Bad sound with Realtek HD Audio (TravelMate 8202/8204)

Hi. I signed up because of this and I've seen some threads talk about it, specially the one asking about wich headphones we're using but none made specifically about this issue.

I have an 8202 and the sound it puts out through the headphones is too weak even with all volume settings set to high. I downloaded the latest drivers from Acer and Realtek but it didn't improve a bit. I've tried with different medium-high quality headphones (Koss and Bose) which sound terrific with other sources and they don't cut it with my lap. The sound is very acceptable when played through an external amplifier (like a TV set) yet it requires a lot of aplification; with the headphones it's so bad that sometimes I can notice a great deal of distortion when setting everything to high and still the sound is too weak.

I tested a friend's 8202 and it has the same problem. Acer support sent me to an authorized service provider, who I haven't visited yet because I want to know if you have some more information.

I also know some of you have this problem too, including some Ferrari owners, while other's don't. I just can't believe this high end system with superb processor and graphics can sound this bad and it suprises me even more because Realtek HD Audio is supposedly a fine audio component. I'd love this computer if it wasn't for this problem (and the vent one which should go to another thread).

Do you think some of our laps are defective? Do you know any fix for it? Do yours behave this way too? I know some 8204 needed a firmware update for the NIC. Maybe ours need just that? Do you know anything from Acer?

Thanks for your help.

 

I've only used the phones once or twice since I've had the 8204, but didn't notice anything out of ordinary. Probably need to try them out again.

- Ed

 

My 8204 doesn't have this problem - I get GREAT sound from even cheap Philips earbuds, or Sony headphones. I'd try several different ones, and get it fixed pronto, if they all have poor sound.

 

Well, that's great for you! Thank's for answering. Just out of curiosity, could you tell me how long have you had your 8204 and if you have updated drivers? Maybe it is something that broke with the most recent audio driver which I believe is RealTek Audio Driver v5.10.0.5191 with date of 27/02/06 so maybe if you bought your computers before that... who knows.

Thanks.

 

I have 5.10.0.5191, but its date is given as 11/17/2005

The build date on my 8204 is 0601

- Ed

 

You know what, I do recall one thing I had to do, I did have to update my driver because of Microsoft Money Crashing when I tried to install it (and wierdly it was the sound driver that was causing the issue) I'll see if I can check tonight what version of driver I'm now using because I'm not sure if I used headphones prior to updating the driver so it MAY be that the driver update did something.

 

I've had it 4 weeks now, and the build date is 0601. I believe that I did update the RealTek driver, which is v5.10.0.5221. I probably updated this before even trying headphones.

Hope this helps!

 

Min came with the 5.10.0.5211 drivers also, and as you know it's got about as much output as a bucket of poo. Truly second-rate stuff. If anyone finds a magic fix I'll be happier, but I've already spent $80 on USB headphones as a work around.

 

Well, my drivers seem to be the same as yours still I find the sound a bit too weak.

I'm taking it to be serviced on saturday but I can forsee that they'll tell me it's working ok and that I should get my ears checked.

Come on people I know there's some with the same problem, where are you now? It can't be that I'm going deaf because I have an older laptop and an mp3 player and they are quite louder when needed.

 

Hey, I came to this forum cause I have a very similar problem. I have a Acer Travelmate 2355 NXC .. anyway the sound (when I play DVDs) is really LOW. But if I stream something, or play a music CD, its loud. Really strange. I remember having this problem before and after a lot of fiddling I did something that fixed it. But I recently rebooted my comp and its back to the same problem. Its really difficult to hear DVDs while everything else fine. I've looked everywhere!!!! Its driving me crazy. Does anyone know?

Oh and its realtek AC97 Audio

 

now that you mention it, there are some divx files that play loud enough with my travelmate but maybe it is that they are encoded very loud. i really don't know what to do either.

 

try the latest driver, they have been updated about 5x:

http://www.realtek.com.tw/downloads...s=2004061&Software=True&title=HD Audio CODECs
Downloads

 

DVDs tend to be quieter because of the way surround sound works. Try tweaking your DVD playing software's audio settings, e.g. changing the environment settings, etc.

 

I have same issue with ****py sound and I am just buying a new sound card for use with headphones. Probably the Audigy, Echo or Turtle Beach.

 

I just upgraded to the latest audio drivers from realtek 5.10.00.5233..YEEHAWWW!! This is much better. Very nice via earbuds with more bass sound. PLenty Loud for me! also the speakers are quite listenable now..I think I will save my money and stick with the built in audio while I keeping playing with this wonderful machine

 

Did the 5.10.00.5233 upgrade (R1.34 drivers), and while it *may* have improved a little, my Sennheiser headphones are still magnitudes louder when using the USB adaptor, I'm talking a subjective difference of at least 3-4x louder. 8204 audio still sucks, then again it is Realtek, the cheapest, nastiest audio chip set around..

 

Well of course, a bucket of poo isn't exactly an audio powerhouse

 

I had the same problem with my SZ. The onboard audio just blows. I ended up forking out $100.00 for a Creative SB PCMCIA card and life is much, much better.