Class D AMPS and FM reception issues
Thread Starter
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 14,670
Likes: 139
From: East of the Sun, West of the Moon
Class D AMPS and FM reception issues
As requested so we can possibly point manufacturers directly to this link. All non-essential jabber will be deleted
Simply post issues you're having and be as specific as possible with anything you've experienced such as
Amp Make and Model
Head Unit; whether stock or aftermarket is enough
Anything you've done or tried to help resolve the FM interference issues on your bike.
Thanks,
UltraNutz
Simply post issues you're having and be as specific as possible with anything you've experienced such as
Amp Make and Model
Head Unit; whether stock or aftermarket is enough
Anything you've done or tried to help resolve the FM interference issues on your bike.
Thanks,
UltraNutz
Installed the PN4.520D amp with my Sony Head Unit and Polk speakers, lets just say it rocks with the IPOD plugged in.
Problem I am having is now I have no to little FM radio reception (yea I still like radio), when a channel does come in it kind of fades in and out (weak to strong), I am still using the stock setup for antenna, have tried both my short antennas and the original long whip antenna.
Initially bought a amplified antenna from auto parts store for inner fairing and that was useless and took it back.
Any suggestions?
Problem I am having is now I have no to little FM radio reception (yea I still like radio), when a channel does come in it kind of fades in and out (weak to strong), I am still using the stock setup for antenna, have tried both my short antennas and the original long whip antenna.
Initially bought a amplified antenna from auto parts store for inner fairing and that was useless and took it back.
Any suggestions?
Yes, this is a known problem when using class D amps such as the Soundstream amp. I have the same problem also... the louder I turn my radio up the worst the signal gets. Do a search on this topic and you will see the reason why in greater detail. It's just the nature with class D amps.
Sorry about the problem your having rrcrum, but you're not alone. Many folks are having problems with the Soundstream & radio reception. Fortunately, I'm not one of them and so far no one has figured out a cure for the problem. As 1sweetglide08, this is a problem inherent to Class D amps and speculation is that the reason we're seeing the problem on our bikes (as opposed to folks running this in there cars) is the close proximity of the amp to the head unit.
I know that one forum member was talking about moving his amp to the tour-pak or saddlebags, to see if the problem went away, but I don't know if he actually did it or what the results were.
I have used both the Alpine KTP-445U and the Soundstream PN4.520D on my bike, which are both Class D, without any interference problems.
Hopefully someone will figure this out!
I know that one forum member was talking about moving his amp to the tour-pak or saddlebags, to see if the problem went away, but I don't know if he actually did it or what the results were.
I have used both the Alpine KTP-445U and the Soundstream PN4.520D on my bike, which are both Class D, without any interference problems.
Hopefully someone will figure this out!
Just installed a Soundstream 4.520 with Titan II speakers in my 2011 Ultra Classic and still have a STRONG FM signal. Using a hidden antenna in the fairing. I made sure not to run the power wire near the antenna and have a good solid ground to the frame with 10ga wire. Not sure it this is the reason or if I'm just one of the lucky ones.
I didn't have any problems with my fm reception but I'm running factory antenna.
Mental madness I emailed ss about another issue and I got a very cut dry bs reply back I think you might do better getting someone on the phone I wasn't very I pressed with there email customer service. I sent them another back on the issue hope to hear back on it but doubt I will.
Mental madness I emailed ss about another issue and I got a very cut dry bs reply back I think you might do better getting someone on the phone I wasn't very I pressed with there email customer service. I sent them another back on the issue hope to hear back on it but doubt I will.
I too like the fm on occasion. According to some info I have been informed of the switching inside the amp in the power supply switches somewhere in the frequency band that the fm radio is and this is what causes the interference. Don't know any other particulars or details don't have a reference for it. Just throwing it out there I'm sure someone can clarify or correct me on this statement. But I haven't had much time to really see if I have an issue or not on a clear day. When I know what stations I can pick up.
Last edited by UltraNutZ; Apr 10, 2013 at 08:07 PM.
2003 electra glide classic, sock antenna, stock HU , rear pods added.
SS 4.520 amp, polk speakers. Added a antenna amp. Did not help at all
Lost most FM reception, the stations I can get are fine, dosnt seem to make a diffrernce if station is close or Not local stong station comes in fine another station in the same building will not come in
Randy
SS 4.520 amp, polk speakers. Added a antenna amp. Did not help at all
Lost most FM reception, the stations I can get are fine, dosnt seem to make a diffrernce if station is close or Not local stong station comes in fine another station in the same building will not come in
Randy
Thread Starter
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 14,670
Likes: 139
From: East of the Sun, West of the Moon
Installed the PN4.520D amp with my Sony Head Unit and Polk speakers, lets just say it rocks with the IPOD plugged in.
Problem I am having is now I have no to little FM radio reception (yea I still like radio), when a channel does come in it kind of fades in and out (weak to strong), I am still using the stock setup for antenna, have tried both my short antennas and the original long whip antenna.
Initially bought a amplified antenna from auto parts store for inner fairing and that was useless and took it back.
Any suggestions?
Problem I am having is now I have no to little FM radio reception (yea I still like radio), when a channel does come in it kind of fades in and out (weak to strong), I am still using the stock setup for antenna, have tried both my short antennas and the original long whip antenna.
Initially bought a amplified antenna from auto parts store for inner fairing and that was useless and took it back.
Any suggestions?
take a look at this picture. This is from Walt's install. Mine is run exactly the same and neither of us have issues.
Which side of the wiring tray did you run your power wire down?
you'll notice that I ran Walt's (as well as mine) down the left side and if you save this picture to your computer and zoom in on it you'll see the FM antenna wire (larger black wire) run down the right side of the tray.
Let's seperate these wires because now that I start thinking about this and some of the comments being made like "as the volume increases the FM gets worse" makes me think that as more current flows through that battery wire, the more interference is being injected into the FM circuit.
Last edited by UltraNutZ; Apr 9, 2013 at 01:04 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 1,935
Likes: 90
From: Charlotte
I have a 2012 Street Glide, stock antenna, stock HU, Sound Steam 4.520D amp and Polk DB651 speakers. My amp is wired into my saddlebag. My FM reception goes in and out and some stations is heavily distorted. I called Sound Stream (I don't recall the person's name) but I was told that this is not a known issue and I should take the amp back to whereever I purchased it.
Thread Starter
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 14,670
Likes: 139
From: East of the Sun, West of the Moon
keep em coming guys.. Any amp doesn't matter.
I'm slowly learning of many other Class D amps such as JL Audio, Hogtunes, Kenwood, Sony, Soundstream, and Alpine so far all causing these issues.
I'm slowly learning of many other Class D amps such as JL Audio, Hogtunes, Kenwood, Sony, Soundstream, and Alpine so far all causing these issues.
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Thread Starter
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 14,670
Likes: 139
From: East of the Sun, West of the Moon
I have a 2012 Street Glide, stock antenna, stock HU, Sound Steam 4.520D amp and Polk DB651 speakers. My amp is wired into my saddlebag. My FM reception goes in and out and some stations is heavily distorted. I called Sound Stream (I don't recall the person's name) but I was told that this is not a known issue and I should take the amp back to whereever I purchased it.
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,159
Likes: 120
From: pontotoc ms
i have the same problem,does anyone think the grade of your amp hot wire and ground wire would make a differance,i bought a cheapo set up on amazion.how about anyone else.going to buy a better wire setup and see if that helps,also check the way i got the wires run.oh have ss amp also
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
From: WI
2006 ultra. Stock antennas, stock head unit. Had amp power wire ran down left side. Grounded at ground point on neck. 10 Gauge automotive wire. Tried grounding stock antenna, head unit, amp, etc. with aux. ground wire. Tried complete antenna unit from a car. Base grounded and ungrounded. Stations would come and go, higher the volume the worse the interference. If I would hold antenna as far away from amp as possible could get a few stations, if I tilted antenna mast towards amp(witihin a few inches) zero stations would come in. Called soundstream and was told IT IS NOT THE AMP, IMPOSSIBLE. Amp worked great, FM did not.