When troubleshooting audio distortion, which element is usually the first to inspect?

When troubleshooting audio distortion, the quality of the input source is typically the first element to inspect. This is because the input source serves as the initial signal that is processed through the entire audio system. If the input source has poor quality—such as a low bitrate recording, distortion in the audio file, or a faulty connection—it can introduce distortion that is carried throughout the system.

Issues with the input source can manifest in various ways, such as static or peaking levels that can easily be mistaken for other problems in the system. By verifying the quality of the input source first, one can eliminate a common cause of distortion without needing to delve deeper into more complex components like wiring, speakers, or amplifiers.

Other elements, such as wiring integrity, speaker condition, and amplifier settings, can certainly contribute to audio distortion, but they are often addressed after confirming that the input signal is clean and free of issues. Thus, focusing on the input source as the starting point makes practical sense in the troubleshooting process.