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    Better sound option?

    Discussion in 'Dell XPS and Studio XPS' started by Dynamo44, Jun 10, 2008.

  1. Dynamo44

    Dynamo44 Notebook Consultant

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    For a Dell XPS M1530, what is the better choice for sound: High Definition Audio 2.0 or Intergrated Sound Blaster Audigy HD? If I want to game, which is the best option? Thanks.
     
    Dynamo44, Jun 10, 2008
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  2. conzy

    conzy Notebook Guru

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    Sound Blaster Audigy HD is just software... The laptop still has meh-tastic Sigmatel Audio no matter what option you pick
     
    conzy, Jun 10, 2008
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  3. jetstar

    jetstar Notebook Deity

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    It will be better to invest in an external USB sound card.
     
    jetstar, Jun 10, 2008
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  4. only

    only Notebook Evangelist

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    there's also:

    for the 1530. but i think a lot of people are just down on Creative in general here.
     
    only, Jun 10, 2008
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  5. Shakey_Jake33

    Shakey_Jake33 Notebook Consultant

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    So these ExpressCard soundcards effect the sound coming from the internal speakers, or are they hardwired to the onboard?
     
    Shakey_Jake33, Jun 10, 2008
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  6. brerben

    brerben Notebook Enthusiast

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    It's not going to increase the sound clarity, per se. Since all m1530's come with the same speakers regardless of sound card, the only benefit to a Creative X-Fi card would be the EAX Environmental Sound technology that some video games utilize. But as far as playing music or DVD's, it's all gonna sound the same.
     
    brerben, Jun 10, 2008
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  7. jaymes85

    jaymes85 Notebook Geek

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    I use an external soundcard, one that fits in the express card slot, to support a 5.1 surround sound system, but obviously that only works when I am at home at my desk. Doesn't provide mobile sound quality.
     
    jaymes85, Jun 10, 2008
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  8. jlovell2105

    jlovell2105 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I found something over on the dell community forums on the issues people were having with regular sound on the stock audio card/driver combo for vista. If you are having problems with low volume sound in vista, try this fix. It might save the cost of buying an external sound card/dongle.

    I recently bought a 1525 and had the same problem.

    Managed to get more volume by doing this:

    Start -> Control Panel -> Sound -> Speakers / Headphones -> Enhancements Tab

    Then, Tick the "Loudness Equalization" -> Apply / OK

    I have also ticked the "Bass Boost and Low Frequency Protection" plus the "Virtual Sound".

    The volume is still not great, but definitely better than it was.​

    Link on dell forums is here: http://www.dellcommunity.com/supportforums/board/message?message.uid=18990197#U18990197

    This definitely fixed my issues with low almost inaudible sound on Vista. Sound is usable and I can actually hear it now. Bass still isn't great, but on these speakers that isn't unexpected.
     
    jlovell2105, Jun 30, 2008
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