Sound quality output through audio jack

[bpol22]

The sound quality out the 1/8" audio jack to an external system i.e., using as an mp3 player is awful. The bass frequencies are severely lacking and it is reminiscent of an old transistor radio. So while perhaps marginally acceptable with low cost earplug style headphones, playing through an external system is not.

There appears to be only one choice of audio driver for this system, and it is up to date per the on-system support. Is there another driver available or anything else I might try to improve the quality to at least the level of a mediocre mp3 player? Or might there be something defective with the hardware?

The primary intended use for this system was as an audio player. Its size, full sized USB port for flash drive, and mini-USB made it seemingly perfect. I didn’t not anticipate the lack of sound quality, so rather disappointing. I understand this laptop is not a high-end audio system, but my phone sound quality runs circles around it, so something doesn’t seem quite. I’m playing .wav files, not even .mp3, and am using 2 different players with the same results.

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

[Huffer]

Laptop sound thorugh the headphone jacks is really for things like Powerpoint presentations with audio not for serious audiophile output. You can get a small usb sound card that will put out much superior audio for a few bucks. 

http://www.amazon.com/HDE-Channel-External-Sound-Adapter/dp/B0027EMHM6/ref=sr_1_27?ie=UTF8&qid=14583...

[bpol22]

Sounds like an excellent tip - didn't know these existed. My proof of concept test was done with a lenovo t440 (slightly more $$$ computer...) that has Realtek HD audio so sound quality wasn't an issue. I'll check this out and post results when I get it. Thanks much! 

[bpol22]

Update

Difference is like night and day! Sound through the external USB sound adpater is "normal" so this was a good tip.

In case anyone is searching for something similar, a brief background of the "project".

Goal : portable, high capacity (to contain my entire music collection, CDs and digitized vinyls), music player with a better UI than scroll-type mp3 players, priamrily for use in car.

The X2 has a full USB and a mini for power, allowing a 256G thumb drive for capacity, and car charging through a USB power adapter. Personal preference for music player, but the Music Bee UI provides relatively easy access to whatever I want to listen to, and has an EQ for contouring the sound.

The need for an additional USB for the sound sound adapter was solved into a small Belkin USB hub, which also allowed me to add a wireless mouse. Good since I don't really like touchpads...

All works and now sounds great. Perhaps not as convenient as an iPhone, but that doesn't meet the requirements. I did end up with a different USB sound adapter than the one suggested - I'm happy to provide specifics if anyone wants to know more details.

Thanks again for the tip!

[Huffer · Accepted solution]

If the suggestion to use the usb external sound card was beneficial you might want to mark that post as "Solution" which makes it more prominent in searches and on internet feeds so more people will see it. Glad to have been of help.