pop when music turned on/off

(Customer quote)---- "pioneer head unit,power acoustik 300watts amplifier, running a pair of jensens eight inch full range speakers" hooked up in his home via a 12 volt adapter, he says he gets a pop any time the music is turned on and off, what suggetions do u guys have to help him get rid off this pop, if there is a way, thanks in advance.

Turn on thump

When you say turns music on or off, are you talking about when the volume is turned from 0 to 1 and from 1 to 0.  If so read my earlier post.  If it does this when turning power on and off on the radio, then you have a turn on and turn off pop.  My solution will not help that .  But my money is on the volume from 0 to 1. and 1 to 0

This is something someone asked me today if I think I'm going to have a problem with.  Since my amps are not in just yet, I'm not sure.  But in the past, I have not seemed to run into this issue.  Something I learned many years ago is the importance of running your head unit's turn-on lead into a relay if turning on more than one component (amp, crossover, etc), which I've done for several years. However, this go-round I'm running 3 amps and a crossover. My "goofy, unheard of" plan this time is to run my head unit's turn-on lead to the usual relay, but this time I'm going to run the relay to a distribution block. From the distribution block, each of the 4 wires will power a seperate component on the amp rack: each of 3 amps plus crossover.  I don't doubt that this configuration will be a success, but what I'm wondering is if I will get that turn-on/turn-off thump.  I'm hoping not.  As mentioned, I've never had it in pass systems, and even had 3 amps in other cars plus in underdash passive EQ.  I'm hoping that my current configuration will help to avoid the turn-on thump.  If not, oh well.  I'll be happy to get the desired effect out of my "wierd" idea: to not burn out my deck's turn-on circuit by powering up 4 items when I power it up.  I know this problem will be solved, but now you folks have me worried about thump.  Someone else got me wondering too.  Now I guess all I can do is find out.

Do some configurations produce that famous thump?  Or is it caused more by connections or improper installations? 

Will let you all know.  And believe me, I'm getting real close to putting the amp rack in and hooking it all up!  Just finishing up the last-minute wiring on it, then will lay it in the trunk and hook up the speaker cables and RCA and power/grounds, etc.

I had these plaques made and will (maybe) mount them next to each distribution block, if not on the underside of the trunk lid.  More for looks and to make myself cool.

if running more then one amp you can just run the remote from the head unit to one amp then loop to the other amps.

mikecole89 wrote:

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if running more then one amp you can just run the remote from the head unit to one amp then loop to the other amps.

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Well, I must admit, this is the first time in over 30 years I've heard of this.  All the pros say to use a relay.  Even the MECP Study Guide says use a relay.  I've always used relays.  Although your idea sounds like it might work in theory, I certainly wouldn't trust doing it.  If that was the case, we could all just run 1 power and 1 ground to 1 amp and loop all the rest.  I think I'll pass on this idea, but if anyone else wants to try it more power to them (no pun intended).  I've used a relay to turn on amps for over 20+ years.  Hey, they're cheap and easy to hook up, and their operation is straightforward and reliable.

That's cool.  I'll just continue to use relays for the sake of safety and piece of mind.  And the MECP manual is certainly not the first or only source that got me using relays for turn-ons. So although turning on several things with your deck's lead may work for you, I'll stick with my way for my system for now.  But I'm guessing if you call a few local shops who have well-trained and seasoned installers, most of the good ones won't use the deck's lead to turn on a bunch of other stuff.  Stuff that works for some people without problems isn't any indication it will work for others.  I'm not TELLING anyone to use relays, I'm simply stating how I do it, what I found to work best, and what most pros have suggested.  I'm just not ready to take the chance and use my Excelon's turn-on lead to power up 3 amps and a crossover and maybe the CD changer.  Not worth the risk to find out if it would work.  And since my $2 relay is already mounted on my amp rack, I think I'll just use it.  After all, I notice you didn't say relays are a BAD thing (but I'm sure you think it). As for a relay failing, I've rarely seen it happen and I've been an auto mechanic most of my life.  And so what if it fails?  What happens?  Have you ever seen one fail?  The only thing that happens is that they stop opening or closing.  Nothing catches on fire or sends massive amounts of voltage or current to whatever it is controlling.  When a relay fails, it won't open, and therefore won't turn something on or off.  In that case, you simple remove 1 screw and pop a new one in its place.

I certainly don't mean to come on like I'm being a jerk or anything here.  But you came off like I was a total idiot and my mention of relays was totally uncool and a waste of everyone's time and $2.  And you seem "anti MECP", like that study guide is worthless.  It's not, no matter if it was written in the 60's for Kraco and Sparkomatic installers.  It has useful info for some, nothing for others.  But if you are MECP Cerified, you must have used it and agree with it or you wouln't have passed the test.

So let's all just get along and not slam anyone else's use of relays or decision to not use them.  It's a cheap alternative to taking a huge risk.

And as for my response to the guy about running a series of loops of turn-ons, you'll notice I didn't slam him for his mention, I simply stated that I've never heard of anyone doing it and I didn't think it was a good idea and therefore would not try it myself.

Group hug?

I was not bashing on you or saying you did it wrong dude. I was just stating that you could also just loop it. Another reason I am not running 5 differnt things off my head unit lol. I am just running 2 amps off my head unit so instead of running 2 turn ons just going to loop it..what is the preamp voltage of your deck do you know?

The preamp output voltage is 4 volts at 600 ohms, and the max for the turn-on is 500mA.

I wasn't referring to you, but more to the guy who made me seem like I was smokin' some good stuff and didn't know what I was talking about.  I've been doing this stuff for almost 35 years.  Although I'm no expert, I've learned (and kept notes of) a LOT of tips and tricks and techniques.  This was just one of the many things I've learned.  NOT that I expect anyone else to do what I suggest.

No biggie, dude.  It's all good.

So, how's the system going?  Have you taken care of the issues you were having?  Hope so.  It will all work out if you just take your time (maybe not as long as I've been taking to build my amp rack, but a little time).

As for the relay gig, it's just something I learned, and it makes a lot of sense.  I like relays.  They are my friend.  I learned how often you need them in alarms, and how well they protect stuff in stereos.  Never a bad investment when you can save a $400+ deck by using a simple few dollar item.  They may not be NEEDED in every case, but they sure won't hurt.

Good luck, man.