I need to post a warning about a speaker incompatibility issue that needs to be shared

[Emoryoak]

WARNING! Older Klipsch pro media 2.1 speakers (edited) are NOT compatible with HP Envy desktop computers model number TE01-5364 ---Many hours were spent trying to debug the audio output failure that was simply due to these speakers being incompatible with this new computer. I also tested a different brand of older speakers (I do not recall the brand or model) that were ALSO incompatible. On a whim, I tested the rear audio jack with headphones, and the headphones worked!  A third speaker set was tested and also worked (Logitech R-10 speakers model S-0152A1).  HP Diagnostics tools and Microsoft audio troubleshooting did not help to diagnose or fix this issue. I could not find any posts here describing this very difficult to diagnose issue. Speakers that work with windows 10 computers but are not compatible with new windows 11 computers.

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @Emoryoak 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! 

Thanks for posting your query! We're here to help you get back up and running.

Commendable diagnosis, superb troubleshooting, and splendid description of the issue before posting. Hats off to you on that score. 😊 

Generally, speakers are plug-and-play devices and, as such, should work on any device.

However, if the one you have isn't working with the HP device while other speakers do, you're right, it doesn't seem to be compatible. 

I would suggest you contact the manufacturer to get the latest software and drivers available for the same, and let us know how it goes.

If this solution hits the spot, please come back and click "Accepted Solution" to help others find the answer. And if you'd like to say thanks, select "Yes" on the bottom left of the public post, as that would make our day! 

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye

[Emoryoak]

Here is an update to my post above. Unfortunately, I cannot call this a solution:

The computer’s rear audio jack failure has resolved itself.  After spending an incredible amount of time (many weeks), plus money on local technical support, the rear audio jack now works. The very bad news is we do NOT have a solution for customers. Only guesses. We downloaded all driver updates, used Microsoft and HP audio testing and repair tools multiple times. The only audio output we could turn on, was the tiny internal speaker inside the BenQ MA320U 32” monitor.  Countless online searches, forums and YouTube videos were reviewed and tested. The audio test done in HP PC Hardware Diagnostics UEFI Tool ended with a “critical error code.” I returned the HP Envy desktop computer model number TE01-5364 and exchanged it with an identical model, thinking that a hardware issue should be very rare. The new computer had the exact same problem! We again went through all the driver updates, tests, and repairs over several days. We had the same miserable results. Because the speakers worked flawlessly with an old HP computer, a different speaker set was tested and they also failed. As a last resort, we tried headphones in the computer’s rear audio jack and to our amazement, they worked! Realizing that both speaker systems that failed were (2.1) surround speakers, we borrowed a stereo (2.0) speaker set, and these worked perfectly, just like the stereo headphones did. Amazing! At this point we were convinced that the problem was an incompatibility issue with 2.1 surround sound speakers, and I posted a warning on this HP forum to help other customers. So, I returned to the store to purchase a set of stereo (2.0) speakers. While there, I purchased an inexpensive USB-C to 3.5 mm audio jack adapter. Before unboxing the new speakers, I gave the adapter a go. The 2.1 speakers did not work from either USB-C port on the back of the monitor, but they did work with the USB-C port on the front of the computer! Holy cow! I plugged the speakers into the rear audio jack (w/o the adapter) and this time (after many dozens of failures) they worked! Even before I fully inserted the mini speaker plug into the audio jack, I could hear speaker hum telling me that the audio jack was energized. There is NO apparent reason why the rear audio jack is now working with the 2.1 speaker system. The speakers appeared to work only after trying the computer’s front USB-C jack, but that seems unlikely. The automatic updates for the computer have been on, so there is a remote possibility that an automatic update fixed the problem. We just do not know, but I am keeping the $10 adapter, just in case.

[Hawks_Eye]

I am delighted to hear it's working!

Though we couldn't be a part of the solution as we hoped, we're glad the issue is addressed, because putting that smile back on your face is all that matters to us.

 If you're all set, please mark this post as 'Accepted Solution' to help others find the answer and also I can do a virtual happy dance! 

That said, we'll be archiving this conversation for now, if you need us, we'll be only a message away!

Take care and have a great day ahead.

Hawks_Eye

HP Support.