Beats Audio - Worth Paying Extra?

[KevMaverick]

I've been meaning to write this for a while, ever since I bought my nice new HP DV6 laptop, with the 'Beats Audio' sound system.

I saw the tv adverts and thought that as I needed a laptop for music, it would be a good choice. The adverts implied that there was something very special about the Beats Audio system, and I was sold!

Right then, down to the nitty-gritty! When playing music through the speakers on the laptop, the music does sound really good - far richer and more precise than any other laptop I've ever used. There is more 'fullness' of sound, and this is really noticeable when watching a movie on the laptop. Plug in a pair of good headphones and this sound is simply incredible - no doubt about it - better than anything!

Now for DJ use... the main drawback? You still need an external soundcard if you are going to use an external mixer, or if you need to monitor the output from each deck for mixing. However, Beats Audio does perform the same through internal speakers, or through an external soundcard, so all is good!

The first time I used the system at a live gig, I was amazed at the depth of sound it produced! A very rich, but not overpowering bass, with a crisp, clear treble. The stereo separation was amazing, surprising even, considering that the speakers were quite a distance from me.

Now, for the tech-heads amongst us, I'll explain what Beats Audio actually does.

All other laptops have the sound system built into the motherboard, but with Beats Audio, the circuits are isolated. They are shielded from interference from the power supply, fans etc. Also, they have specially designed connectors (outputs etc) that minimise the noise from the other components. The result is a cleaner, purer sound. Also, the system seems to have an effect on external audio devices - I've tested it and it does make a huge difference if I turn Beats Audio off and on again. This would suggest that it is not only hardware based, but software too.

So, would I recommend Beats Audio? The answer is yes - without a doubt. So it costs a little more, but you also get a LOT more for your money!

[UncleVibes]

Got one with i7 but I don't feel in security in a gig with it.

[Hannes]

Got one with i7 but I don't feel in security in a gig with it.

Huh? Explain please.

[UncleVibes]

I got stability problems with U-Mix Control Pro. For example. I7 problems?
Made a demo with mr support. He agrees strange behaviour.
Beat audio bought december 2010... But hp did under the same name different versions.

[Hannes]

Ah, I see. My "beats audio" is nothing than a rebranded idt-driver.
Luckily no problems with the amd-CPU.

[hemskoc]

I too have had issues with a HP laptop with Cross on it(not the beats version though).....

[KevMaverick]

You guys have got me worried now!

I've had no problems at all so far though. I have noticed that I can turn Beats Audio off if I have a problem, so I'm reassured there!

[UncleVibes]

Different versions of cpu and even motherboard. On my side I spent quite a lot for a weak result.

[KevMaverick]

I'm sorry to hear that.

Buying a new computer is one of the most confusing things I've done for years. I always had desktop computers, but needed a laptop when I decided to go back into being a mobile DJ. The whole experience was a nightmare!

[BennyB]

I'm sorry to hear that.

Buying a new computer is one of the most confusing things I've done for years. I always had desktop computers, but needed a laptop when I decided to go back into being a mobile D J. The whole experience was a nightmare!

Yeah... the feeling poking your head before buying it and after buying it. And there is no best choice... but this is what you get.
And somehow not many of laptop makers publish in-depht info on their products... so sometimes you have to try out one before getting one