x200 headphones socket sound is crap

[livejazz]

Crap, yes, very disappointed. I got a new x200, the last one ever made in 2010 here in asia, and can only say that overall, it works well (apart from the screen and its colors). But life isnt perfect

But recently I got some wonderful headphones, in ear, audeo, and the problem is the sound from the headphone socket is hissy and has crackle, especially for vocal singers, anything very specific detailed sounds. I updated everything of course. I have a samsung hardrive, a quiet one, and wondered if that could be the issues. Overall, listening to music, movies, is now...just irritating.

Rather sadly I wonder what I can do if anything, but wanted to share my opinion.

The actual sound otherwise, is fine, hence why I don't think it is a hardware fault per se, more of a design issue I expect.

[penartur]

It seems that maybe lenovo uses different suppliers for their audio circuitry, and so SQ is hit or miss. On my X200, sound was pretty good, and now on my X200s it is bad.

[emeraldgirl08]

Have you thought of getting an external sound card? I read on a forum how onboard sound processors are susceptible to all manners of electro-circuitry interference. I'm guessing an expresscard sound card may work tons better than onboard sound.

[Maryland, USA]

Head over to Head-Fi forums at http://www.head-fi.org/forum/ and read up on full-size (nonportable) headphone adapters. There are many outstanding USB headphone amps, and your ears will hear the difference. I own two Mark IV USB amps by HotAudio (http://www.hotaudio.com/) and would highly recommend that brand.

The audio must have been improved for the X201; my wife's X201 features some kind of HD settings that really bring music to life.

[b0yd07]

Mine also sounds pretty bad. I've always assumed it was a bad rip from my CDs or bad headphones, but I've noticed I hear the hissing from all sources of audio. I got a GOOD set of earphones for Christmas and it's even more noticeable now. Looked it up online and apparently it's electronic noise... really, really irritating.
I'm going to look into an express card slot sound card.