Audio Systems: my cd player cuts in and out at high volume, infinity system, external amplifier

Question
QUESTION: I own a 2000 Chrysler Town & Country. It has the stock Infinity sound system and i recently purchased a Jensen VM9312 in-dash dvd player. The dvd player is rated at 40x4 wattage wise. The volume goes up to 40,and when i get around 30-33 the speakers cut in and out, but the subs still play. The cd-player doesnt dim or turn off, just flickers the audio when turned up on certain songs...Not sure what to do, the wires are all connected correctly. Any help would be greatly appreciated

ANSWER: So, you replaced the Infinity system with the Jensen VM9312 unit?  Is that right? Or do you have them both running? (If so that can be big trouble without some additional switching of the speakers to the amp you want to listen to).  Also, did you replace the Infinity amplifier? Has it been removed from the car?

Next, the Jensen VM9312 unit is really only 13 watts of power/channel.  (The 40 watts is a peak or maximum power and is not relevant for listening power).  So, when you turn it up too far you are simply running out of audio power and the overpower system is cutting in and out.  You may have to add an external amplifier with higher power. The reason the bass unit is ok is because it has its own power amplifier.

Let me know if you need more after studying my questions and comments.

CC



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: if it has an external infinity amp, im not sure where its located at, and i only have the jensen cd player hooked up not the stock one, and if i need an external amp, how much power should i get

Answer
I think the external amp is likely located underneath the passenger seat but that is only from a poor memory.  If it still has connections to the speakers it could be adding a load to the speaker/amp of the Jensen.  So, you must solve that question first.

For added amplifier in a minivan you should be wanting at least 50 watts per channel. Not an expensive addition either.  I like www.crutchfield.com for shopping the alternatives, but you can purchase an amp from anywhere; bestbuy, circuitcity, etc.

Hope this helps.
C