The audio on my new Aspire 7 A715-71G-745K is crackly? Is there something I can try to make it work?

1: Change Sound Format 

The sound format on your PC could be the cause. To change it: 

1) Right-click the sound icon at the bottom right corner of your desktop and select Playback devices.  

2) Highlight your default audio device, which should have a green tick on its icon, then click Properties. 

3) Go to the Advanced tab. Select from the drop-down box 16 bit, 44100 Hz (CD Quality). Then click Apply and OK to save the change. 

If CD Quality option fails to help you solve the popping sound issue, try to choose another audio format and see what happens. 

2. Disable Sound Enhancement

Some sound drivers use enhancements to improve sound quality on your PC. But if enhancements aren’t working well, crackling sound issue could occur. To disable it: 

1) Right-click the sound icon at the bottom right corner of your desktop and select Playback devices.  

2) Highlight your default audio device, which should have a green tick on its icon, then click Properties. 

3) Go to Enhancements tab. Check the box for Disable all enhancements. Then click Apply and OK to save the change. 

Note that this option is not a universal one, since not all software drivers include such a function. You may also see a similar tab named Sound Blaster and similar effects. Or you may not see the option the disable enhancements at all. 

3. Change Power Settings

1) On your keyboard, press Windows logo key and then type control in the search box. Select Control Panel from the list. 

2) View by Large icons and then select Power Options. 

3) Select Change plan settings of whichever plan that you’re using now. 

4) Now click Change advanced power settings. 

5) Locate and click the + button to expand Processor power management. Then expand Minimum processor state as well. Change the Setting (%) to 100. Then click Apply and OK to save the change.