CDs distorted when playing in Windows

[dogcat]

playing CDs on a Toshiba laptop using windows media player. sometimes when a CD plays it is distorted (like dirt on a stylus (if that means anything to anybody!!)) this only happens on a few CDs - they are new CDs so not in bad nick - any media player experts out there???

[Netquest]

is it always the same cd's and do they do it all the time and the same place in the songs?

Either your cd drive is going blind or your laptop is busy with other tasks... maybe a virus...

Christian

[SeanMacGabhann]

Another factor is distorted through what? The laptops own speakers? Many (but not all) new CDs are heavilly compressed to appear "louder" and if your volume is set high on the laptop those cds are going to sound heavily distorted coming through a laptop speaker.

Even if using big speakers you should try turning down the master volume on your laptop

[ruffers]

What else are you doing when they get distorted? I know when I ripped some of my cd's and carried on doing other stuff at the same time on a somewhat underpowered pc the resulting mp3 has bursts of distortion from other activities.

[Jah Lush]

CDs, vinyl or whatever only ever really sound good on a proper sound system at home, through proper speakers. Anything portable sound shite.

[KalamityKel]

Speaking of which, have u tried playing the CDs in question on any other sound equipment i.e. a stereo? Do they do the same thing?

[dogcat]

it's the same three CDs, all sound fine on hi-fi, the laptop has bose speakers attached and all other CDs sound great??

[Netquest]

I guess my previous post applies even more now...

[Jeremy]

Turn the volume down on your computer, and up on your speakers.

[jaybee82]

I take it you're using the latest version of Media Player? Outside chance but may need updated codecs...??

[ruffers]

Are the cd's just plain rubbish and the pc's objecting?

[dogcat]

atlantic R&B masters 1947-52, morcheeba, and the pogues, if the pc's objecting it's got no taste!!