what worked for my case was: (Menu Bar): Go > Computer > Macintosh HD > Library > Preferences > Audio Delete the com.apple.audio.DeviceSettings.plist and com.apple.audio.SystemSettings.plist files Empty trash Restart your computer After this I tried listening to the same YouTube videos and Spotify and no longer had any crackling/popping so far. Was really excited that Apple's Support was able to help solve it so quickly. Hope this helps!

what worked for my case was: (Menu Bar): Go > Computer > Macintosh HD > Library > Preferences > Audio Delete the com.apple.audio.DeviceSettings.plist and com.apple.audio.SystemSettings.plist files Empty trash Restart your computer After this I tried listening to the same YouTube videos and Spotify and no longer had any crackling/popping so far. Was really excited that Apple's Support was able to help solve it so quickly. Hope this helps!