My set of Z-2200 speakers (right speaker only) started to crackle when I change the volume (most noticable while playing something semi-loud). They seem to sound find other than this problem. Is my right speaker damaged?

I have heard of people cleaning the 3.5mm mini jack that goes into the back of the speakers with alcohol. I have never tried it, but they say dirt and dust on the connections can cause static.

Sounds like a potentiometer problem. The potentiometer is the thing that connects the volume knob to the electrical circuit. They get oxide on them sometimes, causing the contacts to disconnect at certain places, which would cause the audio to cut out at the corresponding volumes. This would only be noticable when changing volume.

If you want to take stuff apart, you can try to get in the speaker and put contact cleaner in the potentiometer, but it may be inaccessable. Electronics nowadays tend to be one solid part, and the only way to fix them is to replace the whole part.

The best bet, though, would be to clean everything accessible first, then call the manufacturer about possible replacements.

(Or just ignore it and use an external / software volume control)

[edit] I was just looking at a picture of the speakers, and you might only have to take apart / replace the little volume "pod". I don't think the speaker itselt is the culprit here.

Thanks for the quick replies.

I'll try to clean the connections and see if that fixes the problem. Right now the crackle seems to be gone or at least not very noticeable for some reason (will probably come back). I am afraid I might mess up the control pod if I open it up and I will need to pry it open since there are no screws. If there is no affect the audio quality then I might just leave it as is.

Omion's advice to clean the potentiometer (variable resistor) is the correct solution - but you might be able to get away with something easier which doesn't entail opening the control unit. First, make sure nothing is playing (turning the amp off is best) then wind the volume from all the way down to all the way up about ten times in quick succession. In many cases that is enough to clean the pot track and stop the crackle.

I believe this problems has been mentioned here before...