Camry Radio Static

[Shel_B]

The stock radio in my 2011 Camry LE has an annoying, subtle-but-noticeable, static-like sound when listening to voice or music that approximates the voiceless (unvoiced) S sound, such as in English words like said, sad, sit, bus, cats, face, and circle as examples. All other voice and musical sounds are fine.

What might be causing this issue? Might it be a speaker problem or something in the radio itself (is the radio called the head unit)?

It's annoying enough that I'd consider a repair or even replacing the radio, although it would have to work with the steering wheel controls. Any suggestions for a replacement unit (although I'd rather find a way to repair the problem)? I don't want a high-end unit, nor do I care to replace the speakers. Just looking to find a way to get clear, crisp sound. A replacement original unit, or something like it, would be fine.

 

[JimPghPA]

Start with a visual inspection of all the speakers looking for cracks.

 

[Jimmy9190]

It's called sibilance. It comes from the high freqiency response being set too high or over-driven. It most likely is not a fault of the speakers, especially if they are OEM. You can try reducing the treble response but probably you have a bad radio. Ebay might have a good used one or you could check Crutchfield for a simple aftermarket unit. It's not difficult at all to put a new radio in your car and there are adapters to interface with the steering wheel controls. Pretty easy to do.

 

[mk378]

Use the balance and fader controls to make it play from one speaker at a time. If you have a bad speaker the others may still sound OK.

 

[Shel_B]

Use the balance and fader controls to make it play from one speaker at a time. If you have a bad speaker the others may still sound OK.

OK, good idea ... thanks!

 

[Shel_B]

It's called sibilance. It comes from the high freqiency response being set too high or over-driven. It most likely is not a fault of the speakers, especially if they are OEM. You can try reducing the treble response but probably you have a bad radio. Ebay might have a good used one or you could check Crutchfield for a simple aftermarket unit. It's not difficult at all to put a new radio in your car and there are adapters to interface with the steering wheel controls. Pretty easy to do.

Sibilance ... that's the word I was looking for. Thanks ... I'll try the speaker test noted by mk378 first ... easiest thing to do ... then go from there. Thanks!

 

[Shel_B]

Start with a visual inspection of all the speakers looking for cracks.

Thanks ... appreciate your jumping in.

 

[Lubener]

If you want to check speakers for rattles, do this. Remove the speaker, smack the palm of your hand with the speaker's magnet. You should hear a nice thump. If the speaker has a rattle, you will hear it when you thump the speaker onto your open palm.