Multimedia Systems

Q.I have upgraded to Windows XP and now have no sound from my Digital BA735 or BA7500G but the green power light is lit.

Q.I’m having problems using the Digital BA735 with non-digital sound cards. Why?

Q.There is no sound from my speakers.

Q.Do I need Boston software with your speakers?

Q.Even with the volume up all the way, why is output very low?

Q.Why does the system’s bass level seems to be weak or under-powered?

Q.Can't find what I'm looking for. What should I do now?

Q. I have upgraded to Windows XP and now have no sound from my Digital BA735 or BA7500G but the green power light is lit.
A. Since the introduction of Windows XP, we have been receiving e-mails from customers like you regarding the inoperability of their speakers. The Boston digital speakers do not directly require drivers to work but rather rely on the soundcard for processing. This is where the problem lies. If the speaker system was functioning properly before the system upgrade and both green lights are illuminated, there is likely nothing wrong with your speakers. You need to make sure that the soundcard is configured for digital output. If the soundcard is configured for digital or if your computer manufacturer has informed you that you need to upgrade drivers in the system, you will need to contact the manufacturer of your soundcard for these drivers. Below are links to both Creative Labs (SoundBlaster) and Gateway. There you will find new drivers that will allow your sound card to work with Windows XP. For instructions on how to perform the driver installation, please contact your soundcard or computer manufacturer.

Link to Microsoft Knowledge Base.

Link to SoundBlaster's XP driver section.

Link to Gateway's driver download section.
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Q. I’m having problems using the Digital BA735 with non-digital sound cards. Why?
A. The Digital BA735 is a digital only system, and requires a properly set up digital sound card. For assistance in sound card set up, please contact your soundcard or computer manufacturer. If you do not have a digital card, these manufacturers can also recommend a digital card upgrade to based on your computer model and needs.
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Q. There is no sound from my speakers.
A. Let’s check the Computer and Soundcard:
1) Try the portable player test. Unplug the speakers from the computer and plug them into the headphone output of a portable-type stereo product. This test should produce sound. If it does the problem is most likely in the soundcard, or in your internal volume settings. You should contact your computer's support group for further help in those areas.

Note: This test will not work with the Digital BA7500G and Digital BA735 systems purchased through Gateway; these systems do not have analog inputs. With these systems make sure you are using a digital sound card and consult the soundcard manufacture for proper set-up.

Next let’s check the power:
2) Is the green power light illuminated? If not, you could have one of two possible causes. The first and less serious issue is that the power supply is not outputting the correct voltage. You can test the power supply with a voltage meter or you can always take the power supply to any electronics store and have it checked there. If it is not outputting the correct voltage (12VAC), contact our parts department for a new one at (978) 538-5136.

If the power supply is working properly, then your problem is most likely in the amplifier. In this case, we will need to fix your system here, and you can contact customer service at the above phone number to set this up.

3) If the system is connected properly and you have a green subwoofer light, disconnect the power supply from the wall for 10 minutes. This is a common problem on overloaded surge protectors. To many devices on the same surge protector can limit available power. Putting your speaker system on its own circuit (or a more dedicated one) should eliminate this problem.

If you are still having trouble please click here for online manuals or email our Tech Support Team.
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Q. Do I need Boston software with your speakers?
A. Boston digital and analog speakers, like most computer speakers rely, on the sound card to process the audio from your computer and do not need software. If your soundcard is in need of a specific software driver, please contact the manufacturer directly. The only system that requires specific Boston software is the BA735USB system, and the software for that system is available for download using the instructions below.
BA735USB Driver:

The BA735USB replaces the digital and analog inputs with a single USB input. The graphical user interface and enhanced audio controls are part of Boston's own USB Audio System 1.0 software. This speaker system was designed to be used exclusively with Gateway's Astro and Profile 2 computers.

Download the USB Audio System for the BA735USB:
(Note: The software driver is designed for the BA735USB, not the Digital BA735 or BA735.)

Version 1.03 for Windows 98, Windows Millennium, and Windows XP
File Name: USB.zip
File Size: 3MB
Approx. Download Time: 15min at 28.8kbps
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Q. Even with the volume up all the way on my speaker system, why is my output is very low?
A. Most likely, your internal volumes (or external device volume) are set very low or muted. Please make sure the internal volumes are at 85%, as well as any specific device volumes (MP3 players).
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Q. Why does the system’s bass level seems to be weak or under-powered?
A. Check the bass level on the back of your subwoofer, (or on your desktop control pod. For best subwoofer performance place the woofer on the floor along a wall or better still in a corner. This “corner loading” will increase bass output.
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Q. Can't find what I'm looking for. What should I do now?
A. Please send your questions to support@bostona.com.
Your e-mail is very important to us. E-mail is answered during normal business hours: Monday through Friday 9am to 5:30pm EST
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