RealTek/Sony VAIO "crackling" sound fixed?

So, I had a VAIO CA at one point and one problem I noticed with it is that the sound was a little "crackly" sometimes. There was a "pop" sound after something like the Windows ding sound would play or the "click" sound when you click between folders would be muffled. I thought this was something wrong with my computer, but I went to the Sony Store and brought my headphones and all the computers had the same problem!

But now with some of the new computers, like the SE, I haven't noticed the problem (at least on the demo computers at the store).

So A) has anyone else had or noticed this problem and B) if you have, has it finally been fixed with Sony's most recent refresh?

 

SA & SC don't have this issue... (at least mine don't).

I'd guess: download realtek's drivers from realtek ( Realtek)


My best guess is Realtek may have "silent stream," on their audio devices, while Sony shuts off the plug whenever there isn't any audio output (in order to save that minute amount of energy).

Of course, that causes a DC spike everytime the chip reactivates the TRS jack

At least that is my guess. I may be completely wrong.