Disappointing audio ? MBP 16 M2Pro

[aoaaron]

Hi, I've just got a MBP 2022 M2 Pro.

The audio is pretty good but I've noticed at high volumes there is some distortion. For example, the speakers were near max volume (80%) and my sister FaceTimed me. I could hear a distortion/rattle from each speaker when she phoned. Is this just normal? I'd expected some insane level audio but it seems to have some pros/cons.

This video can cause the issue. It's at the end of the tone.

 

[casperes1996]

2016 was way before M2 came out. Typo?

 

[aoaaron]

2016 was way before M2 came out. Typo?

Sorry yes, I mean 2022 M2 MBP! do you have one ?

 

[casperes1996]

Sorry yes, I mean 2022 M2 MBP! do you have one ?

I have an M1 Max and M1 Pro (personal and work laptops respectively. I rarely use the built-in speakers as I have external audio equipment but in the experiences I've had with them I've noticed no distortion even at 100% volume

 

[aoaaron]

I have an M1 Max and M1 Pro (personal and work laptops respectively. I rarely use the built-in speakers as I have external audio equipment but in the experiences I've had with them I've noticed no distortion even at 100% volume

Can you check this song? I'm getting distortion quite comfortably:

I read another use who had the same issue. I'm astounded people aren't complaining more about the speakers. I am going to have to probably return this sadly.

Are you not getting any crackle/distortion not hat linked song?

I normally use external audio equipment too (I have Perlisten S5Ms in stereo for laptop work).. I didn't expect that level sound but I expected no distortion/crackle.

Another two

It's not the end of the world but I'm shocked they get such widespread praise.

 

[casperes1996]

I must admit I never noticed it before, but you're right. I just checked my M1 Max 16", and there is a bit of distortion in the sound when you push the volume. I still think it sounds great given its size and physical constraints, but yeah, there's definitely a little issue there. Given I basically never use the built-in speakers it doesn't really bother me, but I validate your issue

 

[aoaaron]

I must admit I never noticed it before, but you're right. I just checked my M1 Max 16", and there is a bit of distortion in the sound when you push the volume. I still think it sounds great given its size and physical constraints, but yeah, there's definitely a little issue there. Given I basically never use the built-in speakers it doesn't really bother me, but I validate your issue

Thank you. Just making sure I'm not going crazy.

Yes the sound is incredible, especially the surround sound and stereo imaging. However the distortion is surprising no one mentions it.

 

[mikethebigo]

Thank you. Just making sure I'm not going crazy.

Yes the sound is incredible, especially the surround sound and stereo imaging. However the distortion is surprising no one mentions it.

I'm not sure how frequently people are using the speakers at >80% volume TBH. I don't think my volume has ever gone above 60% and that seems loud to me. Could be why you're not hearing more people talk about it.

 

[Torty]

Can you check this song? I'm getting distortion quite comfortably:

Is this the original soundtrack mix? Sounds overdriven and distorted with too much bass on my external Hifi 3-way ELAC speakers.
Found this too:

How does it sound on your MBP?

 

[casperes1996]

Is this the original soundtrack mix? Sounds overdriven and distorted with too much bass on my external Hifi 3-way ELAC speakers.
Found this too:

How does it sound on your MBP?

When I did my test I had a similar theory. I tested with my speakers and the Apple Music version for comparison.

 

[aoaaron]

Is this the original soundtrack mix? Sounds overdriven and distorted with too much bass on my external Hifi 3-way ELAC speakers.
Found this too:

How does it sound on your MBP?

That sounds perfect. However it's a different song with different instruments.

However even the FaceTime ring tone at maximum volume sounds awful.

At 80% that clip sounds awful.

I don't mind too much but I just want to make sure it's on all models as opposed to me replacing them for no reason.

When I did my test I had a similar theory. I tested with my speakers and the Apple Music version for comparison.

Thanks mate. Did you try the FaceTime ring tone I linked? That sounds terrible at anything above 70% volume.

I'm not sure how frequently people are using the speakers at >80% volume TBH. I don't think my volume has ever gone above 60% and that seems loud to me. Could be why you're not hearing more people talk about it.

thanks mate. Good point. I just want to make sure it's an issue with all units and not just my unit as I'm within the return period.

 

[aoaaron]

I will also admit I am an audiophile (like a true one). I have a Trinnov Altitude 16, a Perlisten S5Mx2, S7C & S4Sx4 surround setup so I am a bit picky with audio. I didn't expect the MBP to sound anywhere near as good but I thought apple would DSP limit distortion (as opposed to DSP boost it).

 

[casperes1996]

Thanks mate. Did you try the FaceTime ring tone I linked? That sounds terrible at anything above 70% volume.

Yes; It all has the issue. The Apple Music version of The Choice had it too, if my prior comment wasn't clear.

 

[Fishrrman]

They're built-in computer speakers.
They may sound ok, up to a point -- but beyond that, refer to the sentence above this one.

If you want better sound at higher volume levels, either
- get a good set of headphones
or
- get a good set of powered external speakers.

 

[aoaaron]

They're built-in computer speakers.
They may sound ok, up to a point -- but beyond that, refer to the sentence above this one.

If you want better sound at higher volume levels, either
- get a good set of headphones
or
- get a good set of powered external speakers.

Thanks.

I have Perlisten S5Ms for stereo and a Perlisten S 7.4.4 setup for sound. I was just surprised so many news outlets neglected to mention this issue.

 

[aoaaron]

Have you guys noticed this video massively causes issues on the speakers?

It's like a constant white noise in the background at near maximum volume.

 

[scouser75]

Just tested on my 16" MBP M2.

The Last of Us possibly has some distortion in parts. Difficult to pick up. But then I think my hearing is rubbish anyway. So I asked my wife to listen. She was strained to pick it up too, but did say there was some minor distortion.

The second video I could definitely hear the white noise. But is that not from the actual audio quality itself?

In all honesty, who in their right minds would play audio so loud directly from their laptop! 😜 Much better to use external speakers.