Apple Music app version 1.6.0.151 - EQ issues

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Level 1

11 points

Apple Music app version 1.6.0.151 - EQ issues

Since updating to macOS 26 Tahoe, I have been experiencing issues with Music App version 16.0.151.

For some unknown reason, all music is very quiet and it seems that a faulty EQ setting is being applied to all music tracks.

I have already tried to change the settings via “Window -> Equalizer.” But no matter what I do (enable/disable, select a different preset, adjust the sliders for preamplifier, etc.), nothing changes, not even the slightest change in sound.

I can also rule out that the problem lies with the music tracks themselves, because when I open them from Finder via Quicktime Player, the sound is as it should be, or as it was in Apple Music before the update to macOS 26 Tahoe.

I have already tried to find something in the system settings or the Apple Music settings themselves to fix the problem, without success. I have also closed and restarted the Music app countless times, including complete system restarts, but that doesn't help either.

Where is the error?

iMac 24″, macOS 26.0

Posted on Oct 14, 2025 2:11 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Mr.Ash Author

Level 1

11 points

Oct 15, 2025 4:00 AM in response to Mr.Ash

Thank you for all your answers, which helped me identify the root cause of the problem.

In the Apple Music settings, there is an option called “Adjust Volume” which was enabled by default.

After disabling this option, the sound problems (everything very quiet, distorted sound) disappeared and the EQ settings now work correctly.

However, even with the EQ settings now working, I notice that the sound distorts and cuts out extremely quickly.

Somehow, Apple hasn't done itself any favors with the new sound and EQ options, as they significantly worsen the sound in every case. From a user's perspective, these are more like nasty bugs than great features.

[Edited by Moderator]

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Answer 2

AlWeir

Level 5

4,580 points

Oct 14, 2025 3:04 PM in response to Mr.Ash

Also run a SafeBoot Start up your Mac in safe mode - Apple Support will sort many anomalies

Login and test. Reboot as normal and test. Caches get rebuilt automatically.

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Answer 3

Oct 14, 2025 2:54 PM in response to Mr.Ash

A post I read had suggested to go to the Apple Music Settings>Playback>Toggle "Sound Check" off. I've done this and I don't think it alleviated the overall problem but there was a slight difference when I play music - without headphones that is. With headphones, it's still quiet. The sound settings/quality was most certainly changed in this update and not for the better. It doesn't sound as crisp as before. I am not pleased with it so I reported it as feedback/bug report. Perhaps if many report the same thing, they'll revert back the settings prior to Tahoe.

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Answer 4

AlWeir

Level 5

4,580 points

Oct 14, 2025 2:47 PM in response to Mr.Ash

What settings are you using for Sounds in System Settings?

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