Volume triggered Muffled Speakers - 2016 MBP 15” Fault (w/ Video Demonstration)

Same computer, same problem. Similar things temporarily solve the problem.

Opening Audio MIDI setup for example and changing the hz of the output will fix the problem unless the volume moves again. (image shows headphones, because I'm currently using them, but problem is not with headphones)

I'm having this same exact problem! It happened out of nowhere for the first time. I was watching a video on youtube and suddenly the sound got muffled and I thought it was a problem with the video and it was not.

All the temp solutions here worked (plug the phone and change the sample rate) but as soon as i turn up the volume, the sound get muffled again. In my ignorance, i really don't think it is a hardware problem, and I hope we can have a software (firmware?) fix for this. I'm using a Macbook pro 2017 15" TBar

My 15" MBP with t/bar speakers muffle the same and besides reinstalling the OS I have the same issues. Playing with the midi Hz works for only about a minute if I'm lucky.

I'm wondering if there is anything else? If the midi Hz adjustment fixes it, I'm guessing it's a software issue right?

Do I just need to visit Apple store? Which is over an hour away 🙄.

Quite disappointing considering the cost of the machine isn't it?

I am having these same issues. So frustrated. This is the first of many Mac devices that I have wanted to throw in the garbage. Due to the lack of communication or attention from Apple... and that it is not covered under a recall as of yet, I am considering starting a Class Action suit. This is ridiculous. I purchased this machine for work. Part of my work is audio editing. As you could probably understand this problem is costing me quite a bit of frustration and hardship. PLEASE FIX THIS OR AT LEAST REPLY WITH A SOLUTION APPLE.

I've also had this exact problem on my MacBook Pro 15" 2016. The service technician I talked to about it said that he had replaced the "top case assembly" on a few machines and that it had resolved the issue.

I've also had problems with my (internal) keyboard repeating letters when typing, which I also mentioned, and then the same technician told me that Apple has a service program that allows for a free repair (or replacement) within four years after purchase, of the keyboard, which essentially is the full top case assembly.

If my machine should be eligible for a replacement. Which it was.

So now I'm waiting to get my top case replaced for free, and hopefully not only the repeating key issue will be gone, but also the annoying muffled sound. Crossing fingers.

Bryan, you just saved me a trip to the Genius Bar. I ran into a the similar type of issue about six months ago with my Late 2016 15' MBP, though in my case, only the right speaker sounded muffled. I actually had run bootcamp beforehand, so I thought I must have blown out the speaker like other users were complaining about late last year. I took your advice and switched the output's hz--now the right speaker sounds just as clear as the left one. Thanks for the tip!

Went to apple store. They need to take the machine for 3-5 days. I can't do that right now since this is my work machine. BUT - w/apple care+ I can have them ship me a box, and send me my machine when i'm ready with a loaner at work.

The tech agreed that there is some hardware problem. He said because of the redesign of the macbook pro, there will be problems.

@nicholasfromcarina It happened to me, too. I found this 2 weeks after purchase. And I searched a lot about this issue. And finally I got the right key word, "MUFFLED."

I showed your reply to an engineer here, and he fixed my MBP '17 15 inch in just the same way as you mentioned. Thank you so much. I really was relieved to see your comment, and I am sure the engineer figured out how to fix mine thanks to you. It just took two days to get mine.

I appreciate your comment.

Had this issue for the last 4 months on my Macbook Pro 15'' 2017. On 10.13.2 now and the issue persists. I hoped it would be a software problem, but I guess I have no choice but to take it to the service.

Same problem 5 times... bought my refurbished 2016 MBP 15" last June, speaker broke twice, repaired twice. When the speaker broke the third time, they replaced me with a 2017 MBP 15". A month ago the speaker broke again, so I sent it in for repair. A week ago, it broke again, so I guess I have to send it in for repair again...

Interesting patterns:

1. The speaker breaks after an obnoxious and scary zapping, electric sound comes from one side of the speaker. The following video demonstrated this: MacBook Pro Late 2016 Speaker Issue - YouTube

2. Only 1 side of the speaker breaks at a time. Happens to the left or right speaker.

Not really sure what's causing it, but this is very annoying since this happened 5 times in 7 months of MBP purchase, and every time I sent it in, it takes 1-2 weeks to repair.

I took it today to the apple store for diagnostic, no tool detected anything wrong, and the technician suggested a clean reinstall which I'll do tonight, before the visit to the apple store the volume wouldn't go to high, after the diagnosis the volume goes high but it's still muffled

Another poster had the logic board replaced, not the top panel. If that is really the root cause, for example the audio chip, then you’re in for 1500 or something.

Show them this thread, clearly this is becoming an issue that points to some design flaw.

I have the same issue, if the speaker is broken should be always sound "muffled" I am trying your solution hope it works but APPLE please listen to us ! We pay a Loy of money for a machine the had issues.

I'm having the same problem.

MBP 15 2017

I heard cracking noise from the speakers two or three times in this month and now I have the same problem: in my case I lose the bass.

I'm going to the Apple Store this weekend to find out.