Speakers Clipping at Low Volumes

[Weeksy]

Hi all,

A few months ago I installed a Sony XAV-AX1000 in my 2004 WRX. I purchased the car with the OEM stereo but was missing the wiring harness, and as a result wasn't able to test the speakers. The installation went fine, however once I started trying to turn the volume of the speakers, I noticed that the speakers clip at any volume higher then 16 (to put into perspective, with the engine off 16 is very quiet, once the engine is running and driving I can barley hear the music). I've been putting it off for a few months as I assumed that something was wrong with the speakers, (12 year old Alpine speakers). A couple days ago I installed a pair on Sony speakers, and to my frustration the speakers still distort past volume 16. I am absolutely baffled, I have no idea what could possibly be the issue. I have noted that sometimes when using the speakers, when the bass peaks the car interior lights flicker, so maybe it's something to do with the battery? I have no idea, any help would be appreciated, thanks everyone!

 

[hispls]

So you have tried to remove all that mess of speaker wires from the head unit and just test each speaker out to a known working speaker (loose)?

 

[audiobaun]

I would pull the HU and bench test it. Can be done with a 12v battery on a non-metal work bench easily enough.