Audio Systems: stereo, alpine headunit, alpine stereo

Question
I have a 98 saturn LS1. I took out the factory radio/cassette (which worked) to install an alpine stereo/cd player.  I got power but no sound so gave up and put in factory stereo/cassette and it now does the same power no sound. I just bought the car and know from paperwork I found in it that it had an aftermarket security system installed (not sure if that is related).  Can you tell me what the problem might be?

Answer
Hi,

I presume the Alpine headunit you were using indeed has internal poweramps to drive the speakers (or that IS part of the problem, if it does not).
I also presume that you not have tested the unit(s) with a known functioning test speaker and short test wires. The next step is to do so.
In a nutshell:
If you are certain the headunits are compatible, working and were wired correctly,  the speakers and/or their wiring is at fault.


I doubt the security would do what you describe (unless this vehicle had a VERY esoteric and custom alarm installed.. what you describe is beyond extremely rare in alarms).

To help isolate things, you might just want to run all new wire for the chassis ground, memory (constant 12v) and the key switched 12v just (if not only temporarily while testing the headunits with a test speaker on short leads) to be sure that any pre-existing wiring is a non-issue. This may best be accomplished out of the vehicle if you have 12V handy. This is where the real term  'benchtesting' came from, it's basis is to remove any other factors that may impede the performance or operation of the device being tested.. bla bla :)

This should really help you know whats' expected from it in the car.

Jm


Of course, it may be that you just physically boogered something while working it. Problem would be near the rear of the unit where you were working and should have been caught by now.