How can I improve the sound quality on my computer?

The sound from your computer could sound significantly better than it does now – sometimes all it takes is changing a few settings, and sometimes adding a single component to your speaker system. Here are some tips on where to start.

Why is the sound from computer speakers sometimes weak and quiet?

Laptop speakers have small drivers, a compact acoustic chamber and limited power, which is why they struggle to reproduce deep bass and high volumes without sound distortion. This results in flat sound, where the vocals are clear, but the music and films lack depth.

If you use external speakers connected to the computer, you may encounter another problem – electrical interference from inside the computer. The analogue circuit of the integrated sound card operates in close proximity to other components, and if the shielding is poor, you may hear noise, crackling or a high-pitched whine from the speakers that varies depending on the PC’s load. A faulty audio cable, a faulty front panel socket or a ground loop can cause similar symptoms.

Tip: Check the other speakers and the motherboard’s rear output. If the problem disappears when you switch to USB, the fault is most likely with the existing analogue circuit. However, a new source will not fix a poor-quality recording or a faulty transducer.

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How do I set up the sound on my computer, and which file formats should I choose?

Quality depends on the recording, compression, settings and equipment. An MP3 at 320 kb/s can sound very good, whilst FLAC and lossless streaming preserve the source data. However, they will not improve poor mastering or material previously saved as MP3.

How do you configure sound in Windows, step by step?

In Windows 11, open: Settings → System → Sound and select an output. You can also find the format via More sound settings → Playback → Properties → Advanced. For games, films and music, a practical default setting is 24-bit, 48,000 Hz.

Check the balance, update the manufacturer’s driver and disable ‘Audio Enhancements’ if they are causing crackling.

An external DAC – when is it worth it?

A digital-to-analogue converter (DAC) converts a digital signal from a computer into an analogue signal for an amplifier or active speakers. Every computer fitted with an analogue audio output already has such a circuit.

An external DAC is worth considering if the built-in output produces noise, distorts the sound or lacks the necessary connectors. Many USB devices are plug-and-play and support high sampling rates and high bit depths. However, the specification ‘32-bit/384 kHz’ does not guarantee better sound quality. What is more important is low noise levels, low distortion, suitable connectors and the output power delivered to the speakers.

An integrated or a dedicated sound card?

An integrated graphics card may be sufficient for a typical 2.0 setup and gaming. An upgrade makes sense if the chip is noisy, produces distortion, has an output that’s too weak, or lacks connectors.

Check the SNR (signal-to-noise ratio), THD+N (total harmonic distortion plus noise) and power. It is easier to move an external device away from the components, but interference can still travel via the USB connection or the ground loop. In such cases, a different connection, a shared power strip or a Toslink optical connection can help.

Software and equaliser for better sound from your computer

An equaliser can reduce boomy bass, soften harsh treble and tailor the sound to suit your speakers. However, it will not repair damaged speakers, an overloaded amplifier or any noise generated by the equipment itself.

You can choose between system-level equalisers, which allow for very precise sound adjustment, and simpler apps with ready-made presets and effects, which deliver results more quickly without the need to delve into the details. Only download audio software from trusted, official sources. Avoid random ‘boosters’ promising volume increases of several hundred per cent – they usually compress the signal and can cause distortion.

If, after adjusting and checking the settings, the sound is still flat, distorted or lacking in bass, the problem may be caused by speaker design. No software programme will provide them with capabilities they do not physically possess – in such a situation, it would be wiser to buy a new set.

Where can I buy speakers and audio equipment for my computer?

You don’t need to compare the SNR, THD+N and connection specifications of all the available speakers, sound cards or DACs yourself. Von Halsky, purchasing assistant on the InPost Mobile app, will search through the listings and suggest options tailored to your needs. Simply describe what you need – for example, ‘2.0 active speakers with a USB connection for a computer’ – and By Halsky will help you find and compare suitable offers.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about improving sound quality on a computer

Why is there a humming noise coming from my computer speakers?

Noise may originate from the computer’s analogue output, the cable, the front panel of the case or a ground loop. Check the other speakers, the rear socket on the motherboard and the USB connection. If the interference depends on the graphics card’s load, an external USB DAC can often help.

Does the FLAC format actually improve sound quality?

FLAC compresses audio losslessly, so it retains the source data after decompression. MP3 discards some information, but a good 320 kb/s encoding can be difficult to distinguish in a blind test. Whether the difference is audible depends on the recording, your hearing, the listening conditions and the equipment.

When should you replace an integrated sound card?

If you hear noise or distortion, or if the volume is too low, or if there are no inputs or outputs, this is a problem. The power supplied to the speakers is also important – if the output from the on-board sound card is too weak, it will limit the performance of even a good set of speakers.

Do you need expensive speakers to get better sound?

No. First, check the settings, the recording quality and any noise from the source. A well-chosen mid-range system can make a bigger difference than an expensive DAC connected to poor-quality speakers. It’s only worth buying an external DAC if it solves a specific problem with power, interference or connections.