Audio keeps cutting out

[subreyes]

When I connect my notebook computer to my stereo via the speaker, Xlobby works great for about 2 songs (6-8 minutes) and then the sound goes out on the stereo and notebook. I unplug from the stereo and after about 15 minutes the sound returns to the notebook. I can run XLobby no problem from the notebook speakers as well as from a headphone. This may not be the right forum but if you have any idea what's going on I'd greatly appreciate it.
Thank you.

[edgley]

Do you have something else you can plug into the stereo to try?

[AirPost]

edgley might be right - this could be hardware related. When you say you connect your notebook to your stereo via the speaker, do you mean you use the headphone out from your notebook to your stereo?

[subreyes]

I have connected another notebook and it does the same thing. In both cases I've been using the headphone out jack from the notebook. It's a headphone jack to a y-connection (red and white) that I then connect to the back of the stereo with the audio input. Thanks for any help. I really appreciate it.

[edgley]

then that is your problem.

Headphone is an amplified signal, and you are feeding it into a line input, so your amp is overloading and protecting itself by shutting down.

If you have to use the headphone jack, turn the volume on the laptop down low, but you well might cause damage to your amp over time.

[subreyes]

Thanks. I was afraid of that. If I get a real soundcard for the notebook- maybe a PCMIA card (if they're available), would that alleviate the problem?
Again thanks for your help. Trying to sell the wife on CD's can truly live on the computer and never see the light of day hits a snag when your presentation cuts out. Hopefully, better luck next time.

[edgley]

A PCMCIA or USB sound device would sort out the problem.

[subreyes]

You guys are fantastic! I turned down my volume the other night on the laptop and it worked like a champ. Hooked the laptop up to the TV, had her pick from her music selection and listened to it all night with no cutout. She was duly impressed and asked why the sound couldn't go louder. Now I'm looking for a good sound card. Thanks so much for your help!