16" Max - audio goes "soft"

[smithrh]

I've noticed this a few times, first couple of times I convinced myself I imagined it, but this time I'm more sure - although not 100%.

Put on music, enjoy at a pretty decent volume level, listen for 10-20 minutes, then the quality of the music changes.

It's like someone is adjusting the EQ as I'm listening, and it's going to a softer setting and with decidedly less dynamic range, while still at roughly the same volume level.

Is there some sort of hearing protection built in with no corresponding preference?

I did just realize that this is with Apple Music, and I have lossless/high res selected. Perhaps it's not able to get the portion of the file it needs right away, so it substitutes a lower-res AAC? I'll have to try download a selection of lossless stuff and see if it keeps happening...

I've heard so many times the bass is supposed to be awesome on these, on this particular one it's okay but nothing to write home about.

 

[Sanpete]

I've heard so many times the bass is supposed to be awesome on these

*for a laptop. Can't compete with even a 3" woofer. If you want to hear the bass better, you can put your ear against one of the front corners of the case. Even then, not overwhelming.

That's why the extra support for high-impedance headphones is such a great feature ...

 

[smithrh]

Well, at this point it's hardly outperforming my 2015 MBP...

I'm most concerned about the change in audio quality during a song - the physics of the laptop envelope being what they are are understood.

 

[smithrh]

Well, just happened again so we can rule out the streaming being the issue.

Dammit.

 

[Sanpete]

See if it does the same with headphones. And maybe time it, just in case it's the same each time.

 

[smithrh]

Yep, all part of the troubleshooting process.

 

[Natzoo]

I have to put the speakers halfway just to get decent audio on my 16". You have quality issues, I have quietness issues.

 

[metapunk2077fail]

Your brain adjusts to sounds after about 30 mins of continuous noise so you have to ask, is it my brain or the machine?

 

[zepain]

I have the same issue on MBP 14. Audio goes 'dull' or some EQ Change randomly sometimes.