Update on this. Thanks Tony. I trouble-shooted the "only playing out of 2 speakers" problem by using a portable CD player. I found the player played out of all 4 fine straight into the amp, but only out of two up by the dash. So, it was the RCA's from the amp to the dash. Circuit City says they were pinched by the back seats. They gave me new RCA's and I get sound out of all 4 speakers now!!! It sounds great, except I still have the power thump and I now have the dreaded alternator whine. I thought it was the sled, but they have grounded that really well. Just wondering if I should get one of those Alternator Noise Suppressors or Amplifier Muting Circuits from Crutchfield. Anyone have luck with these??


You didn't mention anything about Alternator Noise on your first post. Was it there then, or did it become apparent after they replaced JUST the RCA's?

Part of this is my natural distrust for Circuit City, as well as the (generallized statement) 'average' install techniques I've seen from their shops. I'd really be suspicious of their wiring here. If they routed your RCA's in a place where they could get crunched.... I'd certainly have all of those wires checked and verify you have a good common ground.

Check this FAQ entry for more info on the alternator whine.