Posted July 25, 200718 yr Hello everyone,I haven't posted here in a while, but I've been keeping myself current on the threads in the build logs section for sure.Some of you might remember my build log, and might also remember that once I got to the point where I could finally fire the thing up, I was having lots of trouble with noise. I tested and tested, and it turns out that it is my JL Audio 500/5 that's to blame (I installed another amp in its place and the problem was totally fixed). It's a high pitched beeping sound that changes evenly in frequency (up and down). Sometimes it actually sounds like a pack of dolphins from the nature shows... very bizarre. It makes this noise in all channels, and does it regardless of whether or not the car is running (which I assume rules out alternator interference). I plugged my ipod into the inputs of one of the channels to see if it could be the HU... noise is still there. Even when I turn the HU off, the noise is there... when I disconnect the RCA leads from the amp... you guessed it... noise is still there.I sent the 500/5 into JL Audio probably about a year ago for the same problems. That's what encouraged me to tear my car apart and redo my installation. My new install took almost a full year... I only had limited time to work on it... Needless to say, it sucked the life out of me. So I never tested the amp until somewhat recently. This is the same exact problem.The previous repair was under warranty. My warranty is now long expired.So finally, to my question: Would you guys ever take your gear to an independent shop for repair? Check this one out in my area, for example:http://precision-audio-video.com/?gclid=CN...CFSEfYQodilG-HgThey have a ginormous list of brands they repair, and my concern is that they might be too "jack of all trades". I'm not electrical engineer, but the 500/5 has some pretty complex circuitry in it (I can only assume due to its high level of adjustability), much of which I assume is proprietary... But I don't want to wait 2-3 months for JL audio to "fix it", only to have them screw me again...Thanks!Peter Edited July 25, 200718 yr by Bigpete123
July 25, 200718 yr I would almost ask if its not worth it to just invest in another amp at this point.
July 25, 200718 yr Noisy power supply huh? Well, JL makes great gear, but it comes to a point when you just can't win. I'd say try to get them to honor the repair. They may just take care of you. If not, time for another amp.
July 25, 200718 yr Author I guess I didn't really think about that option... I assumed that it would be cheaper to just get the thing repaired... If I buy it online from an unauthorized dealer, we're talking about $600... Quite a bit more from an authorized source...JL Audio only charges a $160 (I think) flat rate for their repairs... Maybe I'll just bite the bullet and send it in, and see if I can get them to do it for free... Maybe first I should take it to that shop and see if they can hook it up just for testing to make sure that I'm not crazy.
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