Re: "Tahoe 26.2 update has distorted my external speaker sound... Help!"
"... my audio for my external speakers is garbled and distorted."
Am no expert in this area, yet your post to the community deserves some response. At least we get your discussion underway, and provide more opportunity for those with more expertise than either of us to join in, and share their experience and know-how.
Apple support's online article: What's new in the updates for macOS Tahoe - Apple Support
Eg: says that with MacOS Tahoe 26.1 came "Apple Music AutoMix support over AirPlay"
However I didn't see anything listed that would give us a clue for the changes you experienced with 26.2 update.
It may be worth experimenting with AutoMix turned off (on?) if it is on (off?) by default.
See: How to turn AutoMix or Crossfade on or off in the Apple Music app - Apple Support
Wondering what other audio settings you have in place, and whether something there needs changing.
Perhaps you stream your music via AirPlay? Speakers may or may not be listed in the Home app ?
You may mostly play files ripped from CD's in a particular app. Or use Apple Music via subscription ?
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Wondering which app you use to play your music (QuickTime, Apple Music, VLC or etc.)
(Eg: Any necessary third-party apps installed may need updating in order to remain compatible)
If you use the Apple Music App:
You can: Adjust the sound quality in Music on Mac - Apple Support
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Could unnecessary third-party software (eg: virus-checkers, ad-blockers, cleaners and the like, (even VPN)) be causing interference ? If so, try turning them off, or use uninstallers from their developers)
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For an iMac introduced in 2023 or later:
If you use the headphone jack for speakers or headphones:
You can: Play high sample rate audio on your Mac - Apple Support
Eg: says:
"The hardware digital-to-analog converter (DAC) built into compatible Mac computers
supports sample rates of up to 96 kHz".
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Wondering if you use Bluetooth headphones:
See what to do: If sound quality is reduced when using Bluetooth headphones with your Mac - Apple Support
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Re:" I have seen fixes for online I have tried them and each one fixes the problem, but only temporarily."
"Is there a permanent fix that I am missing?"
Mmmm ... is not easy to guess what you have already tried, (Restarting your Mac?) or your methods of audio output, audio accessories, and set-up etc. We likely need to determine which of the possible sources of distortion is the "one", in order to suggest a fix.
Eg: Resolve Wi-Fi and Bluetooth issues caused by wireless interference - Apple Support
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Resource:
For MacOS Tahoe: Mac User Guide - Apple Support
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More info. / Support / contact options etc.
Mac Desktop Support : iMac, Mac mini and Mac Desktops - Official Apple Support
