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 a built-in amplifier, soundbar, or system with multi-channel subwoofer)

1. Disconnect all audio cables between the player (e.g. PC, TV, console) and the speaker system.
   Note: The power cable remains connected.
2. Turn on the speaker system.

Passive Speakers

(e.g. bookshelf or floor-standing speakers connected to an amplifier/AV receiver)

1. Disconnect the signal source from the amplifier or AV receiver (e.g. HDMI, RCA, jack).
   Note: The speaker cables remain connected to the amplifier.
2. 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• Faulty or outdated sound drivers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

Test the operation of the speaker system via 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: How to stop your subwoofer humming 

If the crackling persists, swap the speakers with each other (e.g. left speaker ↔ 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 can I tell whether cables, speakers or amplifiers are malfunctioning?

If you identify a defect during these checks, please contact our customer support.

Cables are also a frequently underestimated source of errors. Please check:

• Are all plugs firmly connected?
• Are your cables damaged?
• Are there any pinched spots or exposed wires?
• Are the audio and power cables running too close to each other or bundled together?

If possible, test with a different speaker and, if applicable, a different audio cable. You can also temporarily run the cable loosely 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 our customer support for further assistance.

If no, then most likely something is wrong with your cables. In this case it's best to replace the defective cables. 

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 our customer support for further assistance.