Audophiles, prepare to cringe.

Windows Vista includes Bass Boost which increases the volume of low sounds (you know, like that switch that was on every 80’s walkman and boom box) and Virtual Surround, which varies the timing of the left and right channels to sorta make it sounds like you have more speakers.

To enable Bass Boost and/or Virtual Surround, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.

2. Click Hardware and Sound.

3. Click Sound.

4. The Sound dialog box appears. Click the speakers with the green check box (that’s your default speaker output). Then, click Properties.

5. The Speakers Properties dialog appears. Click the Enhancements tab.

6. On the Enhancements tab, select either or both Bass Boost and Low Frequency Protection and Virtual Surround. You can also play with Loudness Equalization to even out some of the highs and lows, and something audiophiles will love: Room Correction to better adjust the volume of individual speakers (requires you to have an external microphone).

7. Click Apply. Then, test your settings by playing some music or something.

8. When you’re ready, click OK twice to make your settings take effect.