Symptoms
- Audio crackles or buzzes at higher volumes
- Sound is muffled compared to before
- Bass sounds rattly or distorted
- Quiet on some sources but fine on others
Likely causes
- CommonVolume set too high for the speaker sizeSmall speakers distort past a certain volume threshold, especially with bass-heavy audio.
- CommonDust or debris covering the speaker grilleBlocked vents change the sound and can cause buzzing.
- PossibleStreaming a low-quality or compressed audio sourcePoor source quality or a weak Bluetooth connection makes even a good speaker sound bad.
- PossibleSpeaker placed against a wall or in a cabinetEnclosed placement causes rattling and muffled bass.
- Less commonDamaged internal driverA speaker cone or driver that's been damaged will distort consistently at any volume.
What to do
- Lower the volume a few steps and see if the distortion disappears.
- Wipe the speaker grille clean and check for anything vibrating against it, like coins or loose items nearby.
- Move the speaker away from walls, glass, or enclosed shelves.
- Test a different audio source (radio, different music) to see if it's the source, not the speaker.
- If using Bluetooth, move the source device closer and remove obstacles between them.
- Restart the speaker and check for firmware updates.
- Test at low-to-moderate volume across several sources to isolate whether it's a hardware fault.
Tools and parts
- Soft cloth
When to call a pro
If distortion happens at low volume across every source after cleaning, the driver is likely damaged and the speaker probably needs replacement.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.