How do I use alternate/upgraded non apple speakers on my Imac?

[adpaste8]

I am trying to plug in the Bose Companion 2 desktop computer speakers to my Imac OS X. Getting a message "connection device not recognized". Speakers work but sound is distorted. Obviously, something is missing and wrong. Anybody no the problem and solution?

 

[Bill P.]

Have you selected the new speakers in the Sound System Pref?

 

[adpaste8]

I just tried but did not see an option to select "new speakers"

 

[kev319]

amp

Could your speaker system be working as an Amp? Can you turn down the volume control of your speakers and just use the volume control with the computer?

 

[Bill P.]

Well, though this may not be the problem, in the Sound Prefs under “Output” do the new speakers appear??

 

[adpaste8]

the new speakers do not appear. just one choice that says "external speakers"
I imagine this is for the old speakers too.

 

[adpaste8]

amp

tried to turn them down, that did not work. It must have something to do with the wiring and shielding of the connector. I am tempted to cut and splice the old connector on to the new speaker wire. The music is playing but there is fuzziness and distortion.