I have a nice stereo with JL Audio speakers, and a JL Audio amp in the tourpak. (Speakers in lowers. No speakers in rear pods.) Everything was great until earlier this week. The right-side speakers started to cut in & out. Sound, and then no sound, and then nothin'. I put the balance all the way to the right, and I could just barely hear the music coming from both right-side speakers. Next day, I pulled the Ipod out, unhooked & re-hooked up the USB connection to Ipod, put it back in, and everything was fine again. Next day, same thing, and right side crackled a little like a blown speaker, but the right side lower speaker is doing the same thing as the right side fairing speaker. A couple of years ago I replaced the HK head unit with some cheap Sony where I could put my Ipod right inside it. (Discontinued, $79.99. Sounded great. Much better than the HK.) Do head units go bad after a few years (I listen alot), especially with a $79.99 Sony? Could my problem be the head unit? What head unit would you recommend? I haven't made any adjustments to the amp either. Once the installer got it to where it should be, it's been left alone. (I paid him a visit last summer, and he adjusted it again then. A little "tune-up.")

 

What's your exact set up? What model Sony and what amp? Sounds like loose connections to me. Ground, speaker or remote wires.

 

Not sure what the amp is. Might be a JX. Speakers are C3-650cw. 2 years ago when I got the Sony, the guy (not the stereo installer) who put the Sony in for me, changed some amp settings, and had it set to where it sounded great inside or at bike night, but not for riding. I didn't know that, and blew up a speaker. The installer got me a new speaker, switched everything back, and I now make a point of telling EVERYBODY to NOT mess with the amp. The Sony head unit was discontinued 2 years ago when I got it. It was $79, and had the tray where I could put my Ipod right inside it. A definite improvement over the HK. Here are pics of the amp. I don't keep the bike here at the house. I can let you know later which Sony & amp I have.

 

That's a nice set up!

It could be something as simple as a lose wire. The same thing happened to Gann's brother the other day with the amp in his tourpak. All the stuff he had in the tourpack putted the speaker wires some and he had a bad connection that would cut out.

 

I would try a different usb or ipod cable. I have had many go bad in the past. Since you said you unplugged and plugged in again it did work for a while? Cheap and easy to try.

 

Good idea. I'll try that. I'll look for the simple fix first!


Thanks for the ideas guys.

 

Looks like I'll be taking a ride to the installer. Jiggled wires in tourpak, took off the fairing & jiggled wires, and even tried a different USB cord that I had at home, and I get nothin'. I'd like to rule out the head unit before I get a different one, but if it IS the head unit, any recommendations for a good one? I'm all Ipod, and it would be nice to have a tray to put the Ipod inside like this Sony. It's a discontinued DSX S100 that I got a couple years ago for $79, and it sounded great. Nice improvement in quality over the stock HK.

 

Whatever HU you go with either use Bluetooth or a usb. Eliminate the cable. I use this small usb drive in mine.

 

Here's the next best thing in regard to what your're looking for:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/2722612...&ul_noapp=true

It's been discontinued as well but it's a very nice unit and compatible with your Ipod.

Now as a suggestion I would move away from the Ipod and consider using a USB stick. Much better sound with the stick. As a side note I'm not so sure it's the head unit from your description of the symptoms. I'd start with the amp and make sure it's powered up all the the time. Move the remote wire from the HU and connect it to a different power source such as the cigarette lighter. Then check both your power and ground to the amp. If the HU and amps lights are on simultaneously and still no sound. Move to the speakers and repeat the checks. Also make sure your battery is in good shape and holding a charge.