my soundbar 600 makes a faint popping or crackling noise sometimes, especially when starting or stopping audio

— asked by Jamie

DIAGNOSIS Those little digital pops are usually caused by the audio amplifiers turning on or off abruptly with a signal change, or by a low-quality audio stream with compression artifacts.

FIX Start with the source. If you're listening via Bluetooth, this is very common. Try switching to a Wi-Fi-based source (like Spotify Connect through the app) or HDMI to see if the pops go away. If you're using HDMI, try a different, high-quality cable—a poor shield can introduce noise. Next, check for a software update in the Bose Music app, as Bose sometimes addresses audio processing bugs in updates.

IF THAT DIDN'T WORK It could be an electrical grounding issue in your home. Try plugging the soundbar's power cord into a different wall outlet, preferably on a different circuit than your TV and other AV gear. Use a quality surge protector, not a cheap power strip.

HEADS UP A single, soft pop when the soundbar first powers on is normal—that's the internal components energizing. Consistent crackling during playback, however, is not. If the problem persists after all this and is very noticeable, it could indicate a hardware fault, and you should contact Bose support.

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