Contributor I

Question

Audio "pop" / crackling noise on Sonos Beam Ultra with eARC Pass-through after firmware 27.2.1

13 replies
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Hi everyone,

I am experiencing a persistent audio issue since updating my Sonos Beam Ultra to firmware 27.2.1 (released yesterday/recently).

Whenever I use the eARC + Pass-through (dérivation) configuration on my TV, a loud and annoying "pop" / crackling noise occurs at the exact moment an audio stream starts or resumes (e.g., when launching a video, switching sources, or coming out of a micro-silence).

Here is what I’ve troubleshot so far:

The issue happens only when eARC and Pass-through are enabled together. The initial handshaking / stream activation triggers a sharp digital/electrical click in the soundbar's decoder.

Workaround found: Disabling eARC (falling back to standard ARC) while keeping Pass-through or switching the TV audio to standard Multichannel completely removes the pop.

However, forcing standard Multichannel alters the native bitstream, and since rollbacks are blocked on Sonos, users are stuck with a broken eARC handshake behavior introduced in this 27.2 update.

This is clearly a software/firmware regression regarding how the audio buffer or DSP handles the eARC initialization timing under Pass-through.

Is anyone else experiencing the same issue since updating to 27.2.1? Can the engineering team please look into this handshake bug in an upcoming hotfix?

Thanks

Airgetlam

I have not noticed this, although I use Arcs, not Beam Ultras. I’d suggest two things.

First, check your other devices for updates, and apply them. While you didn’t specify what devices are upstream from the Sonos, it is feasible that either the TV, or other devices have updates that ‘fix’ sending this signal through the HDMI-ARC to the Beam.

The other suggestion I would recommend is that you submit a system diagnostic within 10 minutes of reproducing the issue, and call Sonos Support to discuss it. Do not factory reset any units. Also, don’t post the resulting diagnostic number here.

There may be information included in the diagnostic that will help Sonos pinpoint the issue and help you find a solution.

When you speak directly to the Support staff, they have tools at their disposal that will allow them to give you advice specific to your network and Sonos system.

Bruce

A

AlexmtrAuthor

Contributor I

I contacted Sonos support, and they concluded that my unit is defective and offered to replace it. However, as I mentioned, this popping sound started right after the update. Before the update, the soundbar was working perfectly. I’m concerned that if I go through the entire replacement process, I might end up with the same issue, assuming it’s a software problem, and then be left waiting, with no real certainty, for a fix to be released via another update.

Alexis

Airgetlam

The only way I’m aware of to make Sonos aware of any potential firmware issues is to provide them hard diagnostic data to follow up on. Unlikely that it had anything to do with a client update, those aren’t part of the stream between your TV and the Sonos, although it’s possible it’s a firmware update.

I’d still update the TV and any upstream devices, before choosing the effort to get a replacement. But it’s unlikely that you’ll find an answer in the public forum, much more likely you’ll receive the answers you’re looking for from Sonos.

Bruce

A

AlexmtrAuthor

Contributor I

I shared diagnostic data with Sonos when this happens, and I also sent them a video where these popping sounds can be heard. That is why they offered me a replacement. My TV is up to date and hasn’t had any new updates for several months. Furthermore, the only change that has occurred is the Sonos 27.2.1 update. There is nothing else that could account for any kind of alteration.

Alexis

kdowling

Just as a point of reference, I am also using a Beam Ultra and have not experienced this. Currently running ver 27.2.1 build 97.2-81220.

A

AlexmtrAuthor

Contributor I

Do you activate eARC and Pass-through ?

kdowling

I do, but I have CEC (Bravia Sync on my Sony TV) turned off. I control everything with a harmony remote and CEC gets in the way.

kdowling

Something to try… turn CEC off on the TV and see if it makes a difference.

You can also try resetting the CEC bus. Unplug the TV, Beam Ultra and any source devices from power. Wait about 3 minutes. Plug the TV back in and wait for it to come up completely. Then plug the Beam Ultra back in and wait. Finally, each source device, one at a time, waiting for each to come up completely.

A

AlexmtrAuthor

Contributor I

This is clearly a firmware issue, as disabling the eARC option or the audio compression setting on the TV (for the signal sent to the Sonos) eliminates the popping sound. It appears that a change made to the soundbar’s controller has introduced an instability. I try to disable CEC etc.. but it’s not working

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