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    SRS Audio Sandbox doesn't work on xps 1530 ?

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by arjitpandey, Feb 25, 2009.

  1. arjitpandey

    arjitpandey Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi, I'd heard from someone that SRS Audio Sandbox is a really good software to improve audio output from my laptop's headphones and speakers. I downloaded and installed the trial version of the software but once i do that, i get absolutely no sound output at all. In the sound section of control panel there is only an option to set the SRS as default for speakers, and not headphones. But i don't get any sound out of the speakers either. I have sigmatel high definition audio codec. Is that the problem ? The software only works with realtek/creative ?

    Also are there other alternatives to improve sound quality from my 1530's speakers and heaphones, apart from buying better headphones or portable speakers ?

    At the time of buying this laptop i had an option to buy something called "creative audigy soundblaster software" which i did not buy as i didn't really understand what it was. Is it something similar ? Can it be downloaded and installed now ?

    Are there other similar software alternatives ?

    Also is it just me or is the the audio output from the speaker worse when using MediaMonkey (my current music player) compared to RealPlayer (my previous player) ? I think the sound is just lower and poorer quality than previously ? I mean my laptop speakers never gave thumping bass previously either, but atleast it sounded like a vaguely similar reproduction of the actual sound and clear too. Now it seems its just treble and pumping up volume on both laptop and in equaliser (you know the 0db to +20db thing) results in unlistenable distortion.

    Which is the absolute best player for audio playback (clarity, volume and maybe better bass over headphones) ? Not talking of media management or video codecs, just the actual audio playback.
     
    arjitpandey, Feb 25, 2009
    #1
  2. qhn

    qhn Notebook User

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    I am an audio buff myself and always look for ways to improve laptop sounds. But after so many trials and errors with software solutions, I am sticking with better external speakers and better headsets :D

    cheers ...
     
    qhn, Feb 25, 2009
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  3. coolguy

    coolguy Notebook Prophet

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    To get better sound from the laptop speakers, uninstall the sigmatel driver, then reboot and let Vista install its generic HD audio driver. The sound will be much better from the laptop speakers. But automatic switching between the speakers/ headphones will be lost. Be sure to plug in the headphones/ ext speakers before you start any media player.

    This method works in my Sony Vaio FZ-190 with sigmatel HD audio codec. But the sigmatel driver provided good sound quality through decent external speakers/ headphones.
    Googling will yield similar results for Dell laptops with sigmatel audio drivers.
     
    coolguy, Feb 25, 2009
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  4. Hiker

    Hiker Notebook Deity

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    I have Sigmatel and SRS with WMP (under view, enhancements). Sounds OK with my little Dell laptop speakers, but better with Harmon Kardon desktop speakers
     
    Hiker, Feb 25, 2009
    #4