How to check if cables, speakers, or amplifiers are defective

To narrow down the cause of a technical defect, please perform the following test:

1. Exclude the audio source as the cause of the problem

• Also test a different signal source (e.g. smartphone, CD player, or streaming device).

Note:
Errors can also be caused by the source or settings and not by the speakers or amplifier.

Especially with AV receivers and home theater systems, apparent defects can be caused by the following settings:

2. Swap speakers (quick test)

Preparation: Turn off the amplifier/receiver and ideally disconnect it from power before swapping cables.

• Connect the supposedly defective speaker to the output of the fully functioning speaker.
• Connect the fully functioning speaker to the output of the supposedly defective speaker.
• Turn the amplifier back on and play audio.

Result & meaning:

• If the error moves with the speaker, the cause is most likely the speaker.
• If the error remains at the original output, the cause is probably the speaker cable, amplifier, or the playback device’s settings.
• To narrow it down further, continue with → Test speaker output on AV receiver/amplifier.

3. Test speaker output on AV receiver/amplifier

Preparation: Turn off the amplifier/receiver and ideally disconnect it from power before swapping cables.

• Connect the speaker cable from the (supposedly) defective speaker to a different speaker output. (You are only changing the connection on the receiver; the speaker and cable remain the same for now.)
• Turn the amplifier back on and play audio.

Result & meaning:

• If the error persists, the cause is probably the speaker or cable. → Continue with Check speaker cable
• If the speaker works properly, the original amplifier output is very likely faulty.

4. Check speaker cable

Preparation: Turn off the amplifier/receiver and ideally disconnect it from power before swapping cables.

• Replace the speaker cable with another one (or temporarily use the cable from a working speaker).
• Temporarily lay the cable freely in the room to exclude external influences.
• Connect the speaker with a working cable to a working output.

Result & meaning:

• If the speaker works with another cable, there is very likely a problem with the wiring or the amplifier connection. → Continue with Check connections
  (e.g. cable break, damaged insulation, or contact issues).
• If the error persists, the speaker is most likely defective. → Continue with Next steps

5. Check connections

Preparation: Turn off the amplifier/receiver and ideally disconnect it from power before swapping cables.

• Check if all cables are connected correctly and securely (both at the speaker and the amplifier).
• Make sure no individual strands are loose or touching the casing or other contacts (risk of short circuit).

Result & meaning:

• If the connections are all in order and the cables are properly connected, the cause is probably the cable, speaker, or amplifier. If you have already gone through the previous points, continue with → Amplifier as the cause of the problem.

6. Amplifier as the cause of the problem

If the speakers and cables work perfectly:

• The amplifier or a specific output is very likely the cause.
• If the error occurs only after a certain operating time, it may be heat-related. Try placing your receiver/amplifier in a different location—preferably well-ventilated.

Result & meaning:

• If you have identified the source of the problem, continue with → Next steps