Last Updated on December 3, 2025 by Johann Holsinger
Sound dropout? Again?
Frustrating, right?
When you finally have everything ready to relax to have one fun movie night, and then there goes your soundbar with muffling sounds like you are watching a movie with subtitles… but in Morse code!
You know your soundbar so well. It can envelop your entire room like you are the only person immersed in a new world. And somehow, it blows audio intermittently like that one choppy call you had in the public restroom of a theater.
I know the feeling. That’s why I’m here to tackle the possible reasons your beloved soundbar keeps cutting out.
1. Power supply issues
The power supply is the lifeblood of your soundbar. When you have an unstable power supply, this device may give off intermittent sounds.
Faulty adapters, loose connections, or internal power components may cause an insufficient power supply.
Here’s what you can do.
Check your power outlet. Is the cable plugged into both the soundbar and the outlet?
Or, you can also plug this audio device into other outlets. Perhaps there’s a connection problem with the outlet itself.
Sometimes, we don’t notice, but the cable connected to the adapter or the soundbar has frayed or bent. You may have to replace cables or sockets.
Make sure to use a surge projector to ensure stable power supply delivery, and to protect from surges.
2. Signal interference
Most modern soundbars today connect through Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. These connections either connect to your receiver or TV.
Among these two, Wi-Fi has a bigger range and is less likely to be interrupted in the audio delivery. Wi-Fi works seamlessly with its partner app and with a 5.0 GHz connection.
Here’s what could go wrong with Wi-Fi connections. If multiple devices are operating with the same frequency, 2.5 GHz or 5GHz, they can interfere with each other’s signal.
Having multiple routers in one area can also cause them to use overlapping channels. Although, this won’t likely happen if you only have one router at home.
Bluetooth is more vulnerable to interference. It has a limited range. And different devices using Bluetooth connection may compete with this limited frequency range.
I remember when my Bluetooth speaker caught the signal from another device from the other room and started playing their music in my room.
In most cases, intermittent sounds come out from your soundbar because of congestion or interference.
Also, other devices with ElectroMagnetic Interference (EMI) like microwave ovens or cellular phones can disrupt signals from your audio bar.
If you want to minimize this experience and think some devices in your household could interfere with your movie night, connect your soundbar with an HDMI or coaxial cable. If you don’t have them, here are your HDMI alternatives.
3. The software needs an update
If your soundbar has multiple channels, you must update your software from time to time.
Imagine when it has to deal with multiple speakers only to deliver stereo sound. (A two-channel soundbar can process and produce stereo sound effectively.)
If your soundbar supports surround sound, it must have satellite speakers too. That means it operates on pre-programmed software. So, it can work for streaming music or playing movie audio.
An outdated software will have trouble processing data, resulting in intermittent sounds coming from your soundbar. Most of them have custom firmware or software. It’s best to contact your manufacturer before updating.
4. Aging components
If your soundbar is five or seven years old, you may have the perfect reason to replace it with a modern one.
Your old components burn and wear out with constant use and time. And before you know it, you won’t be able to find replacement parts.
If its circuitry, capacitors, and resistors have worn out, you may get frustrated over interruptions, connection drops, and poor audio.
Unfortunately, without replacement parts, you cannot repair or replace them. In this case, the best thing to do is get yourself a reliable multi-channel soundbar that can support surround sound.
5. Incompatible audio formats
If you’ve read my previous blogs, I always tell you how important it is for connected devices to speak the same language. That means they must work within the same technology.
For example, you are watching a movie in DTS X or Dolby Atmos audio. Your audio bar must be able to process this data and deliver the effects in this format.
Two-channel soundbars will not deliver these effects but will deliver a stereo version of it.
You should be aware of the audio format your soundbar can process. Otherwise, it might have trouble processing the data, resulting in the audio cutting out.
6. Weak cable connections
Loose or damaged connections disrupt the delivery of audio. I’ve had this problem with my previous wired soundbars.
Those frequently pulled out of their place and bent, for some reason, eventually ended up with static noises like grounded wires.
This is the reason why I prefer wireless TV and audio setups. Cables are not only messy but bend and get frayed up.
Inspect your wire for damages and loose connections. If you can find the correct gauge replacement cable, then replace it. Otherwise, bring it to your manufacturer if it’s still covered by warranty.
7. Overheating
There are many reasons why a soundbar overheats like inadequate ventilation, prolonged use at high volumes, dust accumulation in the vents, and firmware issues.
When the system detects overheating, it shuts down the soundbar to prevent further damage.
To avoid this, provide enough space between the soundbar and TV, and avoid placing it in an enclosed space. Likewise, avoid placing it near heat sources or direct sunlight.
You can conquer your soundbar cutouts!
With a little know-how and understanding of audio dropouts, you can diagnose and, perhaps, solve your soundbar issues at home.
In most cases, it is the signal interference or firmware updates. But sometimes, it can be your power supply or signal.
Good thing! You found our article. Now, you’ll never have to be clueless should your soundbar cut out again.
And if all else fails, you can always seek professional help or simply ditch your old soundbar and take a look at these advanced soundbars we highly approve.
