Can someone please clarify if the M11x-R2 has actual 5.1 speakers built into the chassis? Because my audio tests only give stereo

I ask because all the reviews list this spec. Yet when I choose 5.1 under the Realtek HD Audio manager and do a speaker test under the 5.1 configuration I only get sound from the left or right channel.

Is there actually 5.1 speakers built into the unit and something is wrong with mine? Or is this a mistake of information that the reviews are getting?

I get great 7.1 sound through HDMI, but this touted 5.1 speakers from the chassis does not seem to be working right for me under the speaker test in the Realtek HD audio manager.

If anyone knows what's up. It's much appreciated.

Cheers!

 

LOL ( Sorry but... )

In short, it means the sound card supports 5.1 surround sound output. It doesn't mean the laptop has the surround speakers connected to that sound card. That's why you'll notice it has 2 sound outputs on the right side of the laptop.

The actual speakers on the laptop itself are only 2 and work in stereo. To get the surround sound you need the speakers behind you and to get the Subwoofer low frequency channel (the ".1" in "5.1") you actually need the big fat subwoofer speaker. Both of those sets of speakers (3 at front and 2 at back should be plugged in both Audio Output jacks - lil headphone icons). The surround speakers inside the laptop chassis:

1. cannot physically fit into the small laptop chassis
2. cannot be "behind" you due to the relatively flat nature of the space (and time) itself

 

Dude, I understand how surround sound works. I used to sell $100K Home theater systems.

But every review makes it sound like the system had tiny speakers built in.

As for the .1 for the sub. My G73JH has a built in sub speaker in the bottom of the case. So the idea of putting 3 speakers above the keyboard (Or the center channel above the keyboard with the left and right channel speakers in the back), 2 "rear" at the bottom where the lights go and then a sub underneath did not seem that far fetched as uneccessary as it would be.

But with the added bells and whistles on the unit, something that extravagant as a built in 5.1 tiny speaker system didn't seem unreasonable.

I'm still having trouble understanding why you're laughing at the question condescendingly at the top of your post, but whatever. I still appreciate the answer. I also disagree about there not being speakers big enough to fit. I have tiny surround sound speakers for the home theater system in my car and the surround channels that are wicked small. And there's even smaller speakers.

Would you get true 5.1 surround? No. But if you wanted to put it in there and add some kind of sound field to it like the simulated surround you get from a Bose system, it could be done. Worth it? Not really. But it's not out of the realm of possibility

Cheers

 

OK. no LOL, just a big smile.

In a word. No.

No explanation required then.

Appendix - I use AndrewLabs ATSurround which improves the headphone sound quality and will improve 5.1 surround sound when you don't have 6 Channel audio output.
The M11x has 6 channel audio output via the three 3.5mm ports on the right of notebook.

 

Okay. Here's where I'm confused. The review at CNet says that the M11x-R2 has built in 5.1 speakers. And goes on to say what an accomplishment for such a small size.

I don't have a link. But you can find it in the CNet review thread.

I'm not saying he's right and anyone else is wrong. All I'm saying is I'm not stupid for asking as the CNet review states the machine has built in 5.1 speakers into the unit itself. So that's where I got the question from.

Feel free to check yourself. I've seen other reviews state the same thing. Cnet aren't idiots. I don't know why they'd say that if it's not the case.

Go ahead and check. The reviewer says the machine has built in 5.1 speakers.

What is up with that?

Cheers

 

Attached is the service manual figure displaying the location of the speakers(2) on the M11xR1. Guess one can draw ones own conclusion on that.

 

People make mistakes. The reviewer was mistaken.

There are only 2 speakers in the M11x, located at the bottom-front of the laptop, configured in stereo. There is no built-in surround speaker system in the laptop. True 5.1 or 7.1 surround support requires you to use an external speaker system, via the 3 analog audio jacks or through the HDMI connection.

End of story.

 

Just a quick sneaky addendum.

The DisplayPort also supports audio.

I have only tested stereo via the DisplayPort to my monitor.

DisplayPort specs state that it optionally supports 1-8 channels, 16 or 24-bit linear PCM audio.

I can not be sure if the M11x supports anything higher than 2 channels as I haven't found any information regarding the DisplayPort on the ALC665 datasheet and haven't found anything written on the subject from Dell/Alienware.

Sorry, no point in wasting a good post.

 

I think the reviewer meant the m11x supports 5.1 out on the headphone jacks, which to me is still impressive, even if it doesn't warp space to put the front end of my laptop behind me.

 

along those lines the r2 has 5.1 speakers and the hinge issue no longer is a problem lol. It means supports 5.1 output not 5.1 speaker setup inside the laptop. I am suprised you sold $100k systems and do not know that i sold $1k speakers at Best buy lol ages ago and can tell you that finding a 5.1 speaker surround sound setup in a laptop is pointless and......

 

My bad. One should always bow to the blue and khaki of Best Buy. :GEEK: