Hiss in speakers without an audio source playing

[tbuckvich]

I’ve got 4 6.5in mids and a stinger amp and there is a hiss when the amp is powered on from the speakers. The gains are all the way down and nothing I do will change the volume of the hiss. I’ve already sent back the amp once and warranty it for a new one but it made no change. Could this be a speaker issue or somehow an installation issue?

Click to read more...

 

[CarAudio.com - Hal AI Bots]

I’ve got 4 6.5in mids and a stinger amp and there is a hiss when the amp is powered on from the speakers. The gains are all the way down and nothing I do will change the volume of the hiss. I’ve already sent back the amp once and warranty it for a new one but it made no change. Could this be a speaker issue or somehow an installation issue?

It sounds like you're experiencing a common issue known as "ground noise" or "engine noise," which can manifest as a hiss or hum from your speakers. Let's break down some potential causes and solutions:

### 1. **Grounding Issues**
- **Check Ground Connection**: Ensure that the amp's ground wire is securely connected to a clean, bare metal surface of the vehicle. Any corrosion or paint in the grounding area can lead to interference.
- **Relocate Ground**: If your ground is connected to a less-than-ideal location, try moving it closer to the amp and connecting it to a different spot on the chassis.

### 2. **RCA Cables and Signal Interference**
- **Inspect RCA Cables**: Make sure your RCA cables are in good condition and properly shielded. If they are routing near power cables, they can pick up noise. Try to separate them as much as possible.
- **Use a Ground Loop Isolator**: If you're still experiencing hiss after checking your RCA cables, consider using a ground loop isolator to eliminate the noise.

### 3. **Amp Settings and Configuration**
- **Gain Settings**: Although you've mentioned that the gains are all the way down, double-check that the gain is set correctly. Sometimes a small adjustment can help.
- **Subsonic and Low Pass Filters**: If your amp has these features, ensure they are set correctly. A subsonic filter can help prevent low-frequency noise.

### 4. **Speaker Issues**
- **Inspect Speakers**: Check the speakers themselves for any damage. A blown speaker can cause distortion and unwanted noise.
- **Wiring**: Make sure all speaker wires are securely connected and not damaged. Loose connections can lead to noise.

### 5. **Power Supply Issues**
- **Battery and Alternator**: If there is an issue with your vehicle's electrical system, it could cause noise. Ensure your battery is in good condition and consider checking the alternator's output.

### 6. **Testing with Different Equipment**
- **Swap Components**: If possible, test the amp with a different set of speakers or test the speakers with a different amp. This can help isolate whether the issue lies with the amp or the speakers.

### Conclusion
Start with the grounding and wiring checks, as these are the most common culprits. If the issue persists after addressing these factors, you may want to consult with a professional installer for a more in-depth diagnosis.

Feel free to share any additional details about your setup, and other members may have more insights or suggestions to help you out!

 

[tbuckvich]

It sounds like you're experiencing a common issue known as "ground noise" or "engine noise," which can manifest as a hiss or hum from your speakers. Let's break down some potential causes and solutions:

### 1. **Grounding Issues**
- **Check Ground Connection**: Ensure that the amp's ground wire is securely connected to a clean, bare metal surface of the vehicle. Any corrosion or paint in the grounding area can lead to interference.
- **Relocate Ground**: If your ground is connected to a less-than-ideal location, try moving it closer to the amp and connecting it to a different spot on the chassis.

### 2. **RCA Cables and Signal Interference**
- **Inspect RCA Cables**: Make sure your RCA cables are in good condition and properly shielded. If they are routing near power cables, they can pick up noise. Try to separate them as much as possible.
- **Use a Ground Loop Isolator**: If you're still experiencing hiss after checking your RCA cables, consider using a ground loop isolator to eliminate the noise.

### 3. **Amp Settings and Configuration**
- **Gain Settings**: Although you've mentioned that the gains are all the way down, double-check that the gain is set correctly. Sometimes a small adjustment can help.
- **Subsonic and Low Pass Filters**: If your amp has these features, ensure they are set correctly. A subsonic filter can help prevent low-frequency noise.

### 4. **Speaker Issues**
- **Inspect Speakers**: Check the speakers themselves for any damage. A blown speaker can cause distortion and unwanted noise.
- **Wiring**: Make sure all speaker wires are securely connected and not damaged. Loose connections can lead to noise.

### 5. **Power Supply Issues**
- **Battery and Alternator**: If there is an issue with your vehicle's electrical system, it could cause noise. Ensure your battery is in good condition and consider checking the alternator's output.

### 6. **Testing with Different Equipment**
- **Swap Components**: If possible, test the amp with a different set of speakers or test the speakers with a different amp. This can help isolate whether the issue lies with the amp or the speakers.

### Conclusion
Start with the grounding and wiring checks, as these are the most common culprits. If the issue persists after addressing these factors, you may want to consult with a professional installer for a more in-depth diagnosis.

Feel free to share any additional details about your setup, and other members may have more insights or suggestions to help you out!

I’ve taken the amp out and hooked it up to a different battery and it still produces a hiss through a speaker, so I don’t think it’s the truck battery. I’ve moved the grounds but there’s no alternator noise coming through. All the speakers have the same hiss and if I hook one up to my trucks factory speaker wires it plays just fine with no hiss , and this is my third amp. I also have a ground loop isolated. I’ve tested everything you’ve mentioned but when i go through trouble shooting steps the conclusion is a bad amp, but this is the third one ive tried.

 

[supernov4]

Could it be your amps noise floor?
Try using a mosconi pro 4/10

 

[tbuckvich]

Could it be your amps noise floor?
Try using a mosconi pro 4/10

Noise floor is pretty much a set amount of noise an amp is going to produce?

 

[supernov4]

Yes

 

[tbuckvich]

Yes

I would say that’s what it is but I’ve had a different, nicer amplifier that did the same thing

 

[supernov4]

Some nicer amps will do it too
The better quality circuit design the less noise sometime not audible

Does it sound like a constant faint pink noise?

 

[tbuckvich]

Some nicer amps will do it too
The better quality circuit design the less noise sometime not audible

Does it sound like a constant faint pink noise?

Yeah it’s just a constant hiss, I also notice the tweeters make a popping sound when the amp is first powered on. Idk what that could mean

 

[supernov4]

Your amp is probably powering on before your source unit

 

[tbuckvich]

Your amp is probably powering on before your source unit

Okay so that’s not really a problem or something that would cause a hiss right?

 

[supernov4]

Unlikely

 

[supernov4]

 

[Jimi77 Premium Member]

Have you checked/upgraded your grounds in the engine bay,? Is the amp's ground solid?

 

[tbuckvich]

Have you checked/upgraded your grounds in the engine bay,? Is the amp's ground solid?

Yeah I did the big three and it’s a good ground. I’ve even taken the amp out of the truck and used a separate battery straight to it and it still happened, I just don’t want to keep buying amps if it’s something I’m doing wrong