Audio Cuts Out when volume goes up, Why!

 

New member
Username: Baker

Post Number: 1
Registered: Jan-06
I have a Kenwood car stereo / cassette with a separate 6 CD Changer. It worked good for 1 ½ years. It started to intermittently cut out at high volume (above 23), and would continue to do so until I lowered the volume or shut off the unit until my next day, then it would make sound just fine.

However, today neither the radio, cassette, or CD will play at a volume above 23. I disconnected all speakers, hooking them back up one at a time. When a single speaker (say the Rear Left) was hooked back, it could playback at full volume (35). When I introduced the Rear Right Speak back to the mix, it also played at full volume when I panned the balance full right, but when I panned the balance back to center ("0") the unit tried to play at full volume, but would cut out. It again would only make sound at no loader than 23 volume. The same happened when I tried the Front Speakers, and then all four speakers. It does the something whether the engine is running or not.

What do you think the problem is?! I cannot find a short (which the vendor I bought it from said it was). The unit gets power (ground) OK, or it would not power up at all right? My car battery shows just below 12 volts (11.96 volts), so I think that the battery should be OK (though I left the headlights on one day last fall and drained the battery and needed a jump to get the car started again).

Any ideas for a fix!

Thanks!

Baker
 

Platinum Member
Username: Glasswolf

Wisteria, Lane USA

Post Number: 10851
Registered: Dec-03
head unit is failing, or it's a lack of current.
radios without an amplifier just aren't meant to be played above about two-thirds full volume
they start to clip badly at about 3/4 volume most times
 

New member
Username: Baker

Post Number: 2
Registered: Jan-06
GlassWolf,

Thanks for the reply. So I guess that I should buy a new battery (that's what you mean by current right?)or get an additional amp. Now how can I test if the unit is failing?

Thanks

 

Platinum Member
Username: Glasswolf

Wisteria, Lane USA

Post Number: 10867
Registered: Dec-03
an amplifier would improve things greatly in regards to sound quality. a 4 channel for the components, or 5 channel amp for doors and a sub or two.

by current, the battery won't help. you're just talking about skimpy factory wiring for power for the head unit. a larger alternator is the only thing that can supply more current though.

here's some more info:
http://www.wickedcases.com/caraudio/capacitors.html
http://www.wickedcases.com/caraudio/charging.html
http://www.betteraudio.com/geolemon/newmain/battcapalt/
http://www.bcae1.com/charging.htm
http://www.bcae1.com/chargin2.htm
http://www.wickedcases.com/caraudio/batteries.html
http://www.the12volt.com/info/recwirsz.asp
http://www.optimabatteries.com/
 

New member
Username: Baker

Post Number: 3
Registered: Jan-06
Thanks!

« Previous Thread Next Thread »



Main Forums

Today's Posts

Forum Help

Follow Us