Mac Mini: poor audio quality

Question

Level 1

8 points

Mac Mini: poor audio quality

I have my Mac Mini connected to my plasma (yes, doing the HTPC thing). I'm finding the audio output is really poor, regularly scratchy and lacks loudness in the volume.

I have tested the Mini versus my Macbook, using the same source file (a DIVX movie), Plex as the player, connected to my TV. The Macbook is fine, the Mini has the issues mentioned above.

I have tried iTunes, eyeTV and DVD Player on the Mini - all have the same issues. Seeing the same setup works fine with my Macbook, I take it the audio cable and audio amplifier in the TV are all fine.

So this leaves the issue with the Mac Mini

Any thoughts on what the issue could be and how to go about fixing it would be much appreciated.

Macbook 2.16Ghz, Mac Mini 2.0Ghz, iPhone 3G 16GB, Mac OS X (10.5.5)

Posted on Oct 25, 2008 3:38 PM

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Answer 1

pgchin

Level 2

150 points

Oct 26, 2008 6:36 AM in response to rob.v

Are you using the 1/8" stereo output jack on the back? Note the volume setting.
Try reducing it to at least a 3 on a scale of 1-10.
Try listening to the output directly with a set of good headphones.

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Answer 2

rob.v Author

Level 1

8 points

Oct 26, 2008 4:12 PM in response to pgchin

Yes, using the combo optical/headphone out, connected to my TV via RCA inputs.

Reducing to 3 makes its so quiet that I have to blast the volume on my TV in order to hear anything.

I don't have a high-end set of headphones, but the headphone quality is good unless I have the volume up loud, then it distorts. Some people have hinted that the Mac Mini has a headphone output only where as the other Macs have a line out. If this is the case than the Mac Mini audio will only be good via headphones or an amp with optical input.

So inputting via an analog amp is either out of the question OR my Mini has a hardware fault!

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Answer 3

pgchin

Level 2

150 points

Oct 26, 2008 5:52 PM in response to rob.v

Does the audio sound ok when at 3? Even though you have to crank the amplifier volume way up.

Generally, if the audio sounds ok at a medium volume setting on the headphones, the Mini output is ok.

What you may want to look at is the input type the Mini is connecting to on the amplifier. Try a different aux input. The output level of the Mini 1/8" output jack with mid level settings is well below aux input clipping levels (< -20dBm).

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Answer 4

rob.v Author

Level 1

8 points

Oct 27, 2008 12:44 AM in response to pgchin

Ok I have set the master Mini volume to 3 and tested both Plex and eyeTV, connected via the TV amplifier, Mini Hi Fi amplifier and a set of headphones. All had distortion! (both TV and HiFi needed to be cranked in order to be audible).

So what do I conclude from this ... Hardware fault?

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Answer 5

pgchin

Level 2

150 points

Oct 27, 2008 4:27 PM in response to rob.v

If the audio is distorted on your headphones, then there is a problem in the Mini.
I would try playing audio from some other players to confirm the problem is hardware and not the player, ie iTunes.

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Answer 6

rob.v Author

Level 1

8 points

Oct 27, 2008 7:01 PM in response to pgchin

I have tried Plex, EyeTV and DVD-Player - all had distortion. I will give iTunes a go tonight, just to confirm it is a pure audio issue (not just audio accompanying video).

I have raised the case with Apple Support who have suggest a P-RAM reset. I'll try this as well tonight.

If both of these tests result in fails, then it'll be off to the Apple repair center!

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Answer 7

rob.v Author

Level 1

8 points

Oct 29, 2008 5:17 AM in response to pgchin

Ok, now my Mac Mini won't even turn on (I'm really starting to think I landed a lemon). It sounds like it is starting up (fan and hard drive), the white light on the front goes on, but there is no start-up chime or video.

Prior to this happening, I managed to test more apps and source files. So eyeTV, Plex, VLC, iTunes and QuickTime all have the distortion. The distortion is also present when outputting to the internal speaker. Quite badly.

This unit is only two weeks old. I want this junk replaced!

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Answer 8

rob.v Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 6, 2008 10:47 PM in response to rob.v

Follow-up: It ended up being a hardware fault. The logic board has been replaced, rectifying the audio issue and another issue where the Mini wouldn't boot (intermittently) when powered up.

All fixed. Upgraded to 3GB RAM as well. Thanks pgchin for your assistance in troubleshooting this issue 🙂

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