The soundcard is a soundblaster PnP 16.  I've tried both outputs, the
speaker out and the line out with the same results.  I originally had it
plugged into the speaker out.  On the stereo end I have it plugged into
the VCR input, which is where I had it before also.  The connecters are
mini-plug, total of 4.  Line-in, Mic-in, Line-out, and Spk-out.  I have
a mini-plug to mini-jack extension cable running to a stereo mini-plug
to dual rca plug splitter.  The rest of the run is finished by one dual
rca plug to dual rca plug cable.

Some other info, I'm not sure if this is helpful or not.  I noticed when
trying the different outputs, that when I accidentally touched the tip
of the mini-plug to the case the hum started.  Also, the hum is
noticeable on the other inputs of the stereo while the cable's plugged
into the computer.  (i.e. I leave the computer plugged in but switch to
tape input and I can still hear the hum in the background, just not as
loud as on the VCR input where the computer's plugged in at.)
Unplugging the cable from either the amplifier or computer stops the hum
completely throughout the input channels.

TIA,

Kevin


Earl Truss wrote:
>
> Some sound cards, especially SoundBlasters, have an output from the pre-amp
> and one from its on-board amplifier.  The pre-amp output is to be used for
> connecting to an external amplifier as you are doing while the on-board
> amplifier is used to drive earphones and small speakers.  The connection on
> the stereo can also accept different input levels.  A stereo input that is
> supposed to be used with low-power inputs will show this symptom if you
> connect it to the sound card's amplifier output.  Make sure that you are
> using the output on the sound card and the input on the stereo that you
> used to use before you saw this problem.  If you are still having problems,
> please give us the kind of sound card you are using and the type of
> connectors it has.  You should be able to find this information in the
> manual.  Also, what input on the stereo are you using?