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Bad sound on a Windows PC does not prove your headphones are fake or defective. Before returning them, check three things: turn off audio enhancements, compare spatial sound on and off, and see whether Bluetooth playback changes when the headset microphone is active. These are troubleshooting checks, not a guaranteed fix—and the exact controls available can depend on your Windows version and audio driver.
1. Turn off audio enhancements
Audio processing added by Windows or a device driver can sometimes cause playback problems. Microsoft says, “Sometimes having audio enhancements on can result in audio issues.” Try disabling them for the headphone output you are actually using.
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- Open Settings > System > Sound.
- Select your headphones under the output devices to open their properties.
- Set Audio enhancements to Off, if that control is available.
- Replay the same audio at the same volume and compare.
The label or control may differ by Windows version or driver. If you do not see the toggle, that does not mean you missed a universal setting; some devices expose an Enhancements tab through the legacy Control Panel instead. Microsoft’s guidance treats disabling enhancements as a troubleshooting step, not a fix that works for every device. See Microsoft’s Windows audio troubleshooting steps.
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2. Compare spatial sound with it off
Spatial sound changes how audio is processed. Windows offers Windows Sonic for Headphones; Microsoft also identifies Dolby Access and DTS Sound Unbound as other options. Spatial processing is not automatically better for music or every headset, so compare rather than assume.
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- Block the World, Keep the Music: Four built-in mics work together to filter out background noise — whether you're in a packed office, on a crowded commute, or moving through a busy street — so every beat comes through clean and clear. (Not available in AUX-in mode.)
- Two Ways to Hear More: BassUp technology delivers deep, punchy bass and crisp highs in wireless mode — then step it up further by plugging in the included AUX cable to unlock Hi‑Res certified audio for studio-level clarity.
- 40 Hours. 5-Minute Top-Up: With ANC on, a single charge keeps you listening through days of commutes and long-haul flights. Running low? Just 5 minutes plugged in gives you 4 more hours — so you're never stuck waiting.
- Two Devices, Zero Hassle: Stay connected to your laptop and phone at the same time. Audio switches automatically to whichever device needs you — so a call never interrupts your flow, and getting back to your playlist is just as easy. Designed for commuters and remote workers who move smoothly between work and personal listening throughout the day.
- Your Sound, Your Rules: The soundcore app puts everything at your fingertips — dials your ideal EQ with presets or build your own, flip between ANC, Normal, and Transparency modes on the fly, or wind down with built-in white noise. One app, total control.
- Open the headphone device’s sound settings and find Spatial sound.
- Note the current selection, then compare it with spatial sound turned off.
- Use the same track or clip and keep the volume consistent.
This A/B comparison is a practical way to identify whether the processing mode suits what you are listening to; it is not a prescribed Microsoft test or a promise of a particular result. See Microsoft’s instructions for spatial sound in Windows.
3. Check whether using the Bluetooth microphone changes playback
If Bluetooth sound gets muffled or noticeably worse when you join a call or enable the headset microphone, compare it with the microphone inactive. Bluetooth Classic uses different profiles for media playback and hands-free use. Microsoft Learn explains that using the microphone can put the connection on the Hands-Free Profile (HFP) path; another stream may be resampled to match that hands-free endpoint. That can explain a change in sound without saying anything about whether the headphones are genuine. Headsets and PCs do not all behave identically.
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- Dual-Connections: Connect to two devices simultaneously with Bluetooth 5.0 and instantly switch between them. Whether you're working on your laptop, or need to take a phone call, audio from your Bluetooth headphones will automatically play from the device you need to hear from.
- App for EQ Customization: Download the soundcore app to tailor your sound using the customizable EQ, with 22 presets, or adjust it yourself. You can also switch between 3 modes: ANC, Normal, and Transparency, and relax with white noise.
For compatible setups, Windows 11 can support stereo playback while a microphone is in use through LE Audio. Microsoft documents these prerequisites: Windows 11 version 24H2 or later, build 26100.4484 or later, a PC with compatible integrated LE Audio support, appropriate manufacturer drivers, and an LE Audio headset. A headset alone cannot provide the PC hardware or driver support. Check Microsoft’s LE Audio requirements for Windows 11 before buying for this feature. For the Bluetooth Classic behavior, see Microsoft Learn’s Bluetooth Classic Audio documentation.
If sound is still distorted or crackling
Microsoft lists audio enhancements, unsupported audio formats, driver issues, and stopped audio services among possible causes of distorted or crackling playback. It suggests that changing the audio format may improve sound quality, but there is no single sample rate or bit depth established as best for every pair of headphones.
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- LOSSLESS AUDIO SUPPORT: USB-C lossless audio and sound profiles optimize music quality across devices and environments. Additional option to use the 3.5 mm cable for a standard analog experience.
- ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLING (ANC): block distractions at work, on flights or during your daily commute. Or use Transparency mode to let the sounds of your environment mix in with your music.
- SEAMLESS WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY: One-touch pairing with Apple & Android for easy switching across devices.
- SPATIAL AUDIO IMMERSION: Personalized dynamic head tracking, 360-degree sound for movies, music and immersive everyday listening.
- Check whether the output device offers a different supported audio format, then compare playback.
- Check for audio-driver updates from your PC or device manufacturer.
- Use Microsoft’s troubleshooting guidance for audio services and other Windows sound problems rather than changing settings at random.
See Microsoft’s distorted or crackling audio guidance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to tell whether the problem is Windows or the headphones
Change one setting at a time and replay the same material. If the sound changes when enhancements or spatial processing is disabled, or only degrades while the Bluetooth microphone is active, you have evidence of a playback-path or mode issue—not proof of counterfeit hardware.
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- INCREDIBLE SOUND: Custom acoustic platform delivers rich, balanced audio for music, calls and everyday listening.
- LOSSLESS AUDIO SUPPORT: USB-C lossless audio and sound profiles optimize music quality across devices and environments. Additional option to use the 3.5 mm cable for a standard analog experience.
- ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLING (ANC): block distractions at work, on flights or during your daily commute. Or use Transparency mode to let the sounds of your environment mix in with your music.
- SEAMLESS WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY: One-touch pairing with Apple & Android for easy switching across devices.
- SPATIAL AUDIO IMMERSION: Personalized dynamic head tracking, 360-degree sound for movies, music and immersive everyday listening.
If the headphones still sound poor after those checks, try them with another source device. Consistently poor sound across devices makes a headphone or connection fault more plausible, though it still does not establish authenticity. The available evidence does not identify a particular $200 model or confirm that any one setting caused a specific pair to sound bad.
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If you are considering a replacement for microphone use, compare the connection type (wired, Bluetooth Classic, or Bluetooth LE Audio), whether playback quality changes with the mic active, and whether your PC’s Windows build, Bluetooth hardware, and drivers support the feature you want. Price alone cannot establish compatibility or sound quality.
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- LONG BATTERY LIFE: Up to 35-hour battery life with quick charging (3 min charge for up to 1 hour of playback).(USB Type-C Cable included
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