| Whine rises and falls with RPM |
Alternator ground loop |
Ground connections |
| Clicking/popping at idle, faster at higher RPM |
Ignition noise |
RCA routing |
| Constant hiss from tweeters |
Amplifier noise floor |
Gain setting |
| Loud thump when system turns on |
Amplifier pop, DC offset |
Turn-on delay |
| Noise only when certain source active |
Source device ground loop |
LOC or isolation |
| Noise only at high volume |
Amplifier clipping |
Gain reduction |
| Crackling, intermittent |
Bad connection |
Inspect all connectors |
| Static from radio only |
FM tuner issue |
Antenna connection |