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Announced on October 16, 2014, identifiable by the model number A1347 and EMC 2840.

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Can a damaged headphone jack in a Mac Mini be repaired?

I’ve had a 2014 Mini connected to aFocal iCub speaker/amp subwoofer via the headphone jack. This has worked flawlessly for years. Recently something (power surge?) caused the speaker coil to burn. This affected the headphone jack which has no sound anymore, just a low frequency humming noise. I do have sound via the HDMI connection to the monitor and its built-in speakers but the audio quality is terrible. Can the headphone jack and/or its electronic component be repaired/replaced?

My only other option is a visit to local Apple Store for a repair estimate.

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@eyecandy

use this teardown Mac mini Late 2014 Teardown to identify the audio codec in step 10. check around that area for any damaged components. Post some images of it as well as your complete board with your question. Use this guide Adding images to an existing question for that. Remember that there are no schematics for any Mac Mini so you’ll be needing a bit of experience and luck to determine which component may have failed. Your Mac Mini uses the same Audio Codec as a MacBook Air 13-Inch Mid 2013 and others so we could possibly find the basic schematic for the audio

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Mac mini Late 2014 Image

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Mac mini Late 2014 Teardown

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Moderate

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it sounds like (no pun intended!) the audio pre-amp has been damaged. This is an IC that acts as a buffer between the CPU and the external world. Since the sound quality is poor for all options, it suggests that the sound source (pre-amp) is at fault. Yes this can be replaced, but someone with knowledge of its location and the skills to replace it are required. Your best bet is to visit an Apple store or to get the unit to someone capable of micro-soldering that knows the MAC mini product line.

Dan

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Thanks, Helpful. Not sure what you mean by IC. Internal Chip, Intel Chip?

On further checking I've discovered that the Mini's built in speaker/ gizmo for making alert sounds is also not working. Assume this would be part of the same repair. I've also learned that I can get sound via the USB port with an AudioQuest DragonFly - USB DAC device. The sound quality is actually enhanced considerably compared to the headphone out port. Makes me wonder if the repair is worth the expense...

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IC = Integrated Circuit.

If you can use the USB, go ahead. This further confirms that the output buffer IC is likely the problem. This is a common part and shouldn't cost much, but the labor required to get to it and replace it is more than the cost of the part. Unless you really need the headphone connection, I would recommend using the USB and NOT repairing this. Why potentially create other problems when not needed.

Dan

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