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I have Bose Companion 2 Series III speakers where the volume randomly gets quiet for up to ~10 seconds randomly. I thought it was a Windows problem at first, but it is also occurring with my Macbook (Sonoma 14.6). I have a Windows 11 desktop PC hooked up to the "From Computer" port, and the Macbook hooked into the "Aux In" port. I haven't found any ways to reproduce the issue. I'm not even sure how to start diagnosing the issue or any fixes to try. The only hint I might have is that it seems to not occur if the Windows pc is off (but I'm not 100% sure on that). I also have not noticed the issue when the aux is playing from Android devices.

I've also tried the million different fixes suggested from google results like this

Thanks for any input!

gabagool
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1 Answers1

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If the speakers have that issue on all devices, look for a defect in the speaker.

  • It appears to have a carbon potentiometer volume control (VC). These devices become electrically "noisy", or even open circuit. Try wiggling the knob, turning it far counter-clockwise and far clockwise, a few times. If that helps (or makes the issue worse), consider using a contact cleaner, such as one of these examples, or replacing the VC.
  • Check the cable -- wiggle it, particularly at the plug end. If the sound changes, the last few cm of the cable can be cut, and a new plug put on (or replace the whole cable).
  • One other possibility -- not a defect in PC or speakers -- nearby cell phones can output a hefty RF signal every minute or two when trying to contact to a cell tower (i.e., to check for messages). Often, that is heard as a chirp or beep from wired speakers, but it can also cause dropouts. Make sure that all cellular devices are kept a few meters away from speakers, PC, and wiring to them.
DrMoishe Pippik
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