Inspiron 5570: Static noise and popping from speaker

Hello everyone,

I just got a brand new Inspiron 5570 and noticed static noise from the speakers:

When I click on the speaker icon in the taskbar and then on the volume slider button, the static noise begins, the chime is played, the static noise continues for 5-10 seconds, then it stops.

I read many of the discussions here in the forum and tried the following:

• Update the Bios
• Update Realtek Drivers
• Uninstalled Smartbyte

Without any success. Next I switched to the Default Windows High Definition Audio Driver. It didn't change on the static noise, but now I had a loud popping noise before and after the static played.

Further things I checked:

• Disable WaveMaxx on Autostart
• Disable HD Audio Manager on Autostart
• Disable HD Audio Background on Autostart
• Check for Realtek Audio PowerManagement Settings in the Registry, but I don't have this entry.

Again without any success.

Can anyone give me some more pointers on what to do/what to try in order to remove the static noise?

Thanks in advance, and best regards!