Audio Systems: Testing Stereo Output, rca cables, rca jacks

Question
Blaupunkt head unit, Pyramid amp.  No sound after about 1hr, suspect heat related.  How do I test for audio output.  Trying narrow down whether amp or head unit. Head unit sends audio out via rca jacks to amp.  Then normal speaker wire to speakers via the amp.  Head unit display shows audio playing, but no sound.  Is output measured in amps/watts etc?  How to hook up digital meter?  Please don't suggest to bypass the amp, don't want to get into the dash at this time.  Speakers are good.

Answer
Aleekat,
Try this simple test, use a small set of head phones and with adapters plug them into the audio output cables from the head unit(RCA)and listen for sound. if both channels L&R lose sound after about one hour or so with the volume turned up on the head unit, then you will know that the problem is in the head unit. If the sound keeps on playing then your amp may be the problem. I have seen a problem simular to yours with a head unit losing sound from the RCA cables after about 2 hrs of playing, cause--capacitor in the mute circuit was failing causing a constant mute on the output.

TOM,
T&D ELECTRONICS
tdeser@zoominternet.net