Hey guys, I don't know what the hell happen, I installed a second hand amplifier today (5 channel), the wires are all set up cuz I use to have a 5 channel amp as well. However, when I start up the car and steps on the gas paddle, I hear this whining noise as the RPM goes up. I guess this is from the Alternator, does anyone know how to solve this problem? Is this the amplifier's problem or what?? Pls give me some help and as detail as possible. Thanx.

 

it could be a bad amp, bad ground, bad wiring, bad installation. if i'm reading this correctly you took out a 5 channel amp and install another used 5 channel amp right? if that's the case and you didn't have engine noise prior to replacing the amp then it's probably the amps power supply cause the noise. dump the amp. what brand amp is it anyway?

 

THe one I used before is a Soundstream, now I am using a Directed Audio one (used).

 

well not sure why you got rid of the soundstream. as to directed's quality and reliability, i have no clue. i've had problems with their alarms so who know what to expect from their amps.

but anyway the only way to for you to go from here is with a noise filter. get one for your local stereo shop. look to spend around $20 to $40 dollars. good luck

 

I would check all the connections, grounds etc. before going with a noise filter. It could be as simple as 2 rcas touching or something of that sort. If you can't figure it out might want to take it to a shop and see if they can find it. Also, maybe you should post exactly what you did when you replaced the amp. Good luck.

 

Check your ground. Resand the ground bolt and reattach...

Also, how did you mount the amp? If you have the chassis of the amp grounded, you could be introducing noise. Make sure that when you screwed the amp in, you didn't screw it into metal, or that you have some type of plastic/rubber feet seperating the mounting screw from the chassis of the amp.

Try muting the amp (either by muting plugs, or shorting the RCA) and running the system to see if you get the noise. This will tell you if its the amp, or whatever is upstream of the amp.

Tim

 

ok, let's look at the facts here........

Previous Amp Soundstream 5 channel: No Noise

Removed Soundstream 5 channel

Added Directed 5 channel(used)

System with Directed Amp: Noise

If the swap was as simple as it sounds then the most obvious problem would be the amps power supply. Of course you can check the ground and wires but if you haven't made any changes to the wiring then that shouldn't be the problem. Just so you guys know i have 11 yrs car audio experience. If anybody would like my help, let me know.

 

My my...

Pretentious are we? Next you'll inform us of your MECP cert...

Nobody's saying you're not right, or that you're not learned, but before he dumps this amp, there could be other causes that should be searched out.

I'd compare Directed's build quality to that of SoundStream.

Or we can just call the amp broke, and I'll buy it off you for dirt cheap.

Tim

 

take out the signal cable, ie your RCA inputs, tell me if you still hear it. you hear this when the engine is on, what about when the engine if OFF??

if you dont hear the noise when the engine is off, then your amp is fine, it's the most famous ground loop problem. =)

Anh

 

I beg to difer. Soundstreams were fine amps way back in the day. Now they are nothing like they used to be. I would actually get DEI amps over Soundstreams these days. They got a lot better during the last few years.

Ground is the most common noise issue. Also you might have rearanged some wires and now your RCA cables are close to your power cables. Although most say that this little fact is not true but from my own practice in my car it does matter. So, shield your RCA's and Power cables near the amp and check grounds. If nothing changes it's most likely that your amp is messed up.