Find out whether the silence follows a source or speaker
- Check power, mute, volume, the selected input and speaker output first. Unplug any headphones connected to the receiver.
- Try another source. If it plays normally, focus on the quiet device and its connection.
- If every source is affected, check the receiver’s test tone or the soundbar’s selected input.
- Turn off and unplug a receiver before moving speaker wires.
A silent TV feed can make the whole system seem broken even when another source plays normally. We’d compare sources before trying replacement speakers, because a TV or set-top box can be responsible for low volume. Make one change at a time and listen after each check.
- Turn on the receiver or soundbar and the device you want to hear, then start playback. If you hear sound, the system is ready to use; if you don’t, check mute next.
- Cancel mute on the receiver or soundbar. Listen again, then continue to volume if it stays silent.
- Raise the receiver or soundbar volume and check the source’s volume where it has a separate control. If the level improves, stop there; otherwise, check the input.
- Select the input connected to the playing device. Sound from that device confirms the input was the issue. If it stays silent, check where the system is sending audio.
- On a receiver, unplug any headphones connected to it, then make sure its speaker output is selected. On a soundbar, match its displayed input to the TV connection. If neither change brings back sound, compare another source using the table below.
Match what you hear to the next check
Try another connected source and note whether the problem follows the source, stays with one speaker or affects the whole system. That result tells you which check is worth doing next.
| What you hear | Next check |
|---|---|
| Only one source is quiet | Check that device’s audio output and its cable or input. |
| Every source is quiet or silent | Check speaker output on a receiver, then run its test tone if available. On a soundbar, check its selected input. |
| One speaker or channel is silent | Use a receiver test tone, then check that speaker’s connection with the receiver off and unplugged. |
| Everything plays at low volume | Check the source’s volume or TV audio output, then any speaker setting that applies to your receiver. |
| Sound cuts out | Compare Bluetooth playback with another input and note whether the interruption affects a wireless speaker. |
If one source is quiet, follow its connection
Check that the affected device’s cable is secure at both ends. On a receiver, try another suitable input jack and listen again. If the other sources still play normally, focus on the quiet device’s output.
For a TV or set-top box feeding a receiver, check the device’s audio output. You may need to turn off its internal speakers or choose FIXED or VARIABLE TV output. If you choose VARIABLE, turn up the TV’s volume too.
On a Samsung soundbar, if the quiet device connects directly to a compatible soundbar input, try another device on the same port. If that device plays, the original device is the place to continue checking. If the TV feeds the soundbar, select external speakers in the TV’s sound settings; for HDMI ARC, check that the cable uses the TV’s ARC port. Samsung’s soundbar checks (opens in a new tab) show the separate paths.
If other inputs play normally and the original source remains quiet, contact that source device’s maker. Tell them which input and device are affected and which comparisons played normally.
If every source is silent, check the output
Check where the receiver is sending sound. For example, on a Denon AVR-S920W using HDMI audio, set HDMI Audio Out to AVR to hear it through the connected speakers. On a receiver with an A/B selector, match it to the terminals your speakers use.
If your receiver offers a test tone, play it and note which speakers respond. On a Yamaha RX-V6A, Test Tone is in Setup. Yamaha’s test-tone instructions (opens in a new tab) show that control. A tone from every speaker sends you back to the source or its audio output; a silent channel gives you a specific speaker connection to check.
On an LG soundbar, match the mode shown on its display to the TV connection before testing again. On the TV, select the external speaker output that matches the connection, such as optical or HDMI ARC. For an optical connection, select the optical input on the connected device.
If one speaker stays silent, check its connection
Run the receiver’s test tone if it has one. If the same speaker stays silent, turn the receiver off and unplug it before touching its speaker wires. Then check that cable’s connections. Keep bare strands inside the terminals and make sure they cannot touch the receiver or the other conductor. The speaker-wiring basics can help with bare-wire terminals.
After reconnecting everything, try the tone again. If that speaker is still silent, turn off and unplug the receiver again before trying replacement speaker wires. Check the bare strands before restoring power and trying the tone. If the speaker is still silent, turn off and unplug the receiver again before connecting a different speaker pair if you have one. Check the bare strands again before restoring power and trying the tone. Write down whether sound returned with the wires, changed with the other pair or stayed missing.
If the volume is low, check the source level
Compare the quiet source with another input at the same receiver volume. When a TV’s output is set to VARIABLE, raise the TV’s own volume and listen again. If only that source remains quiet, continue with its audio output settings.
If every source is low, check that the receiver’s speaker setting matches the connected speakers. On some Sony receivers, selecting MicroSP without Micro speakers causes a low audio level. You can also try another available surround mode and listen for a change.
If sound cuts out, note which connection drops
If a soundbar cuts out over Bluetooth, compare it with playback through another input. An interruption limited to Bluetooth points you toward that connection. If a compatible LG wireless rear speaker or subwoofer is the part dropping out, check its connection light; the LED turns green when it is connected properly.
Use your test results before arranging service
If the applicable checks leave every source silent or one speaker without a test tone, arrange service. Report the affected sources and channels, the test-tone result, and what changed when you tried another cable or speaker pair.
Check the warranty terms for your model and ask about diagnostic and repair charges before approving work. If you have an LG soundbar covered by its US limited warranty, check the warranty terms (opens in a new tab) and keep the original proof of purchase. LG lists a flat diagnostic fee for out-of-warranty repairs that it waives if you proceed with repair.
Questions that change the next check
A few connection and source settings can make a working speaker seem silent. Use the answer that matches your setup.
Why do only the front speakers play?
On a Yamaha RX-V683, check whether the playback device is set to output two-channel audio, such as PCM. Change its digital audio output setting if needed.
What should I check on an optical soundbar connection?
Match the soundbar’s input to the connection. On an LG soundbar connected by optical cable, select the optical input on the connected device.
What if HDMI eARC is silent on a newer Samsung setup?
On compatible Samsung TVs and soundbars released in 2024 or later, select HDMI-eARC Mode and choose Auto.
What if only my Windows 11 PC is quiet?
Run the automated audio troubleshooter in Get Help first. Then check that Windows has selected the output device you want to hear.
How can I check an LG wireless rear speaker or subwoofer?
Check the light on the back of the compatible wireless speaker. It turns green when the devices are connected properly.
Play the original source once more
After sound returns, play the original source and one that worked during your comparison. Listen for the missing channel, low level or interruption that started the check. If the sound is back but TV dialogue doesn’t match the picture, check the timing separately.
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