Bass on 16” MBP Speakers

[RedTheReader]

Hello all,

I wanted to start by pointing out that this thread isn’t written with the intent to critique or complain but just to confirm whether or not my experience is normal.

I purchased a refurbished 16” MacBook Pro and when testing the speakers, I noticed a pretty distinct lack of bass. This isn’t something that would typically strike me as odd on laptop speakers (even excellent ones), but all the A-B testing I’ve seen for this model from reviewers showcased a distinct amount of bass. It got me wondering if I received a bonk speaker set on mine.

I did try going into settings and changing sound balance from left to right, just to confirm that both speakers were the same, and they are. This makes me doubt that something could be physically wrong, since I doubt it would affect both speakers equally. Still, I felt it would be worth getting some consensus on this.

Thanks in advance!

 

[jerwin]

Check to see that an equalizer isn't activated.

Adjust the sound quality in Music on Mac

 

[RedTheReader]

Check to see that an equalizer isn't activated.

Adjust the sound quality in Music on Mac

Thanks for the tip; I just checked and it’s flat. I also tried the bass-booster setting while in there, and very strangely, it doesn’t seem to do much. I can hear a difference in sound with it on, but I wouldn’t describe it as more bassy, just different.

 

[tdbrown75]

Thanks for the tip; I just checked and it’s flat. I also tried the bass-booster setting while in there, and very strangely, it doesn’t seem to do much. I can hear a difference in sound with it on, but I wouldn’t describe it as more bassy, just different.

Doesn't sound right. I was shocked with the sound the first time I heard music on the 16". It's not exactly thumping bass, but I'd definitely not describe it as "lack of bass".

If you're the type who has a pair of amplified 12" woofers in your trunk, then yes, I'd say it has no bass.

As sound (and bass) are so subjective, I'd suggest seeing if you can find a second 16" MacBook to listen to. Maybe mask up and head to Best Buy or whatever.

Tim

 

[RedTheReader]

If you're the type who has a pair of amplified 12" woofers in your trunk, then yes, I'd say it has no bass.

While that’s not me, a point of reference that I think might be helpful on this forum is AirPods. People often complain that they lack bass, but that’s not been my opinion. I bring them up because their bass absolutely dominates the 16”’s speakers to me.

How does this compare to others’ experience with the two?

 

[simonmet]

I concur in that I was underwhelmed by the bass (or lack thereof) given the hype and reporting. I don’t have a second 16” to compare it to, but I assume it’s normal and it’s just my perception and expectations that are different; or were built up to an unreasonable level by said hype. I’ve heard quite a few good IEMs and headphones in my time, so you’re probably in the same boat as me.

It’s also generally easier for headphones to produce higher relative bass levels given their proximity to your head and ear canals. That’s why subs have to be so big to fill large rooms. Mids on the 16” are very nice however—genuinely hi-fi sounding—and what I assume is the Dolby Atmos contributes to a nice openness without sounding too processed. It’s surprisingly pleasant and not overdone. Perhaps some people equated the quality of mids with enhanced bass.

Overall I can’t complain. It’s easily the best sound in any laptop so far I’m guessing; and a major factor in my purchasing decision. The analogue out sounds decent too.

 

[tdbrown75]

While that’s not me, a point of reference that I think might be helpful on this forum is AirPods. People often complain that they lack bass, but that’s not been my opinion. I bring them up because their bass absolutely dominates the 16”’s speakers to me.

How does this compare to others’ experience with the two?

The bass is definitely not on par with my AirPods Pro, but is loads better than my 15" MacBook was. Again it's such a relative thing, the only way to know for sure would be to listen to a second laptop.

For example, I was recently disappointed with the bass on a pair of HomePods. I have one HomePod and think it sounds great. I added a second after reading all the hype, and to me, was not at all impressed.

Of course the other system in the room is a wired Boston Accoustics 2.1 system with a dedicated woofer, so compared to that, the bass was trash. Blew my MacBook away though!

Tim

 

[DeltaMac]

Do headphones offer more bass than the built-in speakers?

If headphones have more bass, and your internal speakers definitely have very weak bass, the subwoofer could be faulty.
You do have a warranty for at least one year, assuming you got your "refurb" direct from Apple.
If not, one sold as used from another site, or other company should be able to help you - some may have only a 90 day, or even a 30 day warranty...

 

[b.kind]

My 16's speakers rock hard, great bass for a laptop, they fill a room completely.

If it were me, I would take it back for a new unit. Speakers are too important.

 

[lemc0117]

Hi here,

It happens to me that, when the volume is at 50%, the bass sounds fine in the speakers, but if I increase it to 80 or 100%, it increases volume but the bass decreases notably, does the same thing happen? I don't know if mine has a manufacturing defect or if it's normal

 

[jerryk]

Hi here,

It happens to me that, when the volume is at 50%, the bass sounds fine in the speakers, but if I increase it to 80 or 100%, it increases volume but the bass decreases notably, does the same thing happen? I don't know if mine has a manufacturing defect or if it's normal

There are other threads that report the same thing. Likely they cap the base at a certain point as the volume is moved higher to prevent blowing out the speakers. Still the same amount of base, but that bass is lower relative to the highs and mids. If you really want booming sound your need to use external speakers that have the power and speaker size to move a lot of air.

 

[lemc0117]

There are other threads that report the same thing. Likely they cap the base at a certain point as the volume is moved higher to prevent blowing out the speakers. Still the same amount of base, but that bass is lower relative to the highs and mids. If you really want booming sound your need to use external speakers that have the power and speaker size to move a lot of air.

Thank you! I was trying to find some threads but i didn't found anything