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Windows 10 sound problems

Printed From: Graham Slee Hifi System Components
Category: Digital Audio
Forum Name: Computer Audio
Forum Description: Is computer audio here to stay or is it just another flavour of the month?
URL: https://www.hifisystemcomponents.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4942
Printed Date: 28 Mar 2024 at 3:52pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.01 - http://www.webwizforums.com


Topic: Windows 10 sound problems
Posted By: dogrelata
Subject: Windows 10 sound problems
Date Posted: 18 May 2020 at 11:18am
Back in January I upgraded to Windows 10 on a Dell Optiplex 7010, which hosts Foobar 2000, my main music source.  Around 3 weeks in I started to experience some sound problems when online and occasionally running large spreadsheets, etc, whilst also listening to music. It consists mainly of the music breaking up/distorting, etc.

Breakup comes and goes with it being completely absent some days and totally unlistenable on others.  I've tried a number of suggestions found online, the best of which I started using a few weeks ago and reduces the number of bad days to around one per week.  It prevents any apps taking exclusive control of the DAC. 

The PC uses a Realtek HD audio controller which has been known to produce this type of artifact from what I've read.

I'd be interested to hear from anyone who might have experienced and solved this problem. 

Thanks,

Andy.

 
     



Replies:
Posted By: Chris Firth
Date Posted: 18 May 2020 at 11:45am
Install the WASAPI plugin for Foobar, and enable it under File/Preferences/Output.



Posted By: Graham Slee
Date Posted: 18 May 2020 at 12:33pm
Originally posted by Chris Firth Chris Firth wrote:

Install the WASAPI plugin for Foobar, and enable it under File/Preferences/Output.



Great suggestion!

I just updated to W10, and the sound wasn't what I expected. I'm now using event mode and all seems better so far.


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That none should be able to buy or sell without a smartphone and the knowledge in how to use apps


Posted By: Aussie Mick
Date Posted: 18 May 2020 at 1:38pm
I believe it was someone high up at Roon who said, “a computer is an electrical storm in a box”. Any steps to help are good steps. I have found the AudioQuest Jitterbug very helpful in calming everything down. Not expensive. Worth a punt. 
Mick.


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Rega RP8 - Apheta 2 - Accession MC Enigma PS -Solo ULDE (Focal Utopia) - PS Audio M700 - Fical Kanta No2


Posted By: MS61
Date Posted: 18 May 2020 at 2:13pm
Realtek HD Audio controllers aren´t reliable under Win 10 at all. Most pro users recommnads to switch it off in BIOS/UEFI (if possible) + use decent audio card. Of course - for average users not that usefull (end efficient) solution.

More on this controversial subject in this very long thread at gearslutz.com forum:
https://www.gearslutz.com/board/music-computers/1021989-windows-10-rolling-out-share-your-experiences-here-253.html - https://www.gearslutz.com/board/music-computers/1021989-windows-10-rolling-out-share-your-experiences-here-253.html
(user "Psych..." = Pete is from Microsoft)

I´m using from 1999 only RME audio cards. Expensive, but rock solid, long support and very robust audio drivers. RME ASIO drivers are rock solid in Foobar2000 (you must install ASIO plugin). Plus their Digicheck software is very fine digital audio tool (analyser).
https://rme-audio.de/digicheck.html - https://rme-audio.de/digicheck.html

I have my good old RME PCI card HDSP9632 in a drawer unused. If you want to test it, I can arrange a loan. Of course no obligation to buy it. I have no use fo it any more (no PCI slot in my PC).
https://rme-audio.com/hdsp-9632.html - https://rme-audio.com/hdsp-9632.html

Michal


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Technics SP15 / Audiomods 6 / SH-15B3 plinth / Audio Technica AT 150 Sa / Accession M / Genelec 8030 + RME ADI-2 Pro ADDA


Posted By: kgilroy
Date Posted: 18 May 2020 at 4:02pm
Originally posted by dogrelata dogrelata wrote:

Back in January I upgraded to Windows 10 on a Dell Optiplex 7010, which hosts Foobar 2000, my main music source.  Around 3 weeks in I started to experience some sound problems when online and occasionally running large spreadsheets, etc, whilst also listening to music. It consists mainly of the music breaking up/distorting, etc.

Breakup comes and goes with it being completely absent some days and totally unlistenable on others.  I've tried a number of suggestions found online, the best of which I started using a few weeks ago and reduces the number of bad days to around one per week.  It prevents any apps taking exclusive control of the DAC. 

The PC uses a Realtek HD audio controller which has been known to produce this type of artifact from what I've read.

I'd be interested to hear from anyone who might have experienced and solved this problem. 

Thanks,

Andy.

 
     


Do you leave your computer on 24/7? If so it helps to reboot periodically. What you are experiencing sounds like a resource conflict. Unfortunately computers/software are not 100% stable over time and that's how the reboot can help.

Software updates, either system or apps can have unexpected consequences and is why I still find computers very frustrating at times. I was a DOS/Windows user from the earliest days until switching to a Mac a couple of years ago which I find more stable - but not bulletproof

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Keith

Marantz TT-15S1, Maestro V2, Accession MM, Icon Audio Stereo 40 Mk lll, Wharfedale Jade 3.

Mac Mini, BitPerfect, Dynaudio Xeo2

Marantz SA-15S1, Apple TV, Cambridge CXA60, B&W DM2000, REL Sub


Posted By: MS61
Date Posted: 19 May 2020 at 9:37am
Regarding you problems: If I remember correct, most audio tuning tips aren´t relevant much in Win 10. (Old ASIO priority and another low latency tip for pro audio etc.)

Maybe this simple one: did you try to change system sounds? I strongly recommand to set it to "No sound". That´s the same old panel "Sound". Just set "Sounds Scheme" to "No sounds" and uncheck "Play windows startup sound". It´s worth a try definitely.

And of course you can play a little bit with another presets within this old applet (window).

Michal




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Technics SP15 / Audiomods 6 / SH-15B3 plinth / Audio Technica AT 150 Sa / Accession M / Genelec 8030 + RME ADI-2 Pro ADDA


Posted By: dogrelata
Date Posted: 19 May 2020 at 2:26pm
Thanks Michal (and everybody).

It's been behaving itself for the last couple of days, which is why I've only just checked this thread again.  I'm going to start by turning sounds off and see if that helps, as a starting point.  



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