Macbook Pro 14" left speaker louder than right (left also produces a deeper sound)

[DNAmb]

Whats up guys, recently picked up an open-box 2021 macbook pro 14 from bestbuy for a killer deal. Laptop was practically brand new in the box when I picked it up. Everything works excellently except that I immediately noticed that the sound balance favors the left side. After closer inspection by running some left/right audio test it seems to me that the left speaker is louder than the right and produces a deeper sound compared to the right which sounds slightly tinny? I checked sound preferences and the audio balance slider is set directly in the middle.

Since the laptop is still within the 1 year warranty I contacted an apple certified repair shop near me (they were listed on apples site) and they informed me that they would need to perform a full top case replacement. With what I've been able to find online (this is my first ever macbook) essentially they would be replacing everything except for the screen which seems excessive. I've also debated living with the issue since everything else works perfectly but seeing as how the speaker quality on this particular macbook is one of its greatest features I would like to get them fixed for free within the warranty period.

My question is, is the replacement top case brand new (including new battery, keyboard, trackpad, etc) or is it a refurbished part sent by apple? Has anyone else come across a similar issue?

Outside of the speaker issue Im absolutely blown away by this laptop!

 

[Sheepish-Lord]

Blown speaker/woofer possibly. Good luck.

 

[wilberforce]

My question is, is the replacement top case brand new (including new battery, keyboard, trackpad, etc) or is it a refurbished part sent by apple? Has anyone else come across a similar issue?

Theoretically it could be either, but more likely new.
Being open box there is a possibility the failed speaker could be due to liquid damage or such. But presumably this will be their (BB) problem, not yours.
Why are you going to a repair shop, not BB?

 

[DNAmb]

Theoretically it could be either, but more likely new.
Being open box there is a possibility the failed speaker could be due to liquid damage or such. But presumably this will be their (BB) problem, not yours.
Why are you going to a repair shop, not BB?

I think the only thing best buy would offer is a refund. I got a really good deal on this particular macbook and would hate to return it for a minor speaker issue. I did consider the possibility of liquid damage by the previous owner and there is a risk that could be the case and I assume apple will refuse to cover the repair for free if thats confirmed. Visually everything looked good and the problem speaker still functions and you have to listen somewhat closely to tell that there is an issue.

 

[wilberforce]

There are 6 speakers, I suspect one of the woofers on one side is faulty.

This may be of interest (not suggesting you do this yourself; also, this is unlikely to be the approved official repair procedure):

MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Speakers Replacement

Use this guide to replace one or both speakers in your MacBook Pro 14" 2021. For your safety, discharge the battery below 25% before disassembling...

www.ifixit.com

 

[DNAmb]

There are 6 speakers, I suspect one of the woofers on one side is faulty.

This may be of interest (not suggesting you do this yourself; also, this is unlikely to be the approved official repair procedure):

MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Speakers Replacement

Use this guide to replace one or both speakers in your MacBook Pro 14" 2021. For your safety, discharge the battery below 25% before disassembling...

www.ifixit.com

Under normal circumstance I'm not one to shy away from doing my own repairs, however, if apple will cover this for free might as well take advantage of that while Im still under warranty. Thanks for all the help and advice!