Need Help Fixing Sound System Problem :(

[NSXROC]

Hi Guys,

I am having problem with my sound system. I have a 4 channel Soundtream amp, stock head unit, Zetoolman sub version 2, and Diamond (component) speakers.

I recently replaced my carpets. The system was fine before everything was taken out. Now, I am not getting the correct sound (difficult hearing the music) from one side of the speakers.

Currently, the sound coming out of the driver’s side speakers is not correct. At first, I thought maybe there’s something wrong with the speakers on the driver’s side. However, when I switch the RCA cables around(from right to left), the problem with the sound switched to the passenger side speakers.

I checked the wiring and don’t find anything loose or damaged.

Any ideas? I plan to see a stereo installer next Monday, but thought I try you guys first.

Thanks

 

[Hugh]

What you did eliminated the speakers or their wiring as the cause. It sounds like you might have a blown channel in the amp or a bad preamp output.

Next try taking one RCA at a time and trying it on both channels of the amp. If the sound is clean on both speakers with one RCA and bad on both speakers with the other RCA then the problem is either the RCA cable or the head unit. If the sound is bad in one speaker and good in one speaker with each RCA then the problem is the power amp.

 

[Malibu Rapper]

NSXROC,

That RCA swap test you did tells you that both channels on your amp are working correctly. The problem lies in the signal source.

What are you using to create the RCAs that you plug into your amp? Did you create or buy a harness similar to the SOS harness like below? Or did your installer use a line level converter box?

My guess would be that you pulled the RCA connection loose installing the carpet. I don't mean the connection at the amp, but the one at the stereo. Whether you use the SOS harness or a line level converter, I think the connection is broken there. Either that or there is a slim chance the output on the head unit went bad and you can probably tap into the rear out for the signal.

Check your left/right balance as well.

 

[TURBO2GO]

Malibu just said exactly what I was going to say. The problem is coming INTO the amp. Its before the amplifier not after.

Malibu on a different note, the RCA out from this SOS harness is a legit out from the radio? Or is it some high voltage out full of noise but the best we can get from the factory radio?

 

[Malibu Rapper]

Malibu on a different note, the RCA out from this SOS harness is a legit out from the radio? Or is it some high voltage out full of noise but the best we can get from the factory radio?

TURBO2GO, it is a legitimate line level (not high level) output. It just needs to be wired in properly to a set of RCAs and you have yourself a great set of RCA ouputs. Works as good as it can work for aftermarket systems but keep in mind that the deck is years old and the sound quality of the head is not comparable to high quality heads now. Properly setup and installed, there no noticable noise or hiss.

 

[TURBO2GO]

TURBO2GO, it is a legitimate line level (not high level) output. It just needs to be wired in properly to a set of RCAs and you have yourself a great set of RCA ouputs. Works as good as it can work for aftermarket systems but keep in mind that the deck is years old and the sound quality of the head is not comparable to high quality heads now. Properly setup and installed, there no noticable noise or hiss.

But the output of the CD player should be excellent, right? I am thinking of upgrading my speakers first, I am still unsure of what to do for a head unit. Honestly, I don't even want a head unit, just my ipod and satellite radio.

I am thinking of a set of Focal K2's for the fronts, Decosse's speaker mounts, Hal's new sub box with the SWS10 and 2 of the Alpine digital amps, the small ones. 2x150 and 1x1000. Then I can figure out what to do with the head later once Autovation has their new aluminum console out. I am thinking delete the radio alltogether and install an input jack for my ipod in the center console...

I disconnected the antenna harness, don't miss it at all. reception is fine where I am without it.

I'd like to utilize that center somehow... just to get some rear fill but I am not sure how.

 

[NSXROC]

Thanks Guys, I now have a few ways to test the system when I get home tonight.

I really don't know how the installer hook up the head unit, but I will take a picture tonight when I get home to show you guys.

 

[Hugh]

NSXROC,

That RCA swap test you did tells you that both channels on your amp are working correctly. The problem lies in the signal source.

You are absolutely correct. I got a little ahead of myself there.

 

[NSXROC]

Here's a few pictures of how my installer connected the wires:

http://www.nsxprime.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=22207&sort=1&size=medium&cat=500&page=1

I checked all the connections, and I didn't find anything loose.

What to do, what to do?

 

[Hugh]

It's a bit hard to tell since he loped off the factory male connector and mated the car's wires to an aftermarket male connector. He didn't do anything wrong but he could have been a bit less lazy and made a proper harness so the original harness would have remained intact.

 

[NSXROC]

It's a bit hard to tell since he loped off the factory male connector and mated the car's wires to an aftermarket male connector. He didn't do anything wrong but he could have been a bit less lazy and made a proper harness so the original harness would have remained intact.

It was actually worse before. See, I made a huge mistake taking my car to CarToy for the system install. The job quality was extremely poor! The amp was connected incorrectly. There was very loud engine noise due to poor ground. The bill was expensive to the roof. When I tried to get the installer to fix the problem, it was more like asking him for a favor. It was totally BS. Later, I brought my car to Magnlia Hi-Fi, the store I've always used in the past, and the shop manager took care of my car himself and fixed all the problem.

I had a bad experience w/Cartoy 10 years ago, and I told myself I would never use their service again. Apparently, I was too forgiving and gave them another chance over 1 year ago to rip me off again. Why did I do it? Well, I was impatient waiting for open appointments from Magnolia Hi-Fi, and I learned my lesson well now.

I am taking my car to the shop to have them troubleshoot the system. I am going to rest tonight and mess w/my car anymore.

Thanks for all your help, I will post my finding tomorrow.

 

[clr1024]

But the output of the CD player should be excellent, right? I am thinking of upgrading my speakers first, I am still unsure of what to do for a head unit. Honestly, I don't even want a head unit, just my ipod and satellite radio.
I'd like to utilize that center somehow... just to get some rear fill but I am not sure how.

Malibu Rapper is correct, its a clean signal using the SOS cable or about as clean as its going to be. Noise is not noticible. Based on the fact that you are not sure about the headunit, I think the plan you have to move forward is a good one, speakers, sub and amp and headunit last. I don't think you will be upset when compared to stock.

 

[NSXROC]

Problem Found!

All the wire connections were fine. All the equipments are working properly with the exception of the Blitzsafe Ipod Adaptor. My installer spent 20 min inspecting my car and found the problem with the sound only occur when CD is playing. He unplugged the Blitzsafe and the problem was gone.

I am not with happy with the Blitzsafe unit I bought. This is a new unit and it's the 2nd one sent to me from the vendor. The first one I recived didn't work. It took a long time for me to determine that it was a defective unit. The vendor sent me this second Blitzsafe, unfortunately, it's still a junk unit. I am going to send it back.

Good thing I have a good relationship with the shop and they only charged me $20 for troubleshoot.

 

[Hugh]

That was God's way of letting you know that he thinks MP3s suck.