Random noise at start and end of track on Sony HT-X8500 via Bluetooth

[pethill14]

When I connect Apple Music to my Bluetooth speaker (Sony HT-X8500) directly (in the Apple Music app itself) there is a brief burst of random data noise at the beginning and end of every track. This does not happen when the Mac's output is changed from Internal Speakers to the Sony Bluetooth speakers. I cannot reproduce this when using the Apple Music on my iPhone, so this is specific to Music (version 1.0.1.37) on Catalina 10.15.1. The noise is extremely loud and always occurs, albeit briefly, presumably some data that is being played as audio.

There is no firmware available for the speakers, and it does not occur on other Bluetooth speakers I own (B&W and Logitech). This error is also very present when using FaceTime, in fact it then produces noise continuously throughout the call (when using the Sony via Bluetooth).

[Sean_Mc]

Hi there,

Welcome to the Sony Community.

I'm looking into this and will update the thread when I have more information.

Best wishes,

Sean 

[The_Black_Rose]

Hi Pethill14,

That's very strange. Have you tried unplugging the device from the mains for a minute or so?

Cheers,

The_Black_Rose

[pethill14]

I have also reproduced this problem with another Sony HT-X8500 (we bought two), and it also exhibits this issue. I have tried unplugging the HT-X8500 and reconnecting and the error still occurs.

[The_Black_Rose]

Hi Pethill14,

Does this happen on any other input other than the Apple Music?

Cheers,
The_Black_Rose

[micro1162]

I've got an issue that is perhaps related? I've got a bluetooth headphone from Sony, and it recently started to also make an annoying screechy sound at the start and end of tracks when those are playing through iTunes. This happened when I changed to codec to be used from SBC to AAC. Curiously, the noises only appear through iTunes, not when playing music through another means, eg Google music, or with music from youtube. I may need to go back to the SBC codec, but that gives me reduced sound quality.

[knikolak]

Hello, I have the exact same problem! On every end of a track it makes a weird glitchy noise. I have tried playing from my phone and laptop as well and the same thing happens.

[micro1162]

Forcing my laptop to use SBC codec solved the issue for me. Can’t use AAC 😒