[SOLVED] Audio imbalance issues on Windows 10 ?

Evrclear

Honorable
Oct 30, 2016
3
0
10,510
Since building a new computer running Windows 10, I can't get the audio to be balanced (although I can somewhat "alleviate" the issue by changing the levels under Control Panel > Sound > Properties > Levels). With new headphones as well, the issue is very noticeable.

Here are some things I've tried:
  • Using different headphones (imbalance present on all headphones, and not present when using said headphones on other computers)
  • Switching from front jack on desktop to rear jack on motherboard (no change)
  • Updating the bios (no change)
  • Updating the audio drivers and restarting (no change)
  • Manually uninstalling audio drivers, reinstalling the audio drivers, and restarting (no change)
  • Disabling Audio Enchancements (no change)
  • Enabling/Disabling Exclusive Mode (no change)
  • Using Windows Troubleshooting tool (no errors found)
  • Manually adjusting the balance under sound properties (helped somewhat, still unbalanced)
The audio sounds attenuated at different frequencies. (I.e., the bass on the left headphone is higher amplitude, while the treble on the right earphone is higher amplitude.) Simply adjusting the balance in Windows control panel does not fix the issue.

I'm convinced that this issue is related to the actual signals that are being sent out.

Are there any other suggestions you might have?

If not, would buying a PCIe sound card/external amplifier fix this issue?

Thank you for any help you can provide.
 
Solution
From what you tried already then getting an external sound card may be the only solution unless the Windows setup is the issue. I like the FX Audio DAC 6 for the price, if you don't need a mic input on it as well. For something with a mic input the EPOS 300 may be good, it's pretty cheap but I never tried it https://www.bestbuy.com/site/gsx-30...8rh5SKZ_TAk6PpqqMIgaAvsjEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds For a higher end one with mic input there is also the Fulla...
From what you tried already then getting an external sound card may be the only solution unless the Windows setup is the issue. I like the FX Audio DAC 6 for the price, if you don't need a mic input on it as well. For something with a mic input the EPOS 300 may be good, it's pretty cheap but I never tried it https://www.bestbuy.com/site/gsx-30...8rh5SKZ_TAk6PpqqMIgaAvsjEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds For a higher end one with mic input there is also the Fulla https://www.schiit.com/products/ful...PeawSSvDlmgs_yutU_7jA83MJHxAxDg4aAhRqEALw_wcB
 
Solution

Evrclear

Honorable
Oct 30, 2016
3
0
10,510
Thank you for the suggestions, the Fulla looks pretty nice. I'll probably get something similar. Going to do a bit more research and see if there are any other troubleshooting activities I can do. I may even do a fresh install of Windows 10.