Problem with amp install. PLEASE HELP.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 208
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From: Orange, CA
CLK, X5
Problem with amp install. PLEASE HELP.
I recently purchased a Zapco 4 channel amp and had it installed in my 99 CLK 320. I noticed afterwards that when the volume is on low there is a crackling sound croming through the speakers. What's more, when the volume is low and the car's engine is on i can hear a high pitched revving noise come throught he speakers. WTF is going on. I took it back to the installer who gave me some b.s. excuse about how, "the sound wont go away unless you install all aftermarket componenets." I desparately want to get rid of this noise, which is not TOO bad, but irritates the heck out of me. Before i take it to a different installer to get their opinion, i wanted to know if anyone's dealt w/ this problem, and whether you think it is the result of :
1) bad amp
2) crap install
And more importantly, what should i do? MUCH THANKS
1) bad amp
2) crap install
And more importantly, what should i do? MUCH THANKS
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,194
Likes: 2
From: Diamond Bar & Anaheim, CA
2003 C-Class Sportcoupe
Probably a poor ground connection when your amp was installed. You might want to try getting a ground loop isolator. Just search radioshack.com for ground loop.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 22
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How was the amp connected to the radio?
You probably have balanced inputs and depending on your radio, you should be able to connect directly to the balanced inputs. I have the factory radio running into soundstream amps very successfuly. If you are using the rca inputs, you could get noise. If you are using the rca inputs through an adapter, disconnect the rca cables at the amp and see if the noise persists. Are you using a speaker level to rca adapter?
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Joined: Aug 2004
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From: West Coast, USA
2 SL with every Brabus mods available & Class A competition sound system
http://www.mobileaudio.com/rac-faq/rac-faq_toc.html
This website tell everything you need to know.........good luck......
This website tell everything you need to know.........good luck......
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Boston, MA
00 MB ML55, 91 Toyota Supra Turbo(sold), 06 E500(gone), 03 BMW M3
bad amp or bad install?
Im not sure how your car is set up but here is my two cents expanding on what everyone else has said...
1)Before you get a ground loop isolator, you can try just regrounding the amp. Using a factory location is best but if its in the trunk of the CLK I would suggest running a ground directly to the battery to avoid any interference.
2)Use ground loop isolator
3)check wiring to make sure signal cable(RCAs) doesnt run near power cable and if they need to cross they cross at a 90 degree interval to minimize the amount of time they run with each other...this is usually what produces the alternator wine.
4)to decrease the crackling sound... turn down the signal in your hi to low converter assuming the head unit is still stock.
If you got any other questions let me know
1)Before you get a ground loop isolator, you can try just regrounding the amp. Using a factory location is best but if its in the trunk of the CLK I would suggest running a ground directly to the battery to avoid any interference.
2)Use ground loop isolator
3)check wiring to make sure signal cable(RCAs) doesnt run near power cable and if they need to cross they cross at a 90 degree interval to minimize the amount of time they run with each other...this is usually what produces the alternator wine.
4)to decrease the crackling sound... turn down the signal in your hi to low converter assuming the head unit is still stock.
If you got any other questions let me know
