z61t sound from speakers really low?

[MiamiC70]

z61t sound from speakers really low?
Default windows sounds are almost inaudible and volume and settings are at highest.
Playback of other audio like off youtube or itunes are OK but the default sounds are OK.
speakers have never been the loudest on the z61t but getting really, really low any ideas? Anyone have similar experiences?

[leftbrain99]

Yes, I noticed the same. My girlfriend's DVD player went out the other night, so I pulled out the Z61t to watch our movie. Unfortunately, we couldn't hear it well enough to enjoy it at all. Got much better results with my 7-year-old T23. I don't know why I should need external speakers with a laptop supposedly designed with multimedia in mind.

[DaveDD]

Hi,
I had the exact same problem (and this was my only complaint) when I got my z61t. I first tried "WebEQ" (a software equalizer) to boost the volume, and although it did, I found it very buggy. Then I came across "SRS Audio Sandbox" ($25). As far as I can tell, it has definitely made a difference.

In fact, it is sometimes too loud and distorted, so I keep the "Wave" setting under Volume low as a rule and when using SRS I look at their meters and up the "Wave" setting to just below where they hit the top. I sometimes wonder SRS did something to make my original sound card sound a bit worse when SRS is turned off, but I do think it sounds better than before when SRS is on. (Or it could be that I don't recall how low and flat my original volume was!). With SRS the stereo effect also sounds "wider" and crisper (better highs). (All this keeping in mind that the z61t speakers just aren't that great - but I think SRS helps.)

Once, while watching a streaming movie with the audio running through my hi-fi system and SRS on - I heard some odd 'wavy' movement of sound between the two stereo speakers. I assume this has something to do with how SRS simulates wider stereo sound. I turned SRS off and, since I was using my hi-fi system, the sound was fine. I have never noticed this kind of odd stereo effect on my z61t or with headphones (so maybe it was the movie soundtrack??).

Anyway, there is a free trial (I think time limited) of the program. Let me know if it works for you (or if you find something even better).
Best,
- Dave