GT72 Dominator - Low Audio Output Sound Issue Alert

Hi guys,

I just recieved my GT72 yesterday. First thing I checked was the sound of the Dynaudio speakers. It was really bad. Thin, hollow, low output. I tried everything. I even called MSI who said to return it. To put in perspective, my Dell XPS 17 with the JBL Waves sound, was twice as loud and full. Different universe. My old Toshiba Qosmio is still the king though.

Anyway, I was ready to box it up and return when I decided to open the Windows control panel and look for any hidden settings. I had already tried the Sound Blaster stuff and the mixer with no success. I found out the issue.....

In Control Panel, click on the Sound setting tab. In Playback, click on the Realtek. It opens a submenu with tabs. General/Custom/Levels/Enhancements/Advanced

Click the Custom tab. There only one item. "Limited Output". Mine was checked! Unchecking fixed the issue.

So, audio sounds like terrible tinny out of phase crap with it checked and mine from the factory came checked. I was literally seconds from returning the unit. Sounds fantastic with it unchecked. Only issue is that the subwoofer is so far left that it does throw off the soundstage. The laptop has a fairly big left sound bias as result.

I heard from the dealer that the GT70 does not have this new custom setting. MSI techs this morning were still clueless when I explained the issue to them.

This setting is really dumb move IMO, almost rivaled with the decision to not have direct volume control. Kind of silly to have to push the function key to adjust the laptop volume. Should be one touch.

Anyone else experience the volume issue I descibed?? I'll post a pic of the setting when I get a moment.

 

Here is the pic

 

Wow, that was a dramatic post, all to say, "Uncheck the little box in the Realtek audio settings"..... LOL!

I believe this was covered already, in the Owner's Lounge thread, but thanks for allowing us to feel your pain.

 

Sorry! I searched the forum but somehow did not see that post. EDIT: still can't find it and I did 10 searches for different terms. In there somewhere I guess.

Glad I could share the pain. I was going to return the unit so I am happy I found it.

Ooh, how about all those oily fingerprints? The matte black touchpad area is awesome!

 

The good thing is that you fixed it It shows it is important to try fixing things yourself!

 

So folks can find this again, I have added this tip to the Owner's Lounge lead post, in the 'How To' section.

 

Striker, you are everywhere. I think that is why I subconsiously name you Stalker.

 

If it was a support representative, most of them aren't "techs" (meant in the least derogatory context possible).

I suspect the limited output feature is there more for earphones that are sensitive/very easy to drive. A small bump in volume could be dramatic in that case.