There is a cracking/popping sound when I play music/video using the mbp speakers, and jump to next song/video

SO HERE IS SOMETHING INTERESTING -- I plugged my MBP (16 2019) into my Thunderbolt 2 display using a StarTech T2->T3 converter box and then routed the audio to play through the display AND this has the same cracking issue. It did not occur when plugged into an LG ultra fine and routing audio the same NOR when I play through bluetooth speakers.

SO I am guessing that the issue is between the MBP drivers and Apple Speaker/Audio modules.

I've had the same mpb speaker pops with my MacBook Pro 16 (OS 10.15.3) and since I've upgraded it to the newest OS version 10.15.4 that was just released I no longer have the issue. It appears Apple may have fixed the issue with the latest version of Mac OS.

Try upgrading to 10.15.4 and see if the problem is fixed.

You got lucky. The senior support tech told me I have to live with it, if and when Apple will fix. Can you imagine your newly purchased Mercedes having speaker issues and they tell you, live with it for the unforeseeable future? All of Apple's virtue signaling while this is happening to me, a loyal customer, and former corporate employee, makes me sick.

Yes, they said that to me, so I spoke to my credit card company and under consumer law In the UK we started a charge back dispute process. I then threatened Apple to take it back or end up with the laptop being available for collection, and the Money coming back to me anyway. I am also shocked with how Apple treats it's customers, especially as we spend circa £250k a year with them for our business.

Don't you all have a 14-day-no-questions-ask-give-back-guarantee from Apple? As to my best knowledge, Apple offers this worldwide for any purchase. Buy, test, if the issue is there, return at zero cost - can be done within one day of purchase. Am I missing something here? Given that guarantee from Apple I can partly understand Apple's reluctance to take the hardware back at a later date. Why to delay the testing?

I'm really surprised people are still having problems with this. My 16" MBP experienced this popping sound as well when scrubbing YouTube videos. After the recent 10.15.4 update I haven't experienced the popping sound anymore. I've tried all types of softwares and no issue at all anymore.

Well it's understandable that you would feel apprehensive but ignoring updates is also risky as you're forfeiting security updates as well. I would recommend giving it a try. My MacBook is working great now. I bought it in late January and the popping sound was driving me nuts. I mean, not all the time because I don't always scrub through videos but I use my MacBook Pro for editing in Final Cut Pro and the popping was making me feel like it would blow the speakers. This latest 10.15.4 fixed everything. Haven't had a single popping sound since.

You second that it it was fixed with 10.15.4? Or second my comment that it broke with 10.15.4?

@dpj - I am happy to try it but with it working so well now and no way to downgrade the OS without a format, it isn't very appealing!

Understandable. Do what you makes you feel comfortable because even with a reformat Apple's internet recovery remembers the last OS update version on your Mac because it's on their servers so you'd end up downloading 10.15.4 again. But if you start hearing more positive experiences of no more popping sounds then consider updating at that time.

I might just try it and return the laptop again if I have issues. They will eventually fix it if they keep getting returns from me, and others as it will cost more to pick up and deliver new devices each time.

DPJ - just done the 10.15.4 update and its fine this time on this machine. So strange!! I have had 3 laptops from Apple now, with 2 being affected by the 10.15.4 update and then this one is absolutely fine!!!

So the update fixed my speaker issue but now I’m having brightness issues with the screen when it wakes up from sleep. I also had sparks occurring while inserting a wire into the usb c ports. It only happened when I have a usb c adapter plugged in with an active hdmi connection. It’s weird, this laptop is full of issues. Doesn’t feel like it was ready for release.

One thing I’ve noticed is to be careful of the usb c wires you’re using. It appears that some cheaper wires can attempt to draw more current than they need hence a spark being created before insertion. The usb c ports output 20V of energy so I’m just trying to plug in everything before powering it.

Understood, but I don't use many devices currently but always stick to Apple to avoid any issues tbh. So pleased about the update going well DPJ!!! I can't believe it. It means that the 16" machines have different parts as it was the exact version of 10.15.4 that I have installed now, but on the other two broke them!

"So pleased about the update going well DPJ!!! I can't believe it. It means that the 16" machines have different parts"

Oh yeah that's true no doubt. That's the only caveat about computers, TV's or any electronics. The parts aren't always the same amongst the same model. I'm on the AVS TV forum and I hear the same things and people always wonder why one person has issues and the rest do not with the same exact TV. It's too bad companies can't source all the same parts. It would resolve a great many issues.