Distorted speakers

[jmears]

The sound on my 2009 MacBook Pro suddenly went distorted on both speakers at the same time.
Is it likely they would both fail together or could it be a software problem?
Thanks for any help offered,
John

 

[Cory Cooper]

Hello,

I would say it is unlikely that both speakers would fail simultaneously. It could be a few other things causing it.

-Does it happen for all audio - startup chime, iTunes, DVD Player, YouTube videos, etc.?
-Do you have any third-party system-level software installed - like Boom3D, LoopBack, SoundSource, etc.?
-Does it happen with headphones/external speakers?

C

 

[jmears]

Thanks Cory,
It happens on all audio through the macbook pro speakers but not through the headphones or external speakers.
I don't have any system-level software installed as far as I know.
John

 

[Cory Cooper]

OK...

I would try the following resets:
-How to reset the SMC of your Mac
-Reset NVRAM or PRAM on your Mac

Let us know if that helps.

C

 

[jmears]

OK...

I would try the following resets:
-How to reset the SMC of your Mac
-Reset NVRAM or PRAM on your Mac

Let us know if that helps.

C

Hi Cory,
I have tried both those fixes to no effect.
I am wondering if it could be the equaliser settings as it is most pronounced on the bass notes, especially the 'Start-Up' chime, which is really distorted. However, I cannot find the equaliser controls now and wouldn't it be the same distortion when through headphones and external speakers if it was the equaliser?
Thanks for your patience,

John

 

[jmears]

Hi again Cory,
Is the fact that the volume on my MBP is almost inaudible?
John

 

[Cory Cooper]

Hi,

Sorry for the late reply...

If it happens on the startup chime as well, then it is a hardware issue with the speakers and/or the audio board, since macOS has not loaded at that point and there wouldn't be any software (like an equalizer) loaded yet. If it is normal through headphones/external speakers, then I would lean towards the speakers themselves.

C

 

[jmears]

OH right, thank you.
Any idea how much two speakers would cost and where to buy them?

John

 

[MartyByrde]

Hi John,

I use a pair of Logitech z200 Speakers with my late 2018 Mac Mini (purchased them quite a while ago):

Logitech Altoparlanti Z200 | Techinn

Acquista Logitech Z200 , Altoparlanti PC da Periferiche a soli 0 $. Trova offerte per elettronica e computer a Techinn | Consegna veloce

www.techinn.com

Ones which are black in front are less expensive:

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/logitech-z200-2-0-multimedia-speakers-2-piece-black/3001006.p?skuId=3001006&ref=212&loc=1&extStoreId=447&ref=212&loc=BM01&gclsrc=ds

But for purchasing speakers, I assume there are a number of parameters to look at, along with personal taste.

Not sure where you are located. I am just south of Seattle, and there are a number of stores where a variety of speakers are available. And then of course one could get them on line.

 

[jmears]

Thanks Marty,

I'm wanting to replace my built-in speakers in my Macbook Pro mid 2009, not use external speakers which I already have.
I live in Southern England by the way.
Thanks anyway,

John

 

[Cory Cooper]

Hi,

You might be able to get parts from these vendors:
-iFixit - MacBook Pro Parts
-MacPartsonline - MacBook Pro Unibody

C

 

[MartyByrde]

Thanks Marty,

I'm wanting to replace my built-in speakers in my Macbook Pro mid 2009, not use external speakers which I already have.
I live in Southern England by the way.
Thanks anyway,

John

Sorry I misunderstood. By the way, our oldest son lives in Richmond. I am located just south of Seattle, Washington.

 

[jmears]

Hi,

You might be able to get parts from these vendors:
-iFixit - MacBook Pro Parts
-MacPartsonline - MacBook Pro Unibody

C

OK Cory, I'll have a look there. I'm not sure if spending too much on my old Macbook Pro (2009) is really worth doing as it also needs a new battery although I mostly use it at home on mains supply. Thanks anyway.
John