Realtek HD Audio problems through Headphone jack

Hi guys,

I've signed up here to try and get some help with this issue in particular. After having a quick Google around I've seen that it is a fairly common issue for headphones or earphones to sound tinny on Windows 10 with Realtek HD Audio. However, the only fixes that I could find were driver updates are disabling all sound enhancements. I've tried both of these fixes but yet the problem persists on my end.

Has anyone had this problem before or have any suggestions that may fix the issue? I imagine I'm missing something simple but can't think what it could be for the life of me.

Any help will be much appreciated.

Many thanks,

James

Welcome to the forum.
First, please fill in the "My System" specs so we know what we are dealing with Otherwise all we can do is offer general suggestions.
Has this ever worked OK? Does the headset sound OK on a different PC?

However, I have two Win 10 PC's, a desktop and a laptop both with Realtek sound and the headphone sound in both is good (I have a recording studio so I'm attuned to audio issues). Both PC's have the Creator's Upgrade version.

I only bought my PC a few days ago and only used the headphone jack for the first time when I noticed the issue so as far as I'm aware this has never worked okay. Both headsets sound fine on my Chromebook.

My system is:
HP Elite 8300 Ultra Slim Desktop PC
8GB DDR3 Memory
Intel Core i5 3470S Processor 2.90GHz
500 GB SATA Hard Drive
Intel HD Graphics
Intel 82567LM GbE Network Connection (integrated)
High Definition Audio with Realtek ALC261 codec (all ports are stereo)
Internal Speaker

Doing a search for this PC, it appears it originally came with Windows 7. Strangely I can't find much else about it except the info I did find says it has both USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports. It appears this was designed more for business than consumer. But, that shouldn't have an affect on how the audio sounds. The ALC261 is an older Realtek codec version.

For testing, uninstall the Realtek audio, in the Device Manager, AND the drivers. Restart the PC and when Windows starts it should detect and (if you are on-line) either install a Win 10 compatible Realtek driver or if no Realtek driver is available for this model it should install the generic, basic function, High Definition Audio driver. Check to see what it installed and also check the headphone with the Windows installed driver and see how it works.

Realtek drivers can be downloaded directly from Realtek if needed.

Just tried that and sadly to no avail. After uninstalling Realtek and then restarting, Realtek was reinstalled and I'm still having the same issue.

Considering it has never worked for you, most likely it was defective when purchased. If you have any recourse where you purchased it (like swap for another) I would look into that.

The other option is to use a separate USB connected Windows 10 compatible sound "card". These run from basic/very inexpensive and up.

Here are several examples
usb sound card - Newegg.com

I thought that could be the case is there anyway of attempting to use drivers opposed to Realtek? I purchased it from eBay so I doubt I'd be able to get a replacement. Thank you I'll definitely take a look into that. It isn't a huge problem for me to be honest, just irritating that I may never be able to use earphones with this PC with an adaptor.

Either way thank you for all your help so far fireberd!

You must use drivers specifically for the sound hardware and in this case Realtek. Conexant drivers, for example, will not work. The generic Windows installed basic function High Definition Audio drivers will work but given the problem it probably won't help the low volume. Your only option is to use a USB sound card and plug the headphones into that (or use external computer speakers).

I have just used Windows updates for over 3 years on a Laptop thru Windows 8.1 and all Windows 10 'versions'. It does have the Realtek HD Audio Manager as well as a DTS enhancement Tab (irrelevant repeat functionality, but it is still there and works).

Find that no Sound Effects, no DTS, and just the Loudness Equalisation ticked is best.
The latter is useful in equalising sources as some seem rather too low a level.

Headphone Virtualisation is also off though I use headphones. I use same settings for headphones and external speakers.

Some of the Windows 10 'version' updates have meddled a bit, and have gone through the lot on a number of occasions.
I would use the Reset buttons in the Realtek Audio Manager, and start essentially from point zero.

Make sure you do not show the headphones as a communications device.

Check the Windows settings from the speaker icon in case some enhancement is enabled there. I have seen situations where having both turned on caused problems.