How to Fix Sony Soundbar Crackling Sound
If you are hearing crackling, popping, or static from a Sony soundbar, the cause is usually one of a few predictable issues.
This guide explains how to isolate the problem, apply the right fix, and tell whether the soundbar, cable, TV, or audio source is responsible.
Crackling can come from HDMI ARC/eARC handshake problems, Bluetooth interference, damaged cables, incorrect audio format settings, outdated firmware, or speaker hardware faults.
The fastest way to solve it is to narrow down where the noise starts and test each part of the audio chain.
What causes crackling in a Sony soundbar?
Crackling is typically a signal problem, not just a speaker problem.
A Sony soundbar may play cleanly with one source and crackle with another, which is why diagnosing the path matters.
- Loose or faulty HDMI cable between the TV and soundbar
- ARC or eARC communication errors between devices
- Bluetooth interference from nearby wireless devices
- Unsupported audio format such as Dolby Atmos, DTS, or PCM mismatches
- Outdated firmware on the soundbar or TV
- Power issues from unstable outlets or surge strips
- Internal speaker damage or amplifier failure
Start with the simplest audio test
Before changing settings, identify whether the crackling happens on every input or only one.
Play audio from HDMI ARC, Bluetooth, optical, and built-in apps if available.
- If crackling occurs on every source, the issue is likely in the soundbar, its power, or its firmware.
- If it happens only on TV audio through ARC/eARC, focus on HDMI, TV audio settings, and CEC control.
- If it happens only on Bluetooth, look at wireless interference or pairing problems.
- If it happens only with one app or one channel, the source content or format may be the issue.
Check the HDMI ARC or eARC connection
HDMI ARC and eARC are common causes of intermittent crackling because they depend on stable device handshakes.
A slightly loose plug or a low-quality cable can create short bursts of distortion.
What to do
- Power off the TV and soundbar.
- Disconnect the HDMI cable from both devices.
- Inspect the cable for bent pins, damage, or worn connectors.
- Reconnect it firmly to the TV’s ARC/eARC port and the soundbar’s HDMI OUT port.
- Use a certified high-speed HDMI cable, preferably one rated for eARC if your setup uses it.
If you still hear crackling, try a different HDMI cable.
Cable quality matters more than many users expect, especially for Dolby Digital Plus and high-bitrate formats.
Adjust the TV audio output settings
Audio format mismatches are a major reason Sony soundbars produce crackling or brief pops.
The TV may be sending a format the soundbar or streaming app handles poorly.
Settings to review
- Audio output format: try Auto first, then switch between PCM and Bitstream if needed.
- Digital audio out: test PCM if you hear static on compressed audio.
- eARC mode: toggle it off and on to reset the handshake.
- Pass-through mode: disable it temporarily if the TV is passing unstable audio.
On Sony TVs, LG, Samsung, and other major brands, the menu labels differ, but the goal is the same: reduce processing variables until the crackling disappears.
If PCM fixes the issue, the soundbar may be fine and the problem may be the encoded format being sent to it.
Update the soundbar and TV firmware
Firmware bugs can cause audio dropouts, distortion, and crackling, particularly after a TV or streaming app update.
Sony regularly releases firmware updates that improve HDMI stability, Bluetooth performance, and compatibility with newer TVs.
How to update safely
- Check the Sony support page for your exact soundbar model.
- Install the latest firmware through USB, Wi-Fi, or the Sony app if supported.
- Update the TV firmware as well, since ARC/eARC uses both devices.
- Restart both devices after updating.
If the crackling started after a recent update, a power reset and settings reconfiguration often help more than repeated pairing attempts.
Rule out Bluetooth interference
When crackling appears only during wireless playback, Bluetooth interference is a likely cause.
Wi-Fi routers, microwaves, cordless phones, and other Bluetooth accessories can interrupt the signal.
Try these fixes
- Move the soundbar and source device closer together.
- Turn off nearby Bluetooth devices you are not using.
- Switch your phone or tablet to a different room for testing.
- Disconnect and re-pair the soundbar.
- Use 5 GHz Wi-Fi on your router if the source device also uses Wi-Fi nearby.
Bluetooth audio can sound cleaner after clearing old pairings and starting fresh.
If your Sony soundbar supports Wi-Fi audio or HDMI input, compare those connections to see whether Bluetooth is the weak link.
Inspect power and electrical noise issues
Crackling can come from unstable power delivery, especially if the soundbar shares an overloaded power strip with a TV, console, or streaming box.
Electrical noise can reach the amplifier and show up as audible static.
- Plug the soundbar directly into a wall outlet for testing.
- Avoid daisy-chained surge protectors.
- Check the power adapter and cable for damage.
- Test a different outlet in another room if possible.
If crackling changes when you move the power cable or occurs during heavy appliance use, electrical interference may be involved.
Reset the soundbar and rebuild the connection
A reset is often effective when the soundbar has stored a bad HDMI handshake or corrupted wireless state.
This is especially useful after changing TVs, cables, or home theater settings.
Recommended reset sequence
- Turn off the TV and soundbar.
- Unplug both devices from power for at least 60 seconds.
- Remove the HDMI cable and reconnect it after power returns.
- Re-pair Bluetooth devices if you use wireless audio.
- Recheck audio settings on the TV and the soundbar.
This process clears temporary communication errors without changing the hardware itself.
Test the soundbar with a different source
To determine whether the soundbar is actually failing, test it with another TV, another streaming device, or another connection type.
A clean result on one source but not another usually means the hardware is still healthy.
Use this decision pattern:
- Crackling on all sources: likely soundbar hardware, power, or firmware.
- Crackling on one TV only: likely TV settings, HDMI port, or ARC/eARC compatibility.
- Crackling on one app only: likely app encoding or source quality.
- Crackling on all wireless playback: likely Bluetooth or Wi-Fi interference.
When the issue is likely hardware damage
If the soundbar crackles even after changing cables, resetting the unit, and testing multiple sources, the speaker drivers or internal amplifier may be damaged.
This is more likely if the crackling gets worse at higher volume, occurs only on certain frequencies, or is accompanied by buzzing.
Signs of hardware failure include:
- Persistent crackling regardless of input
- Distortion at low and high volume levels
- One speaker channel sounding weaker than the others
- Burning smell, overheating, or sudden drop in output
At that point, contact Sony support or an authorized repair center, especially if the unit is still under warranty.
Prevent crackling from coming back
Once the sound is clean again, a few habits can help keep it that way.
Good cable management, stable firmware, and the right audio format settings reduce the chance of recurring noise.
- Keep HDMI cables short, certified, and firmly seated.
- Recheck audio settings after TV firmware updates.
- Use PCM when a source device is unreliable with advanced formats.
- Keep wireless routers and Bluetooth transmitters away from the soundbar when possible.
- Power-cycle the soundbar after major setup changes.
For most users, the fix comes down to one of three things: a better HDMI connection, a cleaner audio format setting, or a firmware update.
By testing each layer in order, you can usually stop the crackling without replacing the soundbar.