The poor audio quality experienced by users of the Dell XPS 15 9530 on Linux can be attributed to several factors:
1. Codec Compatibility Issues
The XPS 15 9530 uses the Realtek ALC3281 audio codec, but many Linux systems incorrectly reference the older ALC298 codec, which is used in previous models like the XPS 15 9510 and 9520. This mismatch can lead to improper audio output and quality degradation, as the system may not fully support the newer codec's features[1][2].2. Kernel Support and Bugs
There are known bugs in the Linux kernel that affect audio performance on this model. Users have reported that the subwoofers are not enabled due to these kernel bugs, resulting in weak sound and poor audio quality. Fixes are being developed, but they are not yet fully integrated into the mainline kernel, leaving many users without a solution[2][4].3. Firmware Limitations
Some users have indicated that firmware bugs on the Dell XPS 15 9530 prevent the proper functioning of audio components when running Linux. This has led to issues such as only the tweeters being active, with the subwoofers remaining silent, which significantly impacts the overall audio experience[4].4. Variability Across Distributions
The audio issues are not isolated to a single Linux distribution; users across multiple distros have reported similar problems. This suggests that the underlying issues are systemic rather than specific to a particular version of Linux[1][2].5. Workarounds and Community Efforts
While some users have found temporary fixes by patching their kernels or adjusting settings, these solutions often require technical knowledge and are not user-friendly. Community discussions are ongoing, with developers working on permanent fixes, but until those are implemented in future kernel releases, many users remain frustrated with the audio performance on Linux[3][4].These factors collectively contribute to the poor audio quality that users experience on the Dell XPS 15 9530 when using Linux, contrasting sharply with the performance observed on Windows.
Citations:[1] https://bbs.archlinux.org/viewtopic.php?id=289516
[2] https://unix.stackexchange.com/questions/758803/dell-xps15-9530-horrible-audio
[3] https://www.reddit.com/r/Ubuntu/comments/189tcgy/dell_xps_15_9530_has_terrible_audio_no_bass/
[4] https://www.dell.com/community/en/conversations/linux-general/xps-9530-firmware-bug-prevents-releasing-audio-fix-for-linux-devices/65774e14dac47011b36c587c
[5] https://www.dell.com/community/en/conversations/laptops-general-locked-topics/no-audio-at-all-dell-xps-15-9530/647f43b8f4ccf8a8deb8c822