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HD4 Troubleshooting Tips

Standard HD4 troubleshooting tips

The following troubleshooting tips can help diagnose and correct most concerns with the HD4. We have attempted to make this list as comprehensive as possible. Although some of these tips may not apply to your issue, please still go through each one.

    1. Verify that the volume/power control on the rear panel is not turned all the way down or powered off (we recommend setting the volume to at least the 10 o’clock position).
    2. Double check that your audio source is on and that its volume is not set to the minimum level.
    3. Check the speaker wire connections from the left (powered) speaker to the right (passive) speaker. Confirm this by removing the speaker wire from each speaker and then reconnecting them.  Also, check the speaker wire polarity by verifying that the wires are going to the same terminals on both speakers (black to black, red to red, etc.).
    4. Make sure that the cables from your audio sources to the speakers are properly connected. Confirm this by unplugging the audio cables and then reconnecting them.
    5. Decrease the volume of the input audio source and increase the volume of the speakers.
    6. Try using different audio source devices to see if the problem follows.
    7. Try swapping your left and right speaker via the RCA left and right inputs to see if the issue remains in the same channel or follows the speaker.
    8. When using a computer with your HD4 speakers, make sure that the level is turned up on your various volume controls (media players, internet radio, master control, device volume, etc.) and that the balance control is centered.
  • If your input source has its own EQ, then please make sure the low end is at a moderate level, as having too much bass can cause distortion.
  • If you are using a wireless adapter, preamp, or external DAC with these speakers, then remove them temporarily and connect the audio input source directly to the speakers.
  • Move your speakers to a different location to see if something is causing interference in the current setup. Something as simple as a wireless internet router, mobile phone or halogen lamp near the speakers can cause interference.

HD4 troubleshooting tips - Internal USB digital-to-analog converter

Try these tips if your computer does not recognize the speaker through your computer’s USB input. Additionally, try these tips if the sound through the USB input isn’t functioning correctly.

If you are using a Windows computer, uninstall the USB driver from your computer. Then, disconnect the USB cable to remove the HD4 from your computer and plug it back in to allow the USB driver to re-install automatically. You can find complete instructions from Microsoft on how to reinstall a plug-and-play device under Windows here.

If you are using a Mac, try a NVRAM/PRAM reset. This resets the system configurations for some audio and video related items and can many times help clear up problems related to audio. See Apple’s support page for information on how to do this. Also, be sure to check the App store to see if there's a newer version of Mac OS you could be running.

HD4 troubleshooting tips - Bluetooth

  1. Verify that the HD4 is connected to power and that the rear power switch is turned to the "on" position. If you haven’t already, power cycle your speakers by switching them off and back on.
  2. If your HD4 is already connected to a device via Bluetooth, the Bluetooth pair light on the front panel of the left speaker will be on and solid (note that if your HD4 has been idle and not connected to a device for more than 2-5 minutes, the Pair light will automatically turn off).  Tap the Pair button, and it will begin blinking (or pair to your HD4 using your source device, and the LED will go from off to on and solid).
  3. Try playing audio from more than one application on your phone, tablet or computer.
  4. Check to make sure your source device (computer, tablet, phone, etc.) is running the most up-to-date version of software available.
  5. Disconnect from and forget the HD4 speakers in your device’s Bluetooth settings. Then, pair to the HD4 speakers again.
  6. Try using a different source device with your HD4 to see if the issue follows.  Also, be sure to test your HD4's analog input.
  7. If possible, move your HD4 speakers to a different location to see if the issue persists.  Nearby devices (such as a wireless internet router, mobile phone, halogen lamp, etc.) can sometimes cause interference in your setup.
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