WinAmp Audio on 9750

Much is written on these Sager threads about poor performance of the audio card that comes standard on the 9750 and other Sager models. Having had my 9750 now for just almost 3 weeks, I have not put a lot of time yet into exploring its audio capabilities, but have run WMP-10 on it with WMA downloads, pre-recorded music CDs, and Internet radio. I have used both the built-in speakers and a set of Sony's lower-end headphones. I have not been disappointed with the 9750's audio production, although it is not the quality I had experienced on my previous laptop--a Toshiba Satellite P35 with SRS WOW on a pair of Altec-Lansing speakers onboard. The first week into owning this 9750 I attempted upgrades to the RealTek audio drivers and have only moderate success with improving the overall quality of sound using the RealTek sound effects editor and graphic equalizer. But tonight brought a new discovery that might be unleashing a much higher standard of quality in the stock audio on the 9750.

At work I listen to sky.fm Internet radio, especially the light classical and smooth jazz channels. Tonight it occurred to me to try sky.fm on this 9750 system at home. I accessed it through WMP-10 and got satisfactory but not excellent results. Browsing the sky.fm webpages while listening to the first couple of songs I noticed their recommendation of WinAmp. I've tried WinAmp before, but not on my 9750; so I downloaded it. In less than three or four minutes I was hearing the best quality music reproduction I have yet experienced on any notebook or laptop computer, albeit through the headphones (again, they are Sony headphones, but low-end, $25 at Best-Buy). The highs are high, the lows are low, everything is crisp, clean, and clear. I did make some tweaks in the RealTek sound effects editor based on a setting for "soft" music (as in soft rock) and context set on "carpeted hallway" which much reduces reverb and echo in the high trebles. Next, I set the WinAmp eq on default, letting the computer's native drivers direct variations in the reproduction. I have zero knowledge of the engineering and physics that go into these products; I just know what sounds good to me. For whatever the WinAmp codecs and drivers bring to the system, they are making for outstanding audio performance on the 9750. Tomorrow I will test it with the 9750's four built-in speakers and subwoofer (the Mrs. is across the room asleep now, so headphones are required ).

At any rate, it would be informative and interesting for other 9750 users, and other Sager-ites in general, to share their experiences with WinAmp audio on their systems.

 

Very informative post, thanks a lot for sharing your information!

I have similar issues with my 5320, the same one that 5720 owners have as well, and that is static and interference in the audio. I think I'll try what you said, even though what you posted is not specifically for the model I have. Might do something at least.

Great post.

Chaz

 

Yes, I hope this isn't some anomalie and that it works for you, too. Let us know.

 

I just installed Winamp on my Sager NP-5320. Works good so far, marginal improvement over iTunes (sadly, that is what I use).

I like WinAmp though, I think I'll be sticking to that.

Chaz