Samsung Soundbar Distorted Sound? (Working Solutions)

Samsung soundbar distorted sound could be frustrating, but it’s very quick and easy to fix!
Put simply, the distorted audio output of the Samsung soundbar can be a result of improper EQ configuration, issues with the TV’s digital output, or even an unstable wireless connection.
This guide will help you identify the reason for the low quality of the output and provide effective resolutions for the audio issue.
To eliminate distortions from the Samsung soundbar’s playback, change your TV’s digital audio format, alter the audio mode, and switch to a wired link.
Also, adjust your TV’s EQ settings and factory reset the Samsung soundbar.
Keep reading for more details about the resolutions!
Why Does Samsung Soundbar Sounds Muffled?

Here are the possible causes for the muffled playback of the Samsung soundbar:
Keep reading to discover counter-effective solutions for the issues from above!
Samsung Soundbar Distorted Sound – Here’s How to Fix!
Note: Have you tried rebooting the system of the Samsung soundbar and the connected TV?
1. Change the TV’s Digital Audio Format

So, the first step is to re-configure the digital audio format of your TV to improve the playback’s quality and eliminate the muffling or distortion of the audio.
The TV’s audio format can be set to “PCM” or “Dolby Digital,” but that’s entirely based on the user’s preferences.
Here’s how to re-configure the audio format on most TVs:
- Press the “Menu” or “Home” button on the remote control.
- Access the “Audio” or “Sound” tab from your TV’s menu.
- Navigate to “Digital Audio Output” or “Audio Format.”
- Finally, set the audio output to “PCM” or “Dolby Digital.”
Tip: Experiment with the digital audio format settings to determine which one is the best for the Samsung soundbar!
2. Adjust the Soundbar’s Audio Mode

The next step is to select a different sound mode for the Samsung soundbar’s interface.
Well, universally, all soundbar models support up to 6 different sound modes: “STANDARD” (Original output,) “MUSIC,” “CLEAR VOICE,” “SPORTS,” “NIGHT MODE” and “MOVIE.”
How to Change Audio Mode On Samsung Soundbar?
To change the mode, you must press the “Sound Effect” button on the supplied remote control and check the display for the current mode status.
Each press will cause the soundbar to cycle forward within the mode menu and show the current mode on the display.
It is recommended to test the soundbar’s output on the “STANDARD” or “MUSIC” to resolve the muffling and hear Samsung’s best performance possible.
3. Configure the Equalizer Settings

While your Samsung soundbar does not have equalizer settings of its own, you can improve the playback performance of the audio device by adjusting your TV’s EQ.
There’s rarely a TV that does not support equalizer configuration, so you may have to search for a bit before finding it.
How to Adjust Equalizer on Samsung Soundbar?
- Ensure the soundbar is set up with the SmartThings application.
- Launch the application and tap on the room of your soundbar unit.
- Select the soundbar from the menu and scroll down in the settings.
- Choose “Equalizer” in the audio options to access the configuration.
- Set “150,” “300,” “600,” “1.2k,” “2.5k,” “5.0k” and “10k” to the “0” dB.
- Optional: Experiment with the EQ settings to eliminate the muffling.
Best TV Equalizer Setting for Samsung Soundbar:

Tip: The equalizer is typically within the “Sound” or “Audio” tab of the TV!
Bass: +2 (100 Hz, 200Hz, 500Hz)
This option provides a modest boost to the low frequencies in the soundbar’s output, giving a fuller sound without overpowering any of the elements.
Midrange: +1 (1 kHz and 2 kHz)
So, increasing the midrange can enhance the soundbar’s clarity and presence, which can be particularly significant for dialogues in movies and TV shows.
Treble: +3 (5 kHz and 10 kHz)
Lastly, boosting the treble improves the detail and clarity and also makes higher frequencies crisper by eliminating distortions or muffles in the playback.
Reminder: Keep in mind that equalizer settings can vary based on personal preference!
4. Discharge the Samsung Soundbar’s Power

If you’re still unable to improve the Samsung soundbar’s output quality and eliminate the audio distortion, it is recommended to perform a power reset.
This takes between 30–40 seconds to relaunch all of the soundbar’s system services by discharging all of the residual power supply.
Here’s how to perform a power reset on the Samsung soundbar:
- First, press the Power button on the Samsung soundbar.
- Wait until the device powers off and unplug it from power.
- Wait for 60 seconds while the soundbar is disconnected.
- Reconnect the soundbar supplying cable into the outlet.
- Press “Power” to reboot the device and test the output.
Tip: While unplugged, inspect the soundbar’s power cord for damage!
5. Deactivate the TV’s Internal Speakers

If your TV’s speakers are also outputting in parallel with the soundbar’s playback, it can cause echo and muffling.
The next step is to ensure the TV’s built-in speakers are disabled by setting the Samsung soundbar as the default audio output for the system.
Here’s how to re-configure the TV’s output and disable the in-built speakers:
- First, press the “Home” or “Menu” button on the TV’s remote control.
- Access the “Sound” or “Audio” tab from your television’s main menu.
- Then, head to the “Output” or “Default Device” page in the settings.
- Optional: Pick “Deactivate Default Audio” or “Turn off TV Speakers.”
- Set the Samsung soundbar as the TV’s default audio output device.
- Apply the changes and exit the TV’s audio or sound configuration tab.
Note: If the TV loses connection to the soundbar, it will automatically switch to the TV speakers.
6. Update the Soundbar’s Firmware Version

Uploading the latest firmware version of the Samsung soundbar is another proven method for resolving issues with audio playback.
The persisting muffling or distortion can be a result of corrupted system data or settings and the only solution is to update the firmware of the system.
Here’s how to update the Samsung soundbar through SmartThings:
- Open the SmartThings app and unplug the bar for 30 seconds.
- Tap the 3 vertical dots in the corner once within the application.
- Navigate to “Information” → “Firmware Update” → “Update Now.”
- Follow the on-screen instructions to update the soundbar’s firmware.
Tip: You can also update the soundbar via USB by uploading the latest version from the Samsung Download Center.
7. Switch to a Wired HDMI Connection

To achieve the best sound quality of the Samsung soundbar, it is recommended to connect the soundbar over a wired HDMI connection with an “ARC” input on the TV.
Pairing Samsung wirelessly or plugging it over an Optical connection may be the reason for the muffled output.
How to Identify “ARC” or “eARC” Input on the TV?
The main difference between using an “ARC” or “eARC” input is the communication quality between both devices.
While both inputs offer the same benefits of an audio-return channel, “eARC” offers a more reliable device control and higher sound quality of the connected device.
You can identify which HDMI input on your TV supports audio return by looking for an “ARC” or “eARC” sticker underneath or on top of the port.
Tip: You can also check which TV inputs support “ARC” through the user manual or online!
8. Reset the Soundbar’s System Settings

If the playback quality of the soundbar does not improve, it is recommended to perform a system reset.
The process will erase all pre-configured wireless, audio, and equalizer settings that may be causing the distorted or muffled output.
Here’s how to factory reset the Samsung soundbar:
- Power off the soundbar and unplug the power adapter.
- Press and hold the “Power” button on the top or the side.
- While holding, reconnect your soundbar supplying cable.
- Keep holding until the display shows the “INT” message.
- Next, release the button and wait until the reset is done.
Alert: Do not power off or unplug the soundbar after the “INT” message shows on the display!
Quick Recap
To solve the Samsung soundbar distorted sound, change the digital audio output, switch to a wired HDMI connection, and configure the TV’s EQ settings.
If the problem persists, switch your soundbar to another audio mode and conduct a factory reset.
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Finn Wheatley, a Master’s graduate in Computer Science from UCL, London, honed his skills at small data science consultancies. There, he helped large corporations enhance their data capabilities by deploying cutting-edge machine learning analytics and resolving technical hurdles.