Car Stereos: car stereo buzz/cracking, eclipse cd5425 head unit, pontiac sunfire


Question
QUESTION: I have recently installed a new sound system in my 1989 Pontiac Sunfire. This includes an amp that powers two sub woofers, and an eclipse cd5425 head unit hooked up to 4 speakers. The Problem I am experiencing is a loud buzzing or cracking sound (that only comes through the speakers not the subs) whenever I have the volume above a certain point (its different for each song, usually about 30-50 (max at 80) on the deck). I have taken speakers out of my other car that are in perfect condition and replaced the ones in the Pontiac, and the resulting sound is still the same. However if I have the local radio channel coming through the deck i can max my head unit and there is no buzzing. I am wondering what i can do to get rid of the buzzing/cracking sound.

ANSWER: If the problem exists while playing songs downloaded onto an ipod or an mp3 cd, the problem is the volume that the songs were recorded to the media.  Most times, recording programs are self monitoring, but you can make changes if you like.  If the songs were recorded at too high of a volume, it will cause the song to blare when coming out of the player.  The fix is to use a volume leveling program to make all of the song volumes the same and correct.  Your problems should be over.  Good Luck, Scott

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QUESTION: Hi, I was just wondering if you could tell me what kind of a volume leveling program I should be looking for.

ANSWER: Well, most of the cd ripping programs have volume leveling.  The most recent one that I have used is MusicMatch.  It is a really good player and easy to use for making mp3's.  Your current cd ripping program probably has a volume leveling option somewhere.  You may have to hunt to find it.  I have the same problem sometimes with my mp3 music, and the volume leveling usually fixes the problem.  If you are just downloading the mp3 songs from the internet somewhere (and not ripping them yourself), the song may not be able to be fixed.  In that case, just find another copy of that song that has been recorded correctly.  Let me know if that fixes your problem.  -Scott

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QUESTION: Hi, thanks for the advice Scott. However the problem is still present, It cracks and buzzes while playing any CD, whether it is burnt or an original. I was wondering if i could be the head unit itself?

Answer
Brandon, you are correct.  If the cracking and popping is present on original cds, then there is some sort of problem with the player.  There is a far chance that the laser just needs to be cleaned, but it is not likely.  If you have a laser cleaning cd, you may want to throw it in there and see if it makes a difference.  Otherwise, the player will probably need to be professionally looked at and fixed.  Sorry about the misinformation.  I should have asked if it cracked on originals.  I am sorry I don't have any better news for you. -Scott