crosbytoyama

I've been driving my 2021 Q5e Prestige w/ B&O sound system ever since late Nov 2020. Since day one I've noticed a popping noise, almost like static discharge or the popping a fire makes, in the front speakers. It's not awfully loud, especially when listening to music at a decent level, but anytime there's talk radio it's pretty obvious during the quiet moments. It seems to alternate between left, right, and center speakers and is not consistent. It will start for a few seconds then go away for a while then back again. It doesn't matter what the source is, whether it's bluetooth, SD card, Android Auto over USB, etc. I even hear it with HD radio and standard radio channels (analog), which I think would eliminate issues with the digital to analog conversion? It doesn't seem to be affected by volume level, except that when you mute the speakers it definitely stops.

I've already taken it in to the dealer and they reproduced it and tried changing out the amp module, but this has had no effect. I know this has been documented in some other Audi models in the past, but I never came across anyone actually solving it. Just curious if anyone else has noticed this before I take nest steps, if any. I'm pretty sure I heard it in the 2021 B&O A4 loaner I had too, though more subdued, so maybe it's just one of those things.

Maybe I'm just being too OCD. Don't go listening for it if you haven't heard it...haha

DBlueQ5

I've heard this too. Infrequently thankfully... so I chalked it up to interference of some sort. Thanks for posting about this. Not sure what the solution is

DirkM

Try to turn off the 3D effect under sound settings, I have seen this getting confused with certain songs in the past (not yet on my 2021 Q5 but int he 2017 A4).

crosbytoyama

Thanks for the suggestion. I've tried about every sound setting I could with no improvement.

82DMC12

I feel like I've heard this before as well, it kind of sounds like something rattling or a plastic bag moving around. I notice it with talk radio at a volume loud enough to overcome traffic and road noise. I'm thinking WTF is that, and I turn off the radio and it's gone. I assume it's on the broadcaster's end and not mine.

Inigo Echeverri

I own a Q5 S-line 2021... got it this January and Im having the same issue with the B&O sound system... if any of you guys figure out a solution pls let me know.

DrexLex

Does the cracking only happen when the car is moving? If not, the does it happen with the engine off?

Centerfield13

I thought they eliminated the SD card on the 2021 Q5's...which I was disappointed to hear. Is it still there?

VirTERM

Sd is gone, but USB is there...

Jonathan Clayton

I notice the same thing, especially listening to talk or making a phone call through the car. Certain voice ranges seem to cause the crackle more than others. I tracked it down to center dash speaker grill cover vibrating. I had the dealer put some felt tape under the cover last year which seemed to help for a while. I am going to swing by a stereo stop and ask them to dynomat around the speaker to see if i can fully resolve. I'd do it myself but I worry about breaking the little clips on the speaker grill.