2025 ROG STRIX Scar 18 Sound Quality

[richgates]

Hi All,

I just picked up the new ROG STRIX Scar 18 and I love it for the most part, but the sound quality is probably the worst I've ever heard in a laptop. It sounds completely tinny and there is no bass whatsoever. I have not installed any additional sound drivers other than what Armoury Crate and Windows 11 would install. Am I missing something, or did ASUS completely scrimp on speakers for my nearly $5000.00 laptop?

[garnett215]

Same issues out the box.

Make sure you download all the drivers from the Asus website. The Amp driver seems very important with this laptop. Even then this laptop needs serious EQ. The Dolby Atmos app helps with custom EQ.. The Steelseries Sonar app works even better. But overall, for an almost $5000 laptop the sound has been disappointing. My 2021 Scar 15 has better bass. 

[richgates]

Hi,

Thanks for the response. The Amp driver didn't really seem to do anything for me. Would you happen to have either a decent EQ setting for the Atmos or Sonar app? The default setting for the Atmos app isn't good.

Thanks!

[garnett215 · Accepted solution]

 

Use what I posted as a baseline.. These speakers are way too bright (too much treble).. So, you want to focus on lowering the Highs. The Mid's can stay at default. But I like to drop them a bit. Bass needs too be added, period; add as much as you like. 

Dolby Atmos doesn't have numbers/clicks... Sonar has a huge EQ band. I haven't edited any individual band. I just used the sliders, all of which have easy to follow numbers. 

These settings help the speakers sound better. But still disappointed.. That being said. I'm an audiophile and own many headphones/headsets. I only use the speakers for general browsing and some YT. 

Edit: Turn off Sound Visualizer and Volume leveler in Dolby Atmos for most content; especially music. The settings muffle things... Spatial settings can also muddy things; definitely preference and situational.