Audio Systems: Pop from speakers, home theater system, sound speakers

Question

Dear Robert,

      I recently bought an LG home theater system. I am using it to amplify

the music from my computer to the surround sound speakers. I plug the

audio cable into the the amp/dvd player, but the sound makes a loud snap or

pop noise and then stops working. The amp won't even play cds when this

pop occurs, so the input in the back of the amp might not be the problem.

What's wrong with this thing ?

Answer
You most likely plugged the headphone output of your PC into your receiver. It's too hot a signal. You need to start with the volume of your receiver nearly off and come up slowly or you can do the smarter thing which is to lower the volume way down on your computer. You can try a combination of both but don't experiment with the Rolling Stones. Be careful about how much level from each you use and you will probably stop the popping and improve the sound. Now if I tell you exactly the right proportions I would be charging for my service.