I've got a problem that I can't overlook any longer and hopefully someone here can point me in the right direction. 2004 Ram Quad Cab, Eclipse head unit, Eclipse 4-channel amp for speakers and JL Audio 2-channel amp for two JL subs. Turn on key, 3 seconds later the amps power up and very noticeable hum begins and is there all the time. Usually I listen a high enough volume that you don't notice it but I want it gone. 2 awg power & ground wire to distribution block, 4 awg wire from block to amps for power and ground. The ground is run to a stud on the rear seat frame. I've sanded the paint off the frame where the terminal eye for the ground wire is mounted, added a star washer to make sure there is a direct metal connection. Negative battery cable has a lead that runs to the body. I don't know what's causing the hum nor how to get rid of it. PLEASE someone help me with this!

 

A buddy of mine had that same problem. His problem was that he had the amp turned up to high for the speakers he had. You could try turning it down a little and see if that helps

 

Thanks for your reply. I had never heard of that but it's certainly worth a try. Thanks.

 

No problem

if thats not your problem I would try seeing if any of your wires are lose or moving the ground wire. I dont think it will be your ground though but it could if you have the hum all the time.

 

My first thought would have been the ground, but it seems that you did everything and more there to cover that, but like McGill stated, you may have the amp turned up higher than what the speakers can handle. Meaning your gain is to high.

Let us know what you find

 

I thought maybe the amp gain was up too high, but then I remembered that I actually borrowed a tone CD and set my output voltage at spec so I didn't just guess where the gain pot should be set at. Of course my memory isn't what it used to be so I forgot I'd done that, but I'm actually beginning to question my ground on the head unit or the head unit itself which is an older Eclipse. I'm going to make sure it's grounded well this weekend and I'll update what impact that has. Thanks.

 

You need to determine exactly where the noise is coming from
Unplug the RCA signal Cable from the amplifier; do you still have the noise?