Symptoms
- Sound crackles or breaks up at higher volume
- Distortion on bass-heavy content specifically
- Popping or static noise from one speaker
- Distortion on all sources equally
Likely causes
- CommonVolume pushed past the amplifier's or speaker's clean limits (clipping)Every amp and speaker has a maximum clean output; beyond it, sound distorts.
- CommonLoose speaker wire or connectorA partially connected wire causes crackling and dropouts, especially with vibration or bass.
- PossibleDamaged speaker driverA torn cone or damaged voice coil creates distortion mainly at that speaker.
- PossibleBad source signal (compressed or corrupted audio)Poor quality streaming or a scratched disc can sound distorted at the source.
- Less commonFailing amplifier channelMore likely if distortion is present at low volume too and isolated to one channel.
What to do
- Lower the volume significantly and see if distortion disappears; if so, you were simply pushing past clean output.
- Reseat all speaker wire connections at both the receiver and speaker ends.
- Play the same content through headphones or another output to rule out a bad source file/stream.
- Swap the suspect speaker to a different channel to see if distortion follows the speaker or stays with the channel.
- Inspect the speaker cone (if accessible) for visible tears or damage.
- Test a different source at moderate volume to rule out a source-specific issue.
Tools and parts
Replacement speakerSearch: “replacement bookshelf/surround speaker”
When to call a pro
If distortion persists at low volume on a specific channel with a confirmed-good speaker and wire, that amplifier channel needs professional repair.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.