Tried your 1520's headphone jack?

So it randomly went away? WTF?

 

I just experimented a little. It seems like for me, when the laptop is running on battery, the noise is still present, but noticeably less. When the laptop is plugged into AC while discharged, and is charging, the noise is 99% GONE, even when playing music/idling/running a virus scan (to stress the processor at different levels).

edit: I have a 3 prong adapter at home from my last Dell. When I get a bit, I'll test and see if it makes less noise on AC power with that adapter.

 

Davron, keep us informed on your situation. It went away? I don't get it.

 

It seems to me that indexing MIGHT be part of the problem. Vista doesnt index so much anymore, so it isnt changing powerstates often, etc. Is this plausible?

 

To add to the interesting nature of this problem, I just connected my Treo to my computer via PDAnet over bluetooth and the noise is now absolutely 100% gone, on AC power, at 100% battery (not charging).

 

Definatly has to be fixable via software/firmware update of some sort.

 

When you used the three prong it grounded the NB eliminating all of that electric static within the NB. It didn't have to time to build back up when you put the two prong in. It will take a while for the electric static to come back for the noise level to return.

But it's interesting how people are finding fixes to this problem both on the hardware side and the software side. I think it's important to find out which one it actually is. People using one way or the other to fix their NB could do more harm then good. Also, if you're still in your 21 days, you could always try the return it and see if Dell finally got their stuff together and the new 1520s have the new fix in them.

But this will only be reality if enough people chewed Dell's head off about this problem.

 

Ah, who knows what this is. Mine's still in build stage. Hopefully when I get it it's fine

 

k, guys . Just noticed something on m laptop. IF i plug in a usb device and remove it(like a flash drive), the cpu whine noise goes away but comes back when i restart. So as long as u plug in a usb device once without restart it removes the noise. Don't even have to use rm clock. OUr NBR member egi from the s96s owners lounge informed about this. It too works

 

Great discovery I'll try that -Good job

 

no weird sounds at all here on Audigy card

 

I really feel for you guys. My Dell screen is getting replaced because of dead pixels and graininess. I realize that these machines are mass produced and so there are going to be some quality issues and normally if I received a laptop with an issue I would suck it up and call to get the problem resolved. But Dell customer support is SO horrible that it's inhuman.

I have a 1420 and don't seem to have an audio issue at all plugged into my jack or not. I had to be a jerk for them to come out and replace my screen, they tried to have me send it in even though I paid $120 extra for onsite, so I was a jerk and told them they are coming out here and replacing it, she finally agreed. I don't think I should have to be a jerk to get stuff done, and even then it only works half the time. Dell needs to improve their customer service before they start losing a serious amount of customers.

 

Bought a 1520 two weeks ago. Was really excited about this unit as a portable gaming rig. How annoying that something as simple as a headphone jack could make me want to return it. The distortion and noise was so freaking annoying while listening to music.

Anyway, after getting the run around from Dell technical support "We assure you that Dell is not aware of any widespread problems with this model" I exercised my right to take advantage of their Total Satisfaction Policy.

How amazing it was to start hearing everyone wanting to talk to me and telling me that they could help and that it wasn't necessary to return. I said to them "forget about it, I want my money back".

So I am now awaiting a phonecall from the local courier agents to pick up my 3000 buck (aussie) heap of trash.

I think I will buy an Asus G1S instead.

Bad luck Dell, you ain't ever getting my money ever again!

 

Never bothered to try one of the temporary fixes mentioned in this thread? Or getting a bluetooth/USB headset?

Oh well.

 

Think twice before buying that one. Support is even worse with Asus. They don't even have on site support. You will pay extra $500 for the same configuration and the build quality is not better ...

 

I've got a 1520 since July 15th and I've only noticed this problem recently when I actually used the headphone jack. (Although apparently it can be heard without the headphones.) It's terrible that Dell allows High Definition sound to be degraded to this. I've phoned Dell Technical Support in Canada today and they've told me that the only case in which this has happended was due to interference with the wireless LAN card. Taking out the card made no difference and they recommended that I go to customer support to get an exchange (or recredit and order a different model). Has anyone gotten a 1520 recently (this week) that has this problem or has it been fixed in the new shipments?

 

Ok, so it has been 3 days since I got my computer back from Dell after "Shannon" (Dell support Rep) had DHL come and pick my notebook for them to replace the motherboard which according to Dell is the only fix. I have to say that after they replaced the motherboard 90% of the noise is gone, now it is bearable; at this point I do not know if I should return the laptop and get my money back or just leave as it is and have Dell compensate for my troubles I got my Vostro on the 7/17 and yesterday was the first time that I really was able to sit down and use my computer the 21 days for refund are almost over.

 

I think I'll be waiting until I hear reputably that Dell techs are able to fix the problem, and then I may call Dell to get a replacement mobo or whatever they're doing to fix the problem. At this point, I don't use my headphones often enough for it to be a problem, so I'm in no rush to get it fixed. Plus, the rest of it is so great, it just makes up for it.

 

I recieved my 1520 on July 17th... today i finally resolved the issue.
First they wanted me to send my laptop in to dell depot so they could replace the mb. i said no and amd demanded that they send me a replacement laptop and give me $100 back. i recieved the replacement yesterday and spent 4.5 hours on the phone yesterday explaining that my problem was not fixed. i found it funny that no one i spoke to had heard of this problem before. I spent 40 min on the phone today and finally convinced them to send me an audigy card.

 

This needs to be fixed....or acknowledge by Dell regardless if we can fix it our selves. Some people find they can't fix it even with the solutions listed above.

 

My Vostro 1400 has terrible noise in the headphone jack. The noise is there on A/C or battery, even when audio is muted. As I move my finger on the touchpad it hisses and pops even more. any fixes, or do I have to return the laptop?

 

Read the full content of this Article: http://www.dev.notebookreview.com/news/where-are-all-the-windows-8-apps/

 

yea i just got a 1520 a couple weeks ago
..got the same problem
i also have a creative sound blaster x-fi expresscard
i dont hear any static using that...however when the headphones are
plugged into the expresscard..in a matter of mins
it sounds like the headphones are short circuiting or something
and stop working until i unplug them for a while..ive tried numerous headphones..same thing
any clue wats going on?

 

i totally forgot abt the whine issue due to the frustration caused for the delay of my order. Now, as i see it being delivered sometime this week, i'm really worried . Keeping my fingers X.

 

even with the x-fi soundcard? oh man that sucks

 

Has it been 21 days for me I can't figure out!

 

the RMclock helped but it made it run hot, so my 2nd 1500 will be here on tomorrow If it has the noise I'm going to be pissed.

 

anyone hear a whine not from the fan but a really high pitched noise coming from their laptop? on mine it starts and stops and sounds almost like morris code.

i disabled the microphone on my laptop and the headphones seems to be a little better

 

Morse code**

Yes, I have the same problem but don't hear it unless I pit my ear next to the fan

 

Just wondering, if you get a USB sound card does it still make the noise? is it just a internal sound issue?

 

ok i messed around with my x-fi expresscard settings
and i fixed the problem
no buzzing or static
works great
quick easy solution
altho the expresscard is like $75
worth it since dell doesnt do crap about it
they wanna try and fix it but it looks like they dont do much
so f that

 

what!? the poll says that majority of the people are experiencing bad sounds coming from their headphone jack. I'm a music arranger and I transcribe everything by ear. It's very important I hear pristine sound quality through my headphones.

 

If you have the X-Fi card, you shouldn't have a problem..

 

I have a Vostro 1500 with the same problem. The squeaking and chirping is fairly loud and not ignorable.

I've tried two different headphones and even tried uninstalling the sigmatel drivers on a fresh install.

I don't want to return this laptop and go through the hassle of reinstalling everything. Also I actually need to use a laptop soon and can't be without one.

What are the chances that there is going to be a patch for this soon or can I get Dell to give me an Express Audio card for free?

 

Does not support ASIO nor is it hardware accelerated but most importantly does not support ASIO. I need it for music production.

 

If you're into music production, what are you doing with on-board sound

 

no way I'm using on-board sound. Until Creative Labs introduces a new express sound card that supports ASIO and is hardware accelerated with similarities to the X-Fi, then I'll buy one.
I said ASIO is something I need to make music. For those who are into basic listening and gaming, go for it. for those who are into music production, don't buy it.

I will also couple it with an amp/DAC and hi-end headphones.

 

keep the RMclock always on power saving when not gaming and the temp is always fixed on 44C +/- 1C.. ALWAYS !! and no fan spinning at all.. EVER !!

 

I see, well you shouldn't have any problems with noise on any non-onboard sound card.

 

Any updates on this?

 

Word is that the problem hasn't occurred on the Inspirons that started shipping in the last week or so.

 

that is good news cause my replacement Vostro that came monday 8/13 had it. Today Dell sent me another pair of ear buds just to make sure that was not the problem even though I told them I tried different headphones and tried them on my HP notebook, mp3 player, phone and what not.

 

received mine this morning and mine has not got the problem, the rumour could be true.

 

I've been trying to get the x-fi card shipped to me as a fix with no luck. So far the reps have kept on saying they need to replace the motherboard or I should send it in, even though I need a laptop to use as I will have no other computer.

I sent them links of all the people saying they were able to get the external sound card from their reps. But now my rep just emailed me saying he is going to send a new motherboard for me to replace??? I guess they want me to get my warranty voided or something.

I am thinking I need to call them to set this straight.

 

There should be nothing wrong with Vista's audio stack. Skips can be caused by anything from your HD your Media Card Reader, USB ports to CPU and well.. alot of things.

 

Anyone have a particular way to get them to give you the sound card? This sounds annoying me >_<

 

Just got off a painful 1 hour chat with Dell.

They gave every reason to deny my request for the X-Fi card for some reason.

These two guys, I want to know how you convinced them:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showpost.php?p=2218253&postcount=100

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showpost.php?p=2311852&postcount=269

I showed them this forum, and they said it was for Inspiron 1520 only and not also for the Vostro. Then they said that my contract was only for mail-in service. Shortly after that, the rep tried to get me to upgrade my warranty even though this is a brand new Vostro.

They kept trying to persuade me to send it in taking 2 whole weeks so they could replace the motherboard, ignoring the fact that I told them I needed a laptop to use.

Finally they told me that they could send me a replacement without me needing to ship the old one before for 2 weeks.

Now I have to bring all the packing materials that came with my current laptop with me on the plane, and wait for a replacement that is probably refurbished and may have other problems. All this hassle for me thanks to Dell's own fault.

It just doesn't make sense to me why they wouldn't send out a tiny express card that would fix the problem and costs only $60, compared to replacing the whole system, or the motherboard which probably costs $200+ and weighs a whole lot more to ship.


Sigh at Dell. Love my first experience with them.

 

I have the noise, but it's so faint it's not worth complaining about. I can only hear it when my headset is on my ears but no music/movies/games are playing, like if I'm sitting on the desktop or something. This can easily be fixed by taking the headset off my ears when I don't need it.

 

When did you receive yours? I ordered mine on July 31st.

The high pitched beep on my headphone jack is so extreme I can even hear it when playing music.

 

GRATS on getting yours cactapus! are you happy with it?

subliminal messaging: use USB headphones...... use USB headphones....