Why is my Sony X90J sound cutting out?

Common causes include software issues, connectivity problems, and settings misconfigurations. Follow our guide to fix your Sony X90J.

How do I fix Sony X90J sound cutting out?

Start by restarting your device, checking connections, and updating firmware. Our step-by-step guide provides detailed instructions.

When should I call support for my Sony X90J?

If troubleshooting doesn't resolve the issue, or you encounter persistent errors, contact a certified Sony technician.

Sony X90J Sound Cutting Out

If you're experiencing Sony X90J sound cutting out during your favorite shows, movies, or gaming sessions, you're not alone. This frustrating audio issue can stem from software glitches, HDMI handshake problems, soundbar compatibility conflicts, or internal audio processing errors. The good news is that most Sony X90J sound cutting out problems can be resolved with targeted troubleshooting steps—no technician visit required. Follow this guide to diagnose and fix the audio drops on your Sony BRAVIA XR X90J television.

Quick Fixes for Intermittent Audio

Start with these fast solutions that resolve the majority of Sony X90J audio dropout cases. These steps address common culprits like temporary software locks, external device conflicts, and audio format mismatches.

Power Cycle Your TV Completely: Unplug your Sony X90J from the wall outlet, then press and hold the physical power button on the TV (not the remote) for 15 seconds to discharge residual power. Wait a full 60 seconds before plugging back in. This clears temporary audio buffer errors that cause sound to cut out randomly.

Update to the Latest Firmware: Navigate to Settings → System → About → System Software Update → Check for Updates. Sony regularly releases patches that specifically address audio stability issues on the X90J series. Install any pending updates and allow the TV to restart fully before testing audio again.

Switch Audio Output Format: Go to Settings → Display & Sound → Audio Output → Digital Audio Out. Change from "Auto 1" to "Auto 2" or "PCM" if you're using a soundbar or receiver. Dolby Digital Plus and eARC handshake issues frequently trigger Sony X90J sound cutting out when the audio format exceeds your external device's capabilities.

Disable HDMI CEC (BRAVIA Sync) Temporarily: Visit Settings → External Inputs → BRAVIA Sync Settings → BRAVIA Sync Control and turn it OFF. Test your audio for 30 minutes. If the cutting stops, one connected device is sending conflicting control signals. Re-enable BRAVIA Sync and disconnect devices one by one to identify the culprit.

Reset Sound Settings to Default: Press the Home button, go to Settings → Display & Sound → Sound → Reset to Default. This eliminates custom equalizer or surround-sound configurations that may conflict with certain content types. Pay special attention if sound cuts out specifically during commercials or when switching between apps.

Test Internal Speakers vs. External Audio: Disconnect all HDMI and optical cables, then play content using only the TV's built-in speakers. If internal audio works flawlessly, your issue lies with an external device or cable. Replace your HDMI cable with a certified Ultra High Speed HDMI 2.1 cable, especially for eARC connections to soundbars or AV receivers.

⚠️ Important: Do not factory reset your TV until you've exhausted all other options. A full reset erases all app logins, picture calibrations, and network settings. Document your current settings via smartphone photos before proceeding with any reset if absolutely necessary.

Advanced Troubleshooting for Persistent Audio Drops

If Sony X90J sound cutting out continues after basic fixes, deeper configuration issues may be at play. These advanced steps target eARC instability, app-specific bugs, and thermal-related audio processor faults.

First, verify your eARC port configuration. The Sony X90J supports enhanced Audio Return Channel on HDMI 3, but this requires both the TV and connected audio device to have compatible eARC implementations. Enter Settings → Display & Sound → Audio Output → eARC and toggle it OFF if your soundbar is older than 2020 or lacks explicit eARC certification. Many users report eliminating audio dropouts entirely by switching to standard ARC or optical output.

For app-specific cutting—where Netflix, Disney+, or YouTube audio drops while other sources work—clear the affected app's cache. Go to Settings → Apps → See All Apps → [App Name] → Clear Cache → Clear Data. Then sign back into the app. Streaming apps cache audio codec information that can become corrupted after updates.

Check for thermal issues if audio cuts out after extended use. Ensure your X90J has 4+ inches of clearance on all sides and that ventilation grilles are dust-free. Overheating can trigger the audio processor's protective shutdown. Use a soft brush attachment on your vacuum to clean rear vents monthly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Sony X90J sound cut out only when using my soundbar?

This typically indicates an HDMI eARC/ARC handshake failure or audio format incompatibility. Update your soundbar's firmware, use the HDMI 3 port with a certified 2.1 cable, and try setting the TV's Digital Audio Out to "Auto 2" instead of "Auto 1." If problems persist, your soundbar may require manufacturer-specific configuration changes.

Does the Sony X90J have a known audio dropout defect?

Sony has acknowledged isolated audio stability issues in early X90J production runs, primarily affecting eARC functionality and Dolby Atmos passthrough. Firmware updates released through 2023 and 2024 have resolved most cases. Ensure your TV is running the latest software version, as unpatched units remain susceptible to intermittent audio cutting.

Can a factory reset permanently fix Sony X90J sound cutting out?

A factory reset can resolve software-corruption-related audio issues, but it will not fix hardware defects or incompatible external devices. Only perform a factory reset (Settings → System → Reset → Factory Data Reset) if you've confirmed the problem occurs with internal speakers and no connected devices, or if Sony support specifically recommends it.