Speaker Buzz After Installing Amplifier

[JohnPD]

I just tried testing the grounds to my amps, which I've never done before. They were testing at 0.6 to 0.7 ohms, and I couldn't find a single piece of metal above the spare tire below 0.5 ohm. I'd look but it's a 3 person job to move the box.

That’s not a very good ground, not too bad, but ideally you’re looking for something below .5 ohms. Run a longer ground wire to a better ground, and make sure it’s bare metal and a steel, not a zinc coated bolt

 

[Jimi77 5,000+ posts]

I just tried testing the grounds to my amps, which I've never done before. They were testing at 0.6 to 0.7 ohms, and I couldn't find a single piece of metal above the spare tire below 0.5 ohm. I'd look but it's a 3 person job to move the box.

If it's buzzing, it probably isn't a ground loop. If it's whine, then it's probably a ground loop.

 

[JohnPD]

If it's buzzing, it probably isn't a ground loop. If it's whine, then it's probably a ground

My guess it’s a wiring issue somewhere, maybe a speaker wire touching metal somewhere, or maybe even a bad amp or bass speaker

 

[EmpiricalApe]

If it's buzzing, it probably isn't a ground loop. If it's whine, then it's probably a ground loop.

it buzzes slightly with rcas plugged into the amp and whines with the engine on. With rcas unplugged it's very slight static. I've taped off the ends on all the unused speaker wires

 

[audiobaun 5,000+ posts]

My guess it’s a wiring issue somewhere, maybe a speaker wire touching metal somewhere, or maybe even a bad amp or bass speaker

Quite possible

 

[audiobaun 5,000+ posts]

Try a solid Ground at the HU, Use 12ga or 14ga wire, you can use speaker wire too. If you have some long enough to reach the - Batt post just to test, try that out

 

[audiobaun 5,000+ posts]

My guess it’s a wiring issue somewhere, maybe a speaker wire touching metal somewhere, or maybe even a bad amp or bass speaker

Majority of the time, if I do not use the Plastic speaker baffles in the doors( or if the individual doesnt purchase them), I will run a couple winds of electrical tape around the speaker connections on the speaker so that the connections do not make contact with the metal if need be.

 

[audiobaun 5,000+ posts]

You may also be able to give Kenwood/JVC a call or send an E-mail to see if there may be a FirmWare Update that can help with this situation as well?

 

[Jimi77 5,000+ posts]

it buzzes slightly with rcas plugged into the amp and whines with the engine on. With rcas unplugged it's very slight static. I've taped off the ends on all the unused speaker wires

Whine is the easiest to fix - that's a ground loop. Properly ground the amp. Tie the amp's ground to the HU's ground with ~14awg wire. Ground the RCA jackets at the HU. Ground loop isolator as last resort.

The static issue can be isolated to the amp. Could be a bad amp, bad location or bad ground. Sitting over a fuel pump can often induce noise into the amp.

I assume the buzzing is orienting from the HU. Have you tried leaving the RCAs connected to the amp and disconnected from the HU.

 

[EmpiricalApe]

Whine is the easiest to fix - that's a ground loop. Properly ground the amp. Tie the amp's ground to the HU's ground with ~14awg wire. Ground the RCA jackets at the HU. Ground loop isolator as last resort.

The static issue can be isolated to the amp. Could be a bad amp, bad location or bad ground. Sitting over a fuel pump can often induce noise into the amp.

I assume the buzzing is orienting from the HU. Have you tried leaving the RCAs connected to the amp and disconnected from the HU.

I tired grounding the stereo at the same point as the amplifier with 8 gauge wire to test it and there was no change. I've checked all several grounds and there is still no change. My amp is in the very back corner of my trunk, the only thing electrical near it is the tail light. It's sitting on carpet not touching any metal. I haven't tried leaving the rcas in the amp and unplugging from the stereo yet. Lastly, how do you ground the rca jackets?

 

[Bobbytwonames 5,000+ posts]

Ground loop the RCA's and see if that works.

 

[Jimi77 5,000+ posts]

I tired grounding the stereo at the same point as the amplifier with 8 gauge wire to test it and there was no change. I've checked all several grounds and there is still no change. My amp is in the very back corner of my trunk, the only thing electrical near it is the tail light. It's sitting on carpet not touching any metal. I haven't tried leaving the rcas in the amp and unplugging from the stereo yet. Lastly, how do you ground the rca jackets?

Wrap wire around the RCA jacket and then ground it. Is it possible that the mounting screws to the amp are touching sheet metal?

 

[JohnPD]

You may also be able to give Kenwood/JVC a call or send an E-mail to see if there may be a FirmWare Update that can help with this situation as well?

There is a firmware update, it was released earlier this year.

 

[audiobaun 5,000+ posts]

There is a firmware update, it was released earlier this year.

I would do it. One my older Kenwood units needed it done. I kept thinking it was a ground issue, and I tried two amps that I knew where excellent shape.

 

[audiobaun 5,000+ posts]

There is a firmware update, it was released earlier this year.

It may or may not work... But its deff worth a try.?? At the least, your HU will be updated