My Aspire notebook model A515-54G-586Z has started to make a loud crackling noise whenever there is any sound output.
It happens with the built-in speakers, and with headphones or external speakers attached through the jack (headphone/microphone combo port).
Notebook is still quite new - purchase 20/07/2020, manufacture 22/05/2020 - and has worked OK until now.
Operating system is Windows 10 version 1909. No significant updates that I can see during the past month: just routine quality updates KB4023057, KB4586786, KB4580980, plus antivirus definitions.
This problem of sound crackling is often raised in the forums. I tried the usual fixes that users suggest:
- fiddle with all the device settings: sample rate & bit depth, exclusive mode, signal enhancements, spatial sound, etc;
- disable the device (Realtek Audio Controller), restart, re-enable;
- download latest version of audio driver (Realtek 6.0.8865.1 dated 24/12/2019) from Acer support, uninstall old version, restart, re-install new version, restart;
- turn off Acer True Harmony, through Realtek Audio Control.
Nothing worked. Waste of time.
So now there is no sound output that I can listen to, and the notebook is practically useless.
I don't know what to try next. The advanced forums do suggest other solutions, but they need bold actions like going into BIOS, installing non-standard drivers, or even reinstalling Windows. I don't have the nerve to try any of those.
Easier to send the PC back to Acer or Amazon. Or maybe chuck it in the bin.
This is all soooo frustrating!
Any suggestions gratefully appreciated.
