Worried About Vizio TV Sound Distortion? (Here’s How To Fix)

If the Vizio TV sound distortion has become unbearable, this guide will help you fix the issue!

You can address audio distortions in the following ways:

Simple things such as turning up the TV’s volume and ensuring it isn’t muted can also neutralize the audio distortions.

If surface troubleshooting doesn’t seem to have any effect, keep reading!

How to Fix Vizio TV Sound Distortion in Easy Steps

Note: Have you made sure the Vizio TV’s OS is up-to-date?

1. Switch to the Vizio TV’s Default Audio Output

Switching back to the Vizio TV’s native audio output will rule out issues caused by a connected audio device, such as a soundbar or speaker system.

You can either enable or disable the TV’s built-in speakers, depending on whether an audio system is available.

Here’s how to switch back to the Vizio TV’s default audio output:

1. Access the “Settings” tab on your Vizio TV.
2. Next, go to “Audio” and highlight “Speakers.”
3. Set the feature to “On” and exit the section.
4. Turn up the TV’s volume to test the speakers.

Know that connecting an audio device will automatically convert the “Speakers” setting to “Off.”

Setting it back to “On” while an external audio is still connected will interfere with the TV sound.

2. Re-configure the TV’s Audio Settings

The audio settings of your Vizio TV must be configured in response to the audio setup you use.

Some of the audio features are designed to work better with your TV’s native output, and others require a separate audio system.

Let’s have a look at the best audio configuration for your Vizio TV!

Correct Vizio TV Audio Configuration!
Audio setting	How to Reach & Configure
“Surround Sound”	Go to “Settings” → “Audio” → “Surround Sound.” Set to “On” only if you have an external audio device.
“Volume Leveling”	Go to “Settings” → “Audio” → “Volume Leveling” and set it to “Off.”
“Digital Audio Out”	Go to “Settings” → “Audio” → “Digital Audio Out” and set it to “Auto.”
“eARC”	Go to “Settings” → “Audio” → “eARC” and set it to “Off.”
“Balance”	Go to “Settings” → “Audio” → “Balance” and set the slider to “0”
“Analog Audio Out”	Go to “Settings” → “Audio” → “Analog Audio Out” and set it to “Variable.”
“Volume Control Display”	Go to “Settings” → “Audio” → “Volume Control Display” and set it to “On.”

Unfortunately, the Vizio TV firmware does not feature a band equalizer or separate controllers for bass and treble.

You will be limited to only using the equalizer of your TV’s external audio.

3. Switch the TV’s Source of Audio

The Vizio TV sound distortion could also be produced by the media source playing.

Well, not all media on popular platforms such as YouTube, Netflix, or Spotify accessible on Vizio have proper and consistent audio playback. 

So, the next step is to play sound on your Vizio through a different audio source and determine if the audio inconsistencies are still there.

Verify the TV’s volume is turned up and cycle through multiple media sources to conduct proper testing. 

Tip: To justify, try at least 4-5 different sources.

4. Configure the Audio Device’s Equalizer

Most soundbars and third-party audio systems have an equalizer controller that can eliminate Vizio TV sound problems.

So, if you’re not using Vizio’s native TV speakers, then adjusting the external device’s EQ is a solid approach against any type of audio inconsistencies/distortions.

How to Adjust Equalizer On Vizio Soundbar?

To cycle through the available equalizer presets, press the “EQ” button on the remote to select from the “Movie,” “Gaming,” “Music” and “Presets.” 

Test on all configurations available!

How to Adjust Equalizer on Samsung Soundbar?

Through the Samsung mobile app, go to “Menu” → “Settings” → “Sound” → “Master EQ.” 

We recommend the following preset for the equalizer:

• Frequency “150” → “-2”
• Frequency “300” → “-2”
• Frequency “600” → “-1”
• Frequency “1.2K” → “+2”
• Frequency “2.5K” → “+3”
• Frequency “5.0K” → “+2”
• Frequency “10K” → “0”

How to Adjust Equalizer on Sony Soundbar?

To access your Sony soundbar’s equalizer, press the “AMP MENU” and select “[<EQ>]” from the settings.

Then, you can select from “[BASS]” or “[TREBLE]” to begin the EQ adjustments.

Note: If you have another type of sound system that isn’t listed above, search for an equalizer through the mobile application or the device’s digital menu.

5. Power Reset the Vizio Television

A power cycle can be equally effective for audio distortions as it is with power supply or startup issues.

A power shortage may weaken the Vizio TV’s modulator or damage the converter of an external audio system, causing distortions in the output, as well as other audio-related issues.

You can power reset the Vizio TV like so:

1. Press the Power button on the remote to shut the TV off.
2. Disconnect the TV’s supplying cord from the A/C outlet.
3. Wait for at least 15–20 seconds until the TV discharges.
4. Reconnect the power cord and test the Vizio TV’s sound.

While at it, ensure the power cord isn’t damaged and test through a direct outlet connection! 

Important: Know that dividers, power strips, or cord extenders are known to develop issues that could impact the TV and its audio output.

6. Disconnect External Audio Amplifiers

Speakers, amplifiers, soundbars, and even satellite boxes can be the reason for the Vizio TV’s distorted audio.

Hence, even if the Vizio TV’s speakers are set to “Enabled”, there could still be interference caused by third-party audio devices.

Temporarily disconnect all audio devices with the following connections:

• HDMI/HDMI ARC cables
• Optical or satellite cables
• Component/RCA cables

When ready, verify that the TV’s audio output is set to the built-in speakers and check whether the distortion persists.

If yes, then something with your TV system might be out of order.

7. Reset the Vizio TV’s Settings to Default

If the Vizio TV’s distortion is still there, a factory reset could effectively sort out all the audio inconsistencies.

Well, in most cases, poor audio configuration management leads to muffling, distortions, and even loss of the TV’s audio.

Here’s how to conduct a factory reset on the Vizio TV:

1. Press the “MENU” button on the remote and go to “System.”
2. Highlight “Reset & Admin” from the list of available options.
3. Next, access the “Clear Memory” menu to begin the process.
4. Select “CLEAR MEMORY/FACTORY DEFAULTS” in the tab.
5. Optional: Choose the “Reset TV to Factory Defaults” option.
6. Enter the TV’s PIN (“0000” by default) or the one you’ve made.
7. Wait until the TV turns off and erases all settings and content.

Once the TV is reset, complete the initial setup without configuring any of the audio settings in advance.

Check if the distortions are still there, through an external unit and the TV’s speakers.

Note: All the Vizio TV’s content and settings will be erased!

Vizio TV Audio Distortions Still There?

If you’ve tried everything but the Vizio TV audio is still distorted, the speakers may be worn out and faulty.

The way to fix this is either by claiming your warranty or bringing the TV for servicing.