Audio Dropouts with Crackles and Static Noise

Two months ago, I purchased the latest Apple TV 4K (2nd generation) 64 GB version. I didn’t notice any problems with it until after I updated the firmware to 14.7. Recently I have been plagued with audio dropouts that leave only crackles/buzzes as audio. The video on the screen persists without change. It happens irregularly—perhaps every few hours. The audio returns if I select the next song on the playlist or turn the components off/on.

The Apple TV is connected to my TV (Sony KDL-46NX720) and from there to my speakers via ARC.

This only happens when listening to Music on the Apple TV—or at least I haven’t noticed any audio problems when using the TV app. It happens through both my powered external speakers (KEF LS50 Wireless II’s) and the Sony TV’s own speakers when I turn the external speakers off.

I should add that I recently have listened to a lot more music than usual while trying out the lossless audio—the 14.7 update may or may not really be related.

I have restarted numerous times and reset the Apple TV to factory defaults twice. I have switched the HDMI cable. I switched the Apple TV from wireless to ethernet, even though the Network Settings showed full strength (5 dots). The Apple TV, Sony TV, and network router all have the latest firmware. I measured download speed at 450 Mb per second with no dropouts seen. My TV is pretty old, but ARC seems to work fine—it transmits audio from my Blu-ray player just fine. 

I only have dropouts when using the Apple TV—with or without the HDMI ARC connection. Blu-ray via the HDMI ARC connection plays fine. I Airplay to the KEF’s from my iPhone without drops. The native KEF Connect app on my iPhone plays Tidal and Qobuz wirelessly on the KEF speakers without problems too.

Any suggestions or should I just call Apple Support? Thanks for any help you can provide.

C.