Crackling noises from speakers are annoying but can usually be clearly assigned with just a few tests. With the following steps, you can systematically narrow down the cause.
Overview
- Crackling disappears without audio source → Check player or driver
- Crackling disappears at another outlet → Caused by power grid / ground or ground loop
- Crackling moves with the speaker → Speaker probably defective
- Crackling occurs irregularly or when moving → Check cable connections and plugs
- Crackling remains on all channels → Check subwoofer or amplifier electronics
1. Disconnect Audio Source
To ensure whether the crackling is caused by the speaker system itself or by the connected audio source, please proceed as follows.
The exact procedure differs depending on the type of speaker:
Active Speakers / Active Teufel Sound Systems
(e.g., speakers with built-in amplifier, soundbar, or system with multi-channel subwoofer)
- Disconnect all audio cables (signal connections) between the player (e.g., PC, TV, console) and the speaker system.
Note: The power cable remains connected. - Turn on the speaker system.
Passive Speakers
(e.g., bookshelf or floor-standing speakers connected to amplifier/AV receiver)
- Disconnect the signal source from the amplifier or AV receiver (e.g., HDMI, RCA, jack).
Note: The speaker cables remain connected to the amplifier. - Turn on the amplifier.
Do you still hear crackling after this test?
If yes, continue with steps 2 - 5 to find out where the disturbance is coming from.
If no, then the disturbance very likely comes from the signal source or its connection, not from the speakers. The following points will help you further narrow down the error:
Typical triggers:
- faulty or outdated sound drivers
- unfavorable audio or power-saving settings
- interference signals transmitted via the audio cable
Recommendation:
- Update sound drivers (e.g., when connected to a PC)
- Test alternative audio outputs (on the source device) or, if available, alternative audio inputs
- Temporarily connect a different player or source device
2. Different Outlet / Different Room
Test operation of the speaker system at a different outlet or in a different room.
Background:
Disturbances in the power grid, grounding problems, or ground loops can cause crackling, static, or humming – especially when multiple devices are connected to different outlets.
🔗 Further article in the Teufel blog: Anti-Ground Loop Tips: What to Do When the Subwoofer Hums?
3. Swap Speakers
If the crackling persists, swap the speakers with each other (e.g., left ↔ right speaker).
Evaluate the result:
-
The crackling moves with the speaker:
→ The affected speaker is very likely defective. -
The crackling remains on the same channel:
→ The cause is most likely in the subwoofer or amplifier electronics.
This method is particularly reliable for distinguishing speaker faults from electronics faults.
🔗 Teufel Support – Step-by-step help: How do I check if cables, speakers, or amplifier are defective?
If you can locate such a defect this way, please contact Teufel Support. → Teufel Support
4. Check Cable Connections
Cables are also a frequently underestimated source of errors. Please check:
- Are all plugs firmly seated?
- Are your cables undamaged?
- Are there any pinched spots or exposed wires?
- Are audio and power cables not running parallel or tightly bundled?
If possible, test with a different speaker and, if applicable, audio cable or temporarily route the cable freely through the room.
Do you still hear crackling after this test?
If yes – and you have already performed steps 1-4 – then your speaker is most likely defective. Please contact Teufel Support. → Teufel Support
If no, then most likely something is wrong with your cables. It is best to replace the defective cables.
5. What if All Speakers Crackle?
If the crackling occurs on all speakers – regardless of which speaker is connected – there is very likely a defect in the integrated amplifier electronics in the subwoofer/speaker (in active Teufel systems).
In this case, please contact Teufel Support. → Teufel Support