Q: MacBook Air no audio output device found ???????? *please help*

Having similar issues, upgraded to Snow Leopard and a few days later the sound is permanently muted. No sound from the internal speakers or headphones. In system preferences "selected sound output device" is the only option, but there is nothing plugged into the headphone jack. The "mute" button is checked and I can't uncheck it. Also, itunes just stopped playing songs although it does play video such as podcasts, but of course without any sound! Completely frustrated, I've researched solutions for hours, can not find a fix. Since this is a widespread problem it would be great if someone from the Apple Team could offer a possible solution.

My MacBook Air also doesn't have any sound output device after 10.6.2 update. 10.6.2 combo update seemed to fix it for a while, until I played YouTube video in Firefox few more times.

While it was working I have to say it did much better than under 10.5. No overheating (75 C), and the flash videos were running smooth even in fullscreen mode. No Coolbook is needed anymore.

IMPORTANT: Do not be naive and pay for audio cable change to fix this bug. As described in previous posts there may be an issue with the loose connector, but this can be fixed by yourself. (It happened to me before, and I also double checked the connector after latest 10.6.2 upgrade).

This latest MacBook Air sound problem (10.6.2 upgrade) is definitely software related. I and probably the rest of few million users out there around the globe can't wait to see the solution from you Apple guys. This whole thing is very frustrating and it is making a high end computer MacBook Air a useless piece of equipment.

I am having the same issue, post snow leopard install. brought it in to genius bar and they did a boot from an old OS and diagnosed that it must be a hardware problem. they eventually landed on the audio connector, like many of you in prior comments stated. it would cost me around $99 to get the $15 dollar connector and then have the apple tech install it, as I'm out of warranty.

i'm planning to wait a little to see what the apple folks say given the number of similar issues. i think it may be a hardware issue, but certainly could have been aggravated by 10.6.2.

btw, i'm also having issues with receiving invites into iCal from Outlook , where prior to snow leopard, i didn't see that.

I too have exactly the same problem. One day it was working, the next day not. I'd just started doing a lot of headphones listening, having subscribed to Spotify.

The bulk of posts seem to suggest a hardware issue, although I'm not sure I'm brave enough to take the cover off and there are at least some who believe software lies at its heart (although I've been on 10.6 for a while.

I think I'm posting to log the problem, although my courage may increase (and I already own jeweller's screwdrivers, so at least have some form with delicate electronics).

My upgrade to 10.6.2 did not help with the sound issue. I'll be waiting for another patch or two. It does appear that the only quick/assured fix right now is the cable replacement.

Hi.. I have the same problem. I work with in the audio field and I need a quick solve. I contact with the authorized support here in Bogota, Colombia, but the can't help me.
I really don't expect this from the apple technology. At least, form the support.
What can I do?

Please, all MacBookAir Users need a solution.

Thanks

Imagine, this thread started more than one year ago, and there still isn't a straight answer in here from Apple, or any straight forward solution. Disappointing.

My problem also affects sound, missing soundcard in preferences, problems with video, and problems making a proper diagnosis. I actually got the sound back for a few hours at one time, but then it disappeared again

Does anyone know if a USB sound output device can circumvent the problem? Like with this http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/imic/ ??

Kim

Yes, my logitech USB works on my MBA which sound vanished when I updated to 10.6.2. But what a let down from Apple!
Cheers
Andre

Mine too, everything listed, no audio, no youtube. My machine is only 20 months old and now Apple wants to charge me $1000. to change the logic board??? Are you f%^king kidding me???? They are supposed to last a little longer than this before you gotta drop another 1k to repair them no? IS MAC THE NEW SONY???? I AM NOT A HAPPY CUSTOMER AT ALL. I was on the phone with 3 levels of authorization, and yet no one took the opporunity to provide some customer satisfaction. For the first time ever i am saying, APPLE *****

How interesting. APPLE is censoring the word that a vaccum cleaner does. I cannot write the word *****, they censor it. I am shocked!

How about if I spell it backwards. !SKCUS

There we go. for the first time I can say APPLE SKCUS but I have to spell it backwards or its censored. Where are we, China????

Dude, I understand you are upset, but I highly doubt that Apple is charging you $1,000. Are you talking about an Apple authorized service provider or about Apple care/ Apple store?
Apple's FLAT RATE to fix ANY MBA issue is $280 + tax that includes logic board issues. I should know, b/c I had the same problem and that's what I paid for the flat rate. That price includes a full system check and repair of any other issues they find (they fixed a couple of more things that I wasn't even aware of).
An Apple authorized service provider can charge up to $1,000 to change the logic board (found that out when I made a couple of calls in the past).
Besides that, the issue here is the infamous flex cable and not the logic board.

I suggest you call Apple Care (again) and talk to a different person if you don't live close to an Apple Store.

This is a little off topic, but at hearing the mention of Apple now = the new Sony I just had to comment. Almost 10 years ago I bought a Sony Clie pda in Japan, it was so rock solid, no system crash, no hardware crash for eight years; it was made in Japan. Then years later, I bought a Sony CD-changer, made somewhere else - two months later it needed repair. For Apple, I remember my first Macs, systems always froze or had conflicts, but hardware - NEVER had anything break.

NOW, I buy a top-end MBA, and it acts like a Radio Shack radio-control car, bits breaking off as I use it. I share mojotiger's disappointment. I'm just about as happy with my new $250 netbook as my MBA with it's broken hinge, frazzled flex cable, maxed out hard-drive and now glitchy Snow Leopard OS.

Well, mine is fixed
Went to the Apple store in Seattle and they replaced the cable and some board
I had some issues but have to say I am very happy with the Apple Genius.
The issue involves my living in Mexico and wanting to get it fixed at a US store
When I planned the trip to Seattle I got an appointment and called the store to try to get them to be sure they had the parts. They said they couldn't order parts without the laptop in their hand which I find a little odd? I knew what parts were needed after reading these posts but, no dice
Anyway I went and sure enough there was no part in the store. The Genius spent a lot of time. Called all the stores in the Seattle area and then branched out to San Francisco, Portland, Phoenix and even Atlanta. No one had the part in stock. Called the independent mac store and they didn't have it either.
I had 2 days before I left and had to have a fast resolution. I suggested they take the parts out of a new macbook air but, the newer model has a different cable (when I suggested that it was changed due to recognition of a serious problem, they, of course, denied that) My air is just one model younger then what is currently sold. Barely one year old.
Anyway, one fo the managers finally found a model like mine in the store, pirated the part and it was installed and working in 45 minutes.
Also interesting is that I suggested that sense they were breaking into the box, that they might as well replace the batter at my cost since I knew that would be next but, they didn't have that part in stock either. That does not seem reasonable to me. If we're going to have laptops with batteries we can't change, they need to maintain inventory. How many spare batteries do you think they have for the older models that can be changed out by us????
I love Apple and I'm usually very pleased with the service I get and this is no exception but
IF APPLE IS MONITORING THESE POSTS, I have a suggestion
When someone is flying 2500+ miles to make an appointment for repair, it wouldn't hurt to pay attention and order a part so that it's there on arrival. There is apparently no way to do that. I would gladly pay for the part in advance and if it turns out to be a warranty deal they can give me a credit. But, if these guys hadn't been creative and frankly relentless in finding a solution, I could easily have flown home without a fix. I know Apple is never (seldom) going to admit there is a problem but, the fact that the part was not in inventory in virtually the entire Western US, seems to me to indicate that someone has been using up all the inventory? And no MacBook Air batteries in stock? Are you kidding me?
Anyway, thanks to the Seattle University Mall store for their help.