How to Fix a Speaker

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Updated July 25, 2022

If you are new to the world of home audio, you may want to learn how to fix a speaker. Even the best speakers, after all, are susceptible to all manner of repair and maintenance issues. So what are the common problems that impact home speakers, and what are the best troubleshooting steps? Keep reading to find out.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Speakers are susceptible to a whole host of repair and maintenance issues, each requiring differing repair steps.
  • Start troubleshooting by examining the cables going to and from the speakers and replacing them if necessary.
  • Download any available audio driver software updates and check on the integrated fuse to fix a blown speaker, speaker cone, voice coil, speaker button, headphone jacks, and more.

Speaker Troubleshooting Steps

The truth is that each speaker is different with its own common repair issues. For some models, you’ll have to learn how to recone speakers; for others, you’ll simply have to stay on top of downloading audio drivers. Others will require you to learn how to make speaker boxes should the exterior become damaged. Alternatively, you may also be experiencing connection issues when trying to connect a soundbar to a projector. In that case, it could be a user error. But overall, you get the idea. There is no universal solution for fixing all speakers, which is the same as when learning how to fix car speakers.

Insider Tip

Be sure to clean your speakers and avoid allowing the cone to come into contact with sharp objects.

However, there are some handy troubleshooting steps to consider that solve a vast majority of simple speaker issues.

Check the Cables

The first thing you need to do is check on every single cable and cord running to and from the speakers. You’d be surprised just how often a speaker malfunction comes down to a damaged or frayed cable. Inspect the entire length of each cable for damage, especially if you have pets or if you have recently moved furniture around. Also, cables can fail without any exterior damage. Troubleshoot this by replacing every cable one at a time with a new one and seeing if it fixes the issue.

Download Audio Drivers

Wireless speakers may not even have cables, aside from a power cable, but they still require audio drivers to function and interact with your various audio sources. This is especially true of modern speakers, such as smart speakers. Head online per the instructions that accompanied your speakers and download any available audio drivers. Make a habit of doing this twice a year or so, as out-of-date drivers can lead to all kinds of weird problems.

Warning

Out-of-date drivers can cause several issues with your speakers, so be sure to keep them updated.

Change the Fuse

When a speaker’s internal fuse blows, it won’t be able to power on. If this is your issue, open up the speaker cabinet and look for the fuse. Switch out this fuse with an appropriate replacement as indicated by the instructions that came with your speakers. By the same token, check the fuse at your circuit breaker if your speakers won’t power on.

STAT: A “blown speaker” is one that doesn’t work right or doesn’t work at all. It’s an umbrella phrase that encompasses several problems that could cause a speaker to sound unpleasant or go silent. (source)

How to Fix a Speaker FAQs

How does a speaker work?

External speakers work by connecting to an audio device and transmitting an audio signal from that input device. Once connected, access sound settings, volume controls, the volume level, and other controls.

What can go wrong with a speaker?

So many things can go wrong with audio speakers, just as when using a guitar amp. The speaker enclosure can become damaged, the audio devices may not be connected, or you may just have a cheap speaker.

How to fix surround sound issues?

Fixing surround issues is not dissimilar to fixing any speaker issue. Check on the speaker wires, the speaker enclosure, the speaker port, and the voice coil, and make sure the mute button has not been engaged.
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