weird ringing sound after amp install.

[jeyventura 10+ year member]

updates ?

 

[IcedZ]

I have a PDX-5 amp with a Kenwood DDX714 HU, and Polk MM6501 component set. All purchased NEW. I have the SAME ringing problem. I think the amp is just sensitive to something. It is not a typical ground loop... it does not change frequency with engine rev, etc. It is a constant volume and tone. The volume of the ring is dependent only on the gain, not the volume of the HU. The reason you dont' hear it in the sub is because it is a high frequency. It COULD be going to the sub, but it wouldn't be reproduced there. Anyway, I too am following up. Let us know what you discover. I am actually waiting for new RCA's to arrive. I'll keep posted.

 

[Xenozx 10+ year member]

Well, in the process of trying to fix this issue I blew pico fuses in my headunit. I just got my headunit back from Pioneer and installed it. At first the ring was there again, i kept pulling my battery and rewiring, and after about 4 tries I was able to get the ring totally silent. I DID NOT use ANY GROUND LOOP ISOLATORS. I used a 4 channel set of Monster RCA cables. I did ground the headunit chasis to the frame of the car as well.

HOWEVER, the above only remains true when my boost and wideband gauge are not being provided power.

If I plug my boost and wideband gauges and then turn on the car, I have a phantom ring again.

As stated, this noise does not increase with the volume of the headunit, if I have the volume at 0 it can be heard, and if I have music playing and the headunit volume set to 50 and its in between changing songs, it can still be heard at the same level as 0.

if I move the gain on the amp up and down, this noise will go up and down. It will never go silent.

Anyone have any idea on how i can keep my gauges working without causing this sound to teh amplifier?

 

[Xenozx 10+ year member]

I just bought a Kappa four amplifier, and once I get it, will be swapping out the PDX to see if the amp is the cause.

I will update when I get the amp.

 

[IcedZ]

Thanks. Please do. I have a feeling it is the amp... just not sure what.

 

[Xenozx 10+ year member]

put the kappa four amplifier in today, and it did make the noise almost non existant.

Unfortunately, if you listen very closely its still there, but way better than it was with the PDX.

Keep in mind this is only if the boost and wideband gauges are connected, if i dont have those connected I have no sound at all.

so needless to say, the issue doesnt appear to be the PDX's fault, as I also have the issue slightly w/ the Kappa four.

The kappa four seems to have a higher S/N ratio (87 DB) and a TDH of 0.005 where the alpine is like 76 DB and 0.5.

 

[Xenozx 10+ year member]

bought some ferrite cores (magnets that take out noise from power cables) and put them on my wide band's red power cable. At first the noise was still there, then I squeezed the ferrite core and noticed the noise went away. a couple twist ties later, and I no longer have that stupid sound!

finally, it only took a few months lol.