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    Clevo - W170HR/W170ER - Audio output?

    Discussion in 'Sager and Clevo' started by Pair, Mar 11, 2012.

  1. Pair

    Pair Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi.
    I'm planning on getting a Clevo W170ER with Ivy Bridge when it will be released. I'm changing from a old MacBook to a now temporary stationary machine because the MacBook was just to slow.

    Their are problems I have come across with the difference between PC and Mac hardware. Mac is in general better thought through. Not so much low budget crap but in general good components.

    I have now come across one other thing like this. The audio output is better from my over 5 year old MacBook then a i7 870 system with Gigabyte motherboard. I have to use a audio amplifier for my headphones but it adds background noise that I do not like.

    How is the audio output from Clevos machines? Do I need to get a external amplifier or a USB audio card OR is Clevo like Apple and make good choices and just do not use crappy components?

    I use Koss Porta Pro headphones.

    I can see computers today that are new that do not have Gigabit ethernet port. Gigabit ethernet is around 10 years old! Why this stupidity? The machines will not get much more expensive by not making stupid choices.
     
    Pair, Mar 11, 2012
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  2. b0b1man

    b0b1man Notebook Deity

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    The onboard audio on the current clevo line is not so good.

    Im using an external USB card, Hercules Deejay Trim 4&6.
    Headphones: Sony XB-700
     
    b0b1man, Mar 11, 2012
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  3. Pair

    Pair Notebook Enthusiast

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    That was bad news.

    I hope that they will fix this in the W170ER model.

    No other that have any comments regarding this?
     
    Pair, Mar 13, 2012
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  4. b0b1man

    b0b1man Notebook Deity

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    Well, the motherboards pretty much feature Realtek or VIA audio DACs and these are never good. Didnt hear any background noises, but the output level is simply low.

    There is a humongous difference between my USB sound card and my internal in terms of output power and general sound quality. The bass is better, the highs are crispier, the onboard audio just cannot compete to my external card.

    Overall, for a laptop, the audio is nice. Just dont expect good audio with headphones.
     
    b0b1man, Mar 13, 2012
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  5. Pair

    Pair Notebook Enthusiast

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    Realtek and other budget work for me. But I will maybe try a external card when I get the machine to hear if it a difference in audio quality.

    Thanks.
     
    Pair, Mar 15, 2012
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  6. oan001

    oan001 Notebook Evangelist

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    I have an older model but I agree with Bob. The audio output is lacking. I ended up getting a Creative X-fi HD to run my Sennheiser 555's, and the difference is VERY clear.

    Sent from my HTC Desire using Tapatalk
     
    oan001, Mar 16, 2012
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