine and it's ok with headphones going straight into my soundcard or via the speakers. Might be getting a bonus at work soon so I'll put some of that towards a decent replacement Anyone got any recommendations for good 2.1 setups?

I've never used integrated speaker setups with my computers, but then I'm hugely into my music - if you are similar I'd suggest getting a proper amp and speakers.

People around me seem to like their creative kit though if you arent.

General advice is to ignore outlandish claims of 100W+ power outputs as these are nearly always max or pmpo ratings and mean nothing unless you like distorted sound, and if possible listen to them first. You don't buy other audio kit without doing so and it should be the same for pc speakers

Well I got to the bottom of the problem just before I clicked the buy button for some new speakers. Turns out the extension lead I had them plugged into was causing interference or something . On a different socket they're fine! One to watch out for in future, kids.