snapperwhip wrote:
Hi,
Sorry to bother you with this kind of question, as I know the G5's sound issues have been talked about ad nauseum.
I'm considering a G55 to replace my old G51 (which is getting worrisome now that I've moved from the temperate to the tropical zone---the poor thing can't really stand the heat), and for the most part the system seems to suit my needs perfectly. I don't really use the built-in speakers that often, so the speakers themselves aren't an issue if there's a workaround to make them at least function properly...........but I've heard conflicting word on these forums about the quality of the sound chip, on headphones. It sounds a bit odd to me since handling digital signals to an output should be a no-brainer these days, as long as the output device is decent, but as I'm not knowledgeable in sound chip design and quality and I'm unfamiliar with the chip manufacturer, I do worry.
So. If I can have a moment of your time, may I ask how the sound is on external output devices? I don't really care about rich/powerful bass as long as it's not muddy, the mids are crisp and the highs are clear. I have a pair of headphones with a sound stage that I've yet to be disappointed with, so the output part of the equation could probably be considered covered.
This is probably a rather idiotic question for those in the know. I really do apologize.
Thank you for your time!
Here's my feedback. If you use a USB headphone I think things should be alright (sound is then dependent on the headphone more than the chip).
That said... On my G55 Turtle Beach PX5 with digital optical audio sounds excellent, slightly better than with my Xbox360, I have to say.
Bluetooth headphones (Philips SHB 9100 or something) sound great, as good as with Nexus 7, HTC One X, etc.
Analog headphone out jack with Sennheiser 239... Very crisp sounds, heavy on the bass but I do not really feel it is a sound card issue since almost all consumer headphones turn up the bass like there's no tomorrow. Luckily with Sennheiser instead of the "fashion" headphones they bother with the other frequencies too ha ha...!
FWIW I listen to a lot of Trance and Progressive as well as play games, and all in all I am quite satisfied and see no issues.
Definitely investigate things like the Astro gaming headsets because while I have not tried it myself I hear good things about it (pun unintended LOL).
Lastly, speakers... Again, it's not so much for super-musical-clarity but I find for gaming it is quite alright with enough volume and an "atmospheric" feel.
All on stock Windows 8 Pro driver no Via or what not drivers installed.
Vicodin wrote:
Hello! I have an Asus G55vw. It is by far the best computer I have ever owned and I really have no complaints! I will say about the only downfall to the G55 is the speakers. I have a $800 Toshiba laptop that has built in Harmon Kardon Speakers and they blow these out of the water. Now in response to your question about the sound card with headphones, I did feel it was crappy at first. I am currently using Razer Kraken Pro Black headphones and when I first hooked them up I was a bit disappointed. Then I found VIA HD Audio Deck which was pre-installed on my laptop and realized I could adjust various sound settings there. Now they sound GREAT! Hope my round about post helps you! lol
To sum it up, I am guessing the majority of people that complained about the sound on headphones, did not use the advanced options in VIA HD Audio Deck.
WARNING: Digression... I don't intend to derail the thread, just sharing.
All I can say is ironically after getting the MacBook Pro Retina 15" (which luckily I returned within the 14 days allowed). This Asus ROG G55 ~is~ the best laptop I have ever owned. Sure, whether Apple or other brand laptops may be thinner, lighter, better, faster, whatever, for what my needs are and what I enjoy to do, despite the weight... well, colour me happy.
I was really disappointed with the MacBook Pro Retina 15" because it was my first recent "flagship" Mac product and it is nothing like the MacBook Pro 17" for example. The MBP Retina 15" had really loud fan noise when running at max, despite sounding super-quiet during say 50% or lower CPU/GPU usage... The Retina display was superb but when it first came out everything was laggy and not so optimised for it. They boasted about the sound quality but I didn't hear anything super special. Really sad, but I'm glad I trusted my instincts, just not the same without Steve Jobs.
That said too I'm glad I didn't go for any run-of-the-mill PC laptop, I've heard horror stories about Acer, and the "business-grade" laptops might be appealing but I wanted "gaming-grade" in my heart, I guess...
FWIW I've been a mixed Mac-PC user (believe it or not, we do exist) for about 10 years now, but this year, 2013, I got rid of all my Apple stuff. Just so sour without Steve Jobs and Apple still prancing around like they're all that yet without the substance to back it up. But that's a tale for another day.