E36 - Sound cutting out. time for a new amp?

[marcva]

First, my Rig

E36 4 door
JVC Arsenal head unit
Alpine MRV-F300(?) 4x40 amp (connected by RCA connectors to the amp)
Amp in stock location in left side of trunk.
Amp runs to ADS 535 separates through Xovers also in the trunk.
Rear channels of amp power JL Audio Stealthbox Subs in the rear spots.

I noticed my audio cutting out for several second intervals though the power to the head unit seems OK. This occurs with all audio sources. I can keep the audio from cutting out by running lower sound levels.

Perhaps because I have the gain down on the amplifier. I find that I typically run the audio levels from 35-50 out of 50 on the receiver 20% of the time. If I keep the levels below 25. It seems fairly stable. I have been running this setup for

Is the amp dying and I'm seeing protection cutting in? Is it time to get a new amp? Might it be a problem with the head unit?

Thanks,

[DennisCooper]

Hi,

Cutting out like that and I'd initially suspect your wiring is below par and the amplifier isn't getting enough current for it's operation. Check, double check that you have the correct guage wire for power AND ground, check the quality of the connections as well, ensure they're 100% tights and not likely to become loose over time. Check also the amplifier has good airflow over it as amplifiers can and do cut out when they get too warm, so anything stuffed over the top and sides of the amp preventing heat escape should be moved away.

Confirm those aspects and if it still occurs, then check your amp by swapping for a good known one. If that cuts out, then it could be a faulty head unit, so check the connections first there, ensure enough current is supplied to it and the connections are good and secure. If it's still occurring, then swap with a known working head unit.

Finally, also check your speaker wire connections, a simple loose connections there can cause exactly this type of symptom.

Cheers, Dennis!