Audio Pro C20 and LG TV: Intermittent Sound Drops with ARC and Optical

[Eetupelle]

Hi everyone,

I'm hoping someone can help me with a frustrating audio issue. I've connected my Audio Pro C20 speaker to my LG TV (49LF630V) to use as a soundbar. I've tried both HDMI ARC and optical connections, but in both cases, the audio briefly drops out every minute or so. The volume dips for about a second, but it doesn't cut out completely. Ideally, I'd like to control the speaker volume with my TV remote.

Here's what I've tried so far:

• Different HDMI cables: I've tried various HDMI cables (1.4 and 2.1), but none have solved the problem.
• Optical cable: I've also tried using an optical cable for audio, but the issue persists.
• TV and speaker settings: I've checked all the settings on both the TV and speaker to ensure ARC is enabled and that the devices are compatible.
• Software updates: I've updated the firmware on both the TV and speaker to the latest versions.
• Audio settings: I've experimented with different audio output formats on the TV (PCM, Dolby Digital, etc.), but none have eliminated the audio drops.
• Disabling HDMI-CEC: I've tried disabling HDMI-CEC on both the TV and speaker, but that didn't help.
• Marmitek Connect AE14: I tried using a Marmitek Connect AE14 audio extractor, but it didn't solve the problem.
• Marmitek Connect ARC13: This device fixed the audio dropout issue by converting the audio to analog, but it doesn't allow me to control the volume with my TV remote.

Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Minkey1]

I think it’s a case of trying different options so as to identify the culprit. Have you tried any of the wireless options (although I’d always assume your wired options would do better)?

Do you have another TV with those output options (or amenable family/friend with one) to try with your soundbar to see whether the issue is replicated (ie C20 issue) or eliminated (ie TV issue)?

 

[Eetupelle]

I think it’s a case of trying different options so as to identify the culprit. Have you tried any of the wireless options (although I’d always assume your wired options would do better)?

Do you have another TV with those output options (or amenable family/friend with one) to try with your soundbar to see whether the issue is replicated (ie C20 issue) or eliminated (ie TV issue)?

Thanks for the suggestions!

I haven't tried wireless options yet, mainly because I'm concerned about losing the ability to control the volume with my TV remote. The soundbar (C20) does not have physical remote. I'll look into those if I can't find another solution.

Unfortunately, I don't have another TV to test with right now. However, someone else in another forum mentioned a potential issue with the TV's DAC sending a poor-quality signal, which could explain why the problem happens with both HDMI and optical. They suggested it might be a common problem with LG TVs.

 

[Minkey1]

Thanks for the suggestions!

I haven't tried wireless options yet, mainly because I'm concerned about losing the ability to control the volume with my TV remote. The soundbar (C20) does not have physical remote. I'll look into those if I can't find another solution.

Unfortunately, I don't have another TV to test with right now. However, someone else in another forum mentioned a potential issue with the TV's DAC sending a poor-quality signal, which could explain why the problem happens with both HDMI and optical. They suggested it might be a common problem with LG TVs.

I’m a great fan of HDMI’s ability to pass along high quality audio & video; it’s universal control between brands, not so much. But if your C20 doesn’t have its own remote I can see your quandary. Getting up to control it is a bit 1985.

FWIW, my LG C3 eARC returns broadcast audio to my AVR over HDMI without issue.

All I can think of now is to take the speaker out and try it with another TV.

Good luck.

 

[Eetupelle]

Hi,

Thank you for the valuable comments.

I decided to purchase a new TV (TCL 50" QLED780 4K QLED, 2024), and the problem disappeared.