“Why does my home stereo cut out?!” is usually the first exclamation you make when your music is interrupted. What could be the problem? Let’s find out.
Your home stereo will cut out if the wire makes an obstructed connection with the audio receiver and the speaker. Thus, there must be full contact with the terminals or other connection points to get rid of the cutting.
This could also be a problem of overheating driven into low impedance load or clipping.
Why does my home stereo keep cutting out?
Speaker or amplifier problem
If you check and double-check and notice no short but increasing the volume fixes it (often temporarily), it could be a speaker or amplifier problem.
Speaker problem: It is easier to diagnose a speaker problem unless it is a powered speaker. If your speaker is powered, look at the amplifier problem section discussed below.
However, if the problem is a passive speaker problem, it is easier. If your speaker goes off completely, it is an input connection problem.
If your home stereo still emits sounds, it is more likely a crossover problem. Since this has fewer components and connections, you can easily find it.
Amplifier problem: The amp could be easy to diagnose as a loose connection, it could be an input connector problem.
Some amplifiers use output protection circuits designed as relays or fuses or both which can cause this symptom, making it complicated.
In this case, you must have a basic understanding of how electronics works to be able to tell if it is a solder connection or capacitor problem. Sometimes, it could even be a failing semiconductor.
Unfortunately, when you try to solve an intermittent problem, it works for a while and then fails again.
Wire gauges
A wire gauge Indicates the amount of power that can flow across the wire at a time. An incorrect wire gauge for the distance can weaken the signal that reaches your home stereo speaker, thereby, causing it to cut out.
If the gauge is incorrect for the distance the signal can be weak when reaching the speaker causing audio problems, including cutout.
As a rule of thumb, you should use 16-gauge wire for your home stereo below 80 feet away from the audio source. If your home stereo is farther from the audio source, you should be looking at about 14-gauge wire.
Aging Components
Your home stereo ages with time, and so the functionality of the components degrade over time.
If your home stereo has worked for a longer time, it could be time to get a replacement home stereo. This can be an audio receiver problem other than the speakers.
Speaker fuses
Do not fail to look at your stereo speaker fuses if any. Next, remove and replace the fuse to check if it is a fuse problem. It could even be an intermittent connection in the fuse holder causing the cutout.
Why does my radio shut off when I turn it up?
Sony’s publication shows that there could be an installation problem when your stereo or amplifier powers off after you increase the volume.
This typically happens when the ground wire is not connected properly or when your amplifier is overloaded by connecting too many speakers to it.
The simple solution here could be to follow your home stereo manufacturer’s instructions to set it up. You can have a professional installer complete the installation.
In a situation where the installation was completed by a professional, but the cutout persists, you may need the manufacturer’s service. Make sure to contact your manufacturer through their website, email, or contact address found on the product label.
How do I know if my home stereo amp is bad?
The amp seats at the center of your home stereo system, and it provides the system with the required voltage for the speakers or subs to function properly.
If the amp goes bad, the home stereo will cut out, and you want to know what a bad amp is like:
Stereo restarting
When your home stereo amp is bad, it switches off randomly, this could be the case if it is not grounded properly.
Loose or improper grounding are common causes of a failing amp. For instance, your amplifier will cut out or in often, especially if you occasionally connect a damaged or loose ground.
Whining noise
Whining noise is a sign of a bad amp. Nonetheless, this could be a result of multiple other causes, so it may be challenging to tell a bad amp from this.
Not turning on
If your amplifier does not turn on, it has a problem and will affect your home stereo. This is the case because an amp is powered by a grounding circuit. Thus, a poor amp grounding may not even turn on.
Moreover, the ground cables and power need to be decently thick to meet the electrical current requirements of the amplifier to turn on the amp. In extreme cases, the amp will not turn on at all.
Overheating
An amp may suffer a thermal breakdown if the linkage is faulty, or the ground/power connections are too short for the amplifier. This is because the amplifier does not receive sufficient voltage to provide the desired output.
You need a ground wire that is the same size as the power fastening firmly to a part of the frame sanded down and free from paint. This provides utmost grounding.
The quality of your amplifier is also significantly considered in overheating. Thus, you need amps from a reliable manufacturer to be able to utilize the voltage the home stereo receives.
Sound clipping
Clipping can occur when your stereo amp is forced to produce more power than it is designed to. Clipping typically occurs in the form of dissonance and is attributed to insufficient grounding.
The input signals of the speaker can be excessive for the amp which will try to replicate the input signals by producing more power.
Unfortunately, due to mismatching impedance, for example, the initial form will be degraded when the input signal is magnified. Now, when the input signal is amplified, it turns out distorted or skewed.
The music quality is greatly reduced as a result and the sound signal gets badly distorted. In extreme cases, the speakers can be damaged through clipping.
How do I stop home stereo cutting out?
There could be a problem with your home stereo connections or speakers if the audio sound is intermittent. Follow the steps below to stop home stereo cutting out:
- Nearby electronic devices can interfere with your home stereo sound, so you want them disabled or moved away.
- Disable the Audio/Video (A/V) stereo receiver.
- Separate the wires of the home stereo from other electrical cables.
- Make sure that the connection wires are connected properly to your home stereo A/V receiver and speakers.
If your home stereo does not stop cutting out, you have to reset it to the default factory settings.
To reset your home stereo, refer to your product manual for reset instructions. You can access your product manufacturer’s website for online instructions.
Alternative ways to fix home stereo cutting include the following:
- Use different speaker wires to test if your current wires could be faulty.
- Connect the home stereo to a different set of speakers.
If your home stereo works with a different set of speakers and does not cut, it is a speaker problem. If the cutting problem does not go away, it is likely the A/V receiver problem.
Your final resort is to inform your product manufacturer. Note that giving your product for repairs to an unqualified technician or any technician at all can void its warranty.
Best home stereos to buy
If your home stereo problem is not repairable, consider a more modern home stereo for replacement. This section covers a couple of home stereos to buy:
Yamaha R-N303BL stereo receiver
Yamaha R-N303BL is the home stereo to invest in to prevent manufacturer-caused cutting problems. This home stereo offers the following features:
Streaming
Using the MusicCast app lets you stream it all, including every popular music service.
Optical TV input
Experience dynamic sound from any entertainment source, including games and TV shows.
Bluetooth
With support for Bluetooth technology, you can stream music from your device wirelessly.
Performance
This home stereo is built to deliver a powerful amp with discrete configuration, as well as a low-impedance design that reduces audio signal path length to get rid of energy loss. In turn, you get to experience true sound reproduction.
Resolution
This Yamaha R-N303 receiver is designed with resolution in mind. It uses high-resolution audio formats to bang your ears with the sound the movie producers and artistes want you to listen to. see on Amazon
Magnavox MM441 3-piece CD shelf system with digital PLL FM stereo radio
This 3-piece shelf system is built to withstand sound cutting out, and deliver crystal clear sound. The features below are some of what to expect from the Magnavox MM441:
Bluetooth
Magnavox speakers let you pay without cables, and this is one home stereo that makes sure to keep the party alive. This means your mobile phone or any device that supports Bluetooth can get the stereo to play.
Aux port
Without Bluetooth, you can connect and play using the Aux port to keep the music alive.
Quality
This speaker uses high-quality materials intended to meet your sound needs. For its price, you are getting a more-than-okay bargain that packs all you need for premium sound.
Performance and features
Magnavox MM441’s performance is reliable. It features a tray-loading CD player with 30W RMS output (2 x 15W) and is programmable. Its digital PLL FM stereo radio keeps you engaged, especially with the premium sound rendering.
Remote control
You can wirelessly control this home stereo with its remote control. It comes packed with a 1 x CR2025 battery and an AC/DC adapter.
Environmental commitment
Magnavox is concerned about our environment, and is contributing by way of ensuring a clean environment.
TV and computer devices recovered for recycling are processed according to county, state, and federal laws. see on Amazon
What to look for when buying a home stereo
Before you buy a home stereo, you want to know what features are suitable for you. Note that a variety of room factors, according to Best Buy, can also determine the home stereo speakers you need.
Below are things you should look for when buying a home stereo:
Sound quality
The quality of sound you need is different from what another person needs, so you need what suits your ear.
There is no home stereo with the best sound quality out there but there are lots of home stereos with the sound that meets your demand.
Wireless technology
You should be able to listen to your favorite music wirelessly, it cannot always be cables, you know. Moreover, wireless innovations keep wires from filling spaces in your room.
A typical modern home stereo should feature Bluetooth so that your smartphone, tablet, or even computer becomes your disc jockey.
Amplifier
For a better sound, the amplifier quality plays a big role. It should be suitable to accommodate every sound signal seamlessly.
You can invest in a dual amplifier that reduces inter-modulation between the tweeter and woofer to improve the sound. This will also result in deeper and more powerful bass sounds with Excel impact without interference.
Higher frequencies do not also interrupt swift music, so the sound stays pure and detailed enough to capture a speaker or singer’s breath.
Preset buttons and remote control
Preset buttons and remote control should be present on your home stereo for additional convenience.
Preset buttons allow you to tune into the station you want, and can memorize the frequency. This means you get to access your favorite radio stations faster without manual tuning.
Final thoughts on Why Does My Home Stereo Cut Out?
When you cannot tell why your home stereo keeps cutting out, do not tamper with the screws to avoid voiding the existing warranty. Simply contact the product manufacturer if you have active warranty coverage to have the problem professionally resolved.