iMac external speaker volume issues

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Level 1

8 points

iMac external speaker volume issues

I have an iMac (M1, 2021) running Sonoma 14.5. I find the internal speakers sound too 'tinny' so I use external speakers run off the headphone port.

[As an aside, I just can't deal with the HomePod delay. I like to answer my phone in FaceTime on my computer that delay is a killer]

Lately, the volume tends to 'vary' - or better described as 'glitch' for a moment where the sound volume increases (or decreases) for second. Not all that often - maybe once in every ten minutes - sometimes more sometimes less. I typically stream Apple Music or the odd Pod Cast.

I've searched - but haven't found a similar issue - maybe some vague references to 'coreaudiod'. I've unplugged/ plugged the jack - as some suggested. The issue persists.

Any thoughts? Are my speakers going? my computer? or is it just me.

iMac (M1, 2021)

Posted on Jun 21, 2024 12:19 PM

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Answer 1

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Tesserax

Level 10

160,490 points

Jun 21, 2024 1:43 PM in response to A-tune

I can almost 100% guarantee that it is not you ...

To help rule things out, let's start with your Mac. I suggest two things:

Run the Apple Diagnostics to check for any hardware issues.
Run an EtreCheck report to check for any software / system settings issues.

For the first one, just follow the steps in this support article: Use Apple Diagnostics to test your Mac

For the second one, EtreCheck (if you are not familiar with it) is a diagnostics tool, developed by a valued forum member, that greatly aides in troubleshooting difficult Mac problems. It will create a report that you can optionally post here if you have any issues with interpreting its results.

Ref: Using EtreCheck to Troubleshoot Potential Mac Issues

With both of these "in-hand," we can get a good idea, whether or not, your Mac is the culprit.

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Answer 2

Tesserax

Level 10

160,490 points

Jun 21, 2024 1:09 PM in response to A-tune

Since these speakers feed off the headphone port on your Mac, Wi-Fi interference would obviously not be an issue.

What comes to mind is where is the source for the audio that you are sending to these speakers may be the culprit.

... so, if you don't mind, I have a few questions for you:

Does this issue happen when you use the Mac's internal speakers?
Have you tried another, known good, audio cable(s)?
When this issue occurs is the source of the audio:
- On this Mac?
- On an external drive directly connected to this Mac?
- From a media server on your local network?
- Being streamed from the Internet?

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Answer 3

A-tune Author

Level 1

8 points

Jun 21, 2024 1:31 PM in response to Tesserax

Great questions - and you are correct, Wi-Fi interference is not an issue.

The issue appears to only occur with the external speakers - although, admittedly, I struggle to listen to the internal speakers for any significant length of time - perhaps I should persevere with that first to rule it out.

No other 'know good' cable available - tried a HomePod which seemed to work 'fine' with the exception of the 3 second delay which made it infeasible.

Audio is streamed (internet) - WiFi strength is strong though and issue appears regardless of high/low bandwidth usage.

I'm guessing (hoping) it is just the speakers - although they are 'only' 3 years old - but you know how frustrating an intermittent issue is. I wanted to rule out an OS update or internal hardware issue - maybe it is just me :-(

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Answer 4

A-tune Author

Level 1

8 points

Jun 21, 2024 2:18 PM in response to Tesserax

I appreciate the insight - and the references.

I ran the diagnostics - ADP000 'No issues found' is good enough for me - and I am going to go out on limb and figure it is my speakers - although I will be sure to post back here if that fails to resolve the issue.

Thanks again for your response(s).

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iMac external speaker volume issues

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