Dell 17R (N7110) gives a harsh sound, like the amplifier chip is being overdriven, at somewhat regular intervals. It does not matter what type of media is being played, whether CD, MP3 or Youtube.
I have ran all the diagnostics and updated the audio drivers. Still no respite from this and an extended search proves that I am not the only one with this problem. I truly suspect that the audio hardware/software combo are to blame but since this is not a desktop, I cannot just change out the sound card to troubleshoot the issue.
Further, the 'Dell Diagnostics' gives no advanced method to test the audio, just a short series of tones. Before it's mentioned, I have not reformatted the drive. This so-called hidden fat32 partition does not show, even with a diagnostic live CD.
Dell, if you're listening, if I cannot find remediation, this will be the last Dell I purchase. I paid good money for a laptop that so far, has not met my expectations in a near-$900 piece of equipment.
Ray