Surface 2 Speaker/Sound Problems

Anonymous
2013-10-23T17:22:07+00:00

I just purchased two new Surface 2's and I am noticing a significant reduction in volume from the speakers compared to my old Surface RT.  The speakers also lack any kind of bass.  They are very "tinny" and shallow sounding.  When using headphones, there is plenty of bass sound and the volume level is not an issue.

I am also experienceing a significant amount of sound crackling (from the speakers and attached headphones) when streaming video from Amazon Instant Video using both the desktop and metro versions of IE.  I do not experience this crackling problem with other sound sources like Xbox music, gaming, or other website streaming video (i.e. YouTube).

Since I was experiencing this on two different Surface 2's, it seems unlikely that this is a hardware issue.  This is most likely a software/driver issue.  Is there anything that I can do to resolve this problem, other than wait for a possible software or firmware update?

Thanks.

Surface | Other

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  1. Anonymous
    2013-11-04T18:12:10+00:00

    Oh gotcha! Thanks... so still no solution huh??

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  2. Anonymous
    2013-11-05T17:46:49+00:00

    I had the same issue with cracking sound. I exchanged my surface 2 thinking its a hardware issue but still the cracking issue is there. Only happens on audio played through internet explorer. Microsoft please fix this issue. Don't leave us hanging.

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  3. Anonymous
    2013-11-05T19:19:45+00:00

    I'm having the same issue.  My surface 2 is only 3 days old. 

    Bought it on Friday, then on Sunday, there was an update done.  Before that update, I don't recall the sound being bad or anything.  After that update, Everything went downhill.

    • Left speaker is about 50% of the volume of the right speaker.
    • Volume in general is very very low and it seems to get lower by the day.
    • crackling/poor sound coming out of speakers.

    I'm having this no matter what kind of app is producing the sounds (XBox music, Youtube.com... even the system sounds).

    This morning I tried a refresh... issue still there.

    Before leaving for work, I launched a full restore.  I hope this solves it .. we'll see tonight.

    If not, i'll have to return it to the retail store.

    It really seems to be a software/driver issue since it was fine at first and not after the update but the sound comming out of the headphones jack is fine so i'm confused.

    I love my Surface 2, but this is like a grey cloud over my party !

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  4. Anonymous
    2013-11-05T20:31:27+00:00

    This is exactly what has happened to me.  I hope they push a fix soon.  I bought 2 surfaces on the same day, one for me and one for my partner.  His still sounds good, but I wouldn't be surprised if he puts off his updates if offered the chance to do so, and may have yet to install the update that broke the sound.

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  5. Anonymous
    2013-11-06T06:12:44+00:00

    I've finally gave up, and went to the store with my unit to exchange it. I opened a new one, and it has horrible excess play in volume rocker, like a lot of people... So, I've return it definetly and got my money back.

    I will buy it again in the future, when another batch with better hardware assembly reach the stores, and hopefully all the firmware problems are solved...

    See you soon Surface! :(

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