AMP and Radio Interference
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 178
Likes: 10
From: Fort Worth Texas
AMP and Radio Interference
Hello,
I have a C6 that I installed a sub and amp in the back cubbyholes.
AMP: Rockford Fosgate R500X1D Prime 1-Channel Class D Amplifier
Sub: Rockford Fosgate P3SD2-10 Punch wired at 4Ohm ~300W
I am pretty sure the the source of the interference is the amp but cant figure out how to prevent it. This is only observed when the radio signal is weaker. When I am home the radio will cut out and drop the signal. When I am closer to the radio tower the signal is strong enough not to be interfered with from the amp. If I turn power off to the amp when I am home the radio signal comes across nice and clear.
I have tried relocating the amp with marginal improvements. I have tried different grounding locations for the amp with no impact. Has anyone had the same issue and changed amps with positive results? I am in the DFW area and would be grateful if I could try other amps to see if the problem goes away. Car Toys wanted to charge 80$ an hr to swap my amp with theirs and drive to a spot where I could duplicate my interference issue. I laughed and thanked them for wasting an hours drive and an hour of my time waiting.
I have a C6 that I installed a sub and amp in the back cubbyholes.
AMP: Rockford Fosgate R500X1D Prime 1-Channel Class D Amplifier
Sub: Rockford Fosgate P3SD2-10 Punch wired at 4Ohm ~300W
I am pretty sure the the source of the interference is the amp but cant figure out how to prevent it. This is only observed when the radio signal is weaker. When I am home the radio will cut out and drop the signal. When I am closer to the radio tower the signal is strong enough not to be interfered with from the amp. If I turn power off to the amp when I am home the radio signal comes across nice and clear.
I have tried relocating the amp with marginal improvements. I have tried different grounding locations for the amp with no impact. Has anyone had the same issue and changed amps with positive results? I am in the DFW area and would be grateful if I could try other amps to see if the problem goes away. Car Toys wanted to charge 80$ an hr to swap my amp with theirs and drive to a spot where I could duplicate my interference issue. I laughed and thanked them for wasting an hours drive and an hour of my time waiting.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,237
Likes: 220
From: Akron Ohio
2017 Corvette of Year Finalist
2016 C5 of Year Finalist
Hello,
I have a C6 that I installed a sub and amp in the back cubbyholes.
AMP: Rockford Fosgate R500X1D Prime 1-Channel Class D Amplifier
Sub: Rockford Fosgate P3SD2-10 Punch wired at 4Ohm ~300W
I am pretty sure the the source of the interference is the amp but cant figure out how to prevent it. This is only observed when the radio signal is weaker. When I am home the radio will cut out and drop the signal. When I am closer to the radio tower the signal is strong enough not to be interfered with from the amp. If I turn power off to the amp when I am home the radio signal comes across nice and clear.
I have tried relocating the amp with marginal improvements. I have tried different grounding locations for the amp with no impact. Has anyone had the same issue and changed amps with positive results? I am in the DFW area and would be grateful if I could try other amps to see if the problem goes away. Car Toys wanted to charge 80$ an hr to swap my amp with theirs and drive to a spot where I could duplicate my interference issue. I laughed and thanked them for wasting an hours drive and an hour of my time waiting.
I have a C6 that I installed a sub and amp in the back cubbyholes.
AMP: Rockford Fosgate R500X1D Prime 1-Channel Class D Amplifier
Sub: Rockford Fosgate P3SD2-10 Punch wired at 4Ohm ~300W
I am pretty sure the the source of the interference is the amp but cant figure out how to prevent it. This is only observed when the radio signal is weaker. When I am home the radio will cut out and drop the signal. When I am closer to the radio tower the signal is strong enough not to be interfered with from the amp. If I turn power off to the amp when I am home the radio signal comes across nice and clear.
I have tried relocating the amp with marginal improvements. I have tried different grounding locations for the amp with no impact. Has anyone had the same issue and changed amps with positive results? I am in the DFW area and would be grateful if I could try other amps to see if the problem goes away. Car Toys wanted to charge 80$ an hr to swap my amp with theirs and drive to a spot where I could duplicate my interference issue. I laughed and thanked them for wasting an hours drive and an hour of my time waiting.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 388
Likes: 38
From: Madison CT
This is not an uncommon problem for class D amps. The power supplies throw out a ton of EMI that can mess with your radio reception depending on the frequency. If relocation didn't solve the problem, the only other options are to try a different class D amp that MIGHT not produce as much EMI (crapshoot) or to go to a class A/B amp.
A 2 channel amp A/B that does 300 watts bridged into 4 ohms should be pretty easy to come by for close to the price you paid for the Mono Rockford, but chances are it will be slightly larger.
If you want to stay with the brand, it looks like this is your best option:
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...ch-P300X2.html
It's cheaper on amazon and ebay
I would buy from a source where you can easily return it. Amps can easily be hooked up and tested without causing any damage so if it doesn't solve your problem you could send it back.
I'd be pretty confident in this solving your issue. Best bet without spending any money is to find someone with a class A/B amp you can try in your home town.
A 2 channel amp A/B that does 300 watts bridged into 4 ohms should be pretty easy to come by for close to the price you paid for the Mono Rockford, but chances are it will be slightly larger.
If you want to stay with the brand, it looks like this is your best option:
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...ch-P300X2.html
It's cheaper on amazon and ebay
I would buy from a source where you can easily return it. Amps can easily be hooked up and tested without causing any damage so if it doesn't solve your problem you could send it back.
I'd be pretty confident in this solving your issue. Best bet without spending any money is to find someone with a class A/B amp you can try in your home town.
Last edited by daverulz; Jan 13, 2017 at 02:52 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 178
Likes: 10
From: Fort Worth Texas
This is not an uncommon problem for class D amps. The power supplies throw out a ton of EMI that can mess with your radio reception depending on the frequency. If relocation didn't solve the problem, the only other options are to try a different class D amp that MIGHT not produce as much EMI (crapshoot) or to go to a class A/B amp.
A 2 channel amp A/B that does 300 watts bridged into 4 ohms should be pretty easy to come by for close to the price you paid for the Mono Rockford, but chances are it will be slightly larger.
If you want to stay with the brand, it looks like this is your best option:
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...ch-P300X2.html
It's cheaper on amazon and ebay
I would buy from a source where you can easily return it. Amps can easily be hooked up and tested without causing any damage so if it doesn't solve your problem you could send it back.
I'd be pretty confident in this solving your issue. Best bet without spending any money is to find someone with a class A/B amp you can try in your home town.
A 2 channel amp A/B that does 300 watts bridged into 4 ohms should be pretty easy to come by for close to the price you paid for the Mono Rockford, but chances are it will be slightly larger.
If you want to stay with the brand, it looks like this is your best option:
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...ch-P300X2.html
It's cheaper on amazon and ebay
I would buy from a source where you can easily return it. Amps can easily be hooked up and tested without causing any damage so if it doesn't solve your problem you could send it back.
I'd be pretty confident in this solving your issue. Best bet without spending any money is to find someone with a class A/B amp you can try in your home town.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 1,039
Likes: 181
From: Lockport IL
I dumped my JL HD900/5 class D (nobody told me) for Mosconi a/b amps. I had zero reception with the JL. But ya, most Class D amps cause this.
Last edited by Curt D; Jan 19, 2017 at 03:07 AM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 178
Likes: 10
From: Fort Worth Texas
Can you think of any material I can try to shield the amp from the antennas?
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,385
Likes: 86
From: San Diego CA.
Mine is terrible too. I have an Alpine HU. I even tried installing an amplified antenna in the roof halo area. Made no difference. I gave up. Is what it is. Why is stock so much better?
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 178
Likes: 10
From: Fort Worth Texas
I will try the grounding location near the passenger seat again but I am doubtful. Using the new amp was marginally helpful. I can create a video of the set up if that's helpful. Does anyone know what wires power the antenna? I been wanting to double check that the voltage supplied to them doesn't dip when the amp is turned on.