So, as aforementioned, Im completely and utterly audio retarded. I guess I should start by giving you guys my setup:

Alpine 9886
Modifry wired DCI
60GB iPod Hardwired to headunit
Alpine amp <-- problem child I think
Alpine Type R Components

Ok, herein lies the problem. I was at the dealer getting an oil change. Before I got there, my stereo worked fine with the top down. When I got it back, I had to turn the volume ALL the way up (~35 on vol. knob) to be able to hear it top down going about 50mph. Ok, this isn't right. I called them and they said (of course), "well, we wouldn't have touched that during an oil change." Coincidence, right.

Anywho, I checked the amp because that's gotta be the problem and it's still powering on, and all wires are connected, but it's just not working it seems. Is there a way to tell if it's "fried" per se? No one around me has an amp I can test it with to make sure. So audio scholars, what's my best course of action? Much thanks.

Take care,
Matt

 

don't change your oil anymore because next time your stereo won't work at all.

 

Go to an audio shop and have them retune the radio or amp. Possibly a tech may have messed with your amp and turned the gains down or messed with the settings in the radio. Or it could be the cd or song your trying to listen to. The audio quality may just suck, or it could be you are used to the sound system now and need more out of it, or it could be your radio is the same and your just a little paranoid cause someone else was in the car. Cant trust them dealers. Alot of "or's".

 

since it sounds like you only have front speakers, make sure the
headunit's fader control didn't accidentally get turned towards the
unused rear channels

 

I've checked all HU settings and they're spot on.
Amp is still connected to battery
Speakers are not grounded out
Carpet in trunk was not removed, nor was the trunk open (I watched them)
All amp connections (on amp) are still in tact
iPod volume hasn't changed because...well, it cant

Im going to check the back of the headunit today and see what's up back there. This sucks.

Thanks for the help,
-Matt

 

Another thought, are all the spks, drivers and tweeters playing equal volume?

 

As far as I can tell, yes.

-Matt

 

I thought the same thing happened to mine, but i found there is a setting that allows you to turn up the gain in the headunit, which i had forgot that i adjusted. Try that

 

Ok, I will.

-Matt