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

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments

336 answers

Sort by: Oldest
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2013-12-10T21:30:37+00:00

    The sound is not loud enough.  Simple as that.  It is not even half as loud as the original Surface.  YouTube videos are barely audible even at full volume.  I never use headphones.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2013-12-10T21:48:58+00:00

    The sound is not loud enough.  Simple as that.  It is not even half as loud as the original Surface.  YouTube videos are barely audible even at full volume.  I never use headphones.

    Could you check the sound driver version and if you have the sound enhancements enabled?

    I do not have this issue.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2013-12-10T22:30:15+00:00

    The sound is not loud enough.  Simple as that.  It is not even half as loud as the original Surface.  YouTube videos are barely audible even at full volume.  I never use headphones.

    Could you check the sound driver version and if you have the sound enhancements enabled?

    I do not have this issue.

    Thanks.  My driver version is 9.17.13.2774, dated 11/26/2013.  I'm wondering if I try to return it under warranty.  But from what I have read, people seem to still have the problem on the replacement device as well.  I'm losing optimism  that a driver fix is coming.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2013-12-10T23:03:46+00:00

    The sound is not loud enough.  Simple as that.  It is not even half as loud as the original Surface.  YouTube videos are barely audible even at full volume.  I never use headphones.

    same issue here, when using the Surface RT and Surface 2 side by side. I couldn't quantify the difference but the Surface 2 is significantly quieter, when using Skype people have to speak up, while just talking normal on the Surface RT (they use the same device of course).

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  5. Anonymous
    2013-12-10T23:29:53+00:00

    I returned mine and all Is good ever since. Sound is loud and clear. Myservice.surface.com and take the advanced replacement option. They'll place a hold on your credit card (not a charge... A hold) and send you a replacement. When you get the replcement, you have 10 days to send your old one postaged paid in the same box. No questions asked!

    it's really simple. Let THEM go around and debug stuff.. My new one works flawlessly

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments