Audio Problem: Loud Popping Sound When Changing Tracks....

[V1257125]

Hello,

I've had my ZX for 5 years now, and I love absolutely everything about it. It's my first car, that took me months to find (yet, it was OH SO worth it), and with the help of my Dad, I've been able to improve it, and customize a few things, including my audio system.

When I first got it in 2005, the OEM rear Bose speakers were sadly ruined, so I had to get them replaced (with 6"x9" Infiniti Speakers via two custom enclosure boxes, which sound excellent). I also got an aftermarket CD player to replace an odd dual-deck setup that canceled each other out (one CD player, one cassette) that the previous owner must have installed. However, after fixing all of that, something else has still been wrong with my system: Before and after I had my stereo and back speakers changed, there has been a loud "popping" sound that is emitted from the speakers whenever CD tracks are switched, and when the stereo is turned off. I've asked EVERY audio expert I know over the past 5 years what exactly is causing this horrible sound, but no one has been able to tell me where it's coming from (not even at Nissan dealerships).

So, I was just wondering if anyone here is familiar with this issue, and what should be done to fix it. I've been assuming that once I get my subwoofers and amplifier installed (which I'll FINALLY be getting this month), maybe that would stop the popping sound from happening, since the previous owner left some type of amp wires hanging out that are not connected to anything in the back. But if that's not it, I'd really appreciate some advice.

Thank You.

[robomatic12]

So currently you are running what speakers/enclosure up front?

What aftermarket cd player have you installed?

Who did the wiring? If you did, did you solder or use butt connectors? How is it grounded?

[V1257125]

Both of the original Bose speakers work fine in front, so I'm using those, with the two custom Infinitis in back (I have a 2 seater). My CD player is by Panasonic. I had the player and the two back speakers installed at a Circuit City back in '05, so I'm not sure about the soldering/grounding of the wires. The guy who did it for me just happened to own a Z32 as well (so he knew how to bypass the back Bose connection for the Infinitis, and still use the front OEM Bose speakers with the aftermarket player), but was not able to fix the popping after he finished the installation. : He couldn't figure out where it was coming from.

Other "experts" since then have told me that in order to find the source of the problem, the car would have to be "taken apart" on the inside, but I just don't believe it should require that....Well, at least I HOPE it shouldn't. I've dealt with it so far, but now that I'm getting subs/amp put in soon, I wanted to post here for possible suggestions of what could be done or searched for during this upcoming installation to stop the pop.

[robomatic12]

I'd worry about the front combination of bose amps/speakers with an aftermarket deck. No idea how it is wired up as most people would remove the bose items and install newer equiptment. This may be a source of your popping as the amps were never meant to work with a new cd player.

[V1257125]

I'd worry about the front combination of bose amps/speakers with an aftermarket deck. No idea how it is wired up as most people would remove the bose items and install newer equiptment. This may be a source of your popping as the amps were never meant to work with a new cd player.

That's a great thought, however, that's been tested too, lol. I should have mentioned this: Back when I got the back speakers put in at Circuit City, they tested two small 4" speakers in the front (I forget the brand). Not only did they sound terribly flat compared to the Bose, lol, the popping sound was still there (just not as loud as it is with the internally amplified front Bose speakers). That's what stumped the guy who did the installation. Therefore, just to be clear, I know for sure it's not the front or back speakers that's causing it. And it's not the CD player either since the popping sound was there BEFORE I removed the original decks as well.

Have you or anyone heard or read about this type of problem before? Like I said in my first post, the previous owner left some thick wires hanging loose out of the middle section of the trunk area right behind the seats (where it looks like an amp was placed). I've never had a sub/amp connection tested yet, but do you think that could be the source? The guy at Circuit City just left them there and assumed they aren't the problem, but I've been thinking otherwise.

[BigTDogg (MA)]

I'd worry about the front combination of bose amps/speakers with an aftermarket deck. No idea how it is wired up as most people would remove the bose items and install newer equiptment. This may be a source of your popping as the amps were never meant to work with a new cd player.

That's not true. Aftermaket head units put out an output which is different from what the OEM amplifiers expect to see. You need a line out put converter to get the Bose amplifiers to work properly. Something like this

I'd remove the head unit and check the wiring behind it. If the popping noise is in all four speakers, then it's an issue with the wiring. Sounds to me like a loose/frayed connection.

[robomatic12]

I never said you couldn't connect the two, they aren't necessarily made to work with bose amps. But yes with the use of a lineout converter you can get them to work. Depending on the quality of the equiptment and install done there are lots of things that can cause abnormal noises.

[V1257125]

I'd worry about the front combination of bose amps/speakers with an aftermarket deck. No idea how it is wired up as most people would remove the bose items and install newer equiptment. This may be a source of your popping as the amps were never meant to work with a new cd player.

That's not true. Aftermaket head units put out an output which is different from what the OEM amplifiers expect to see. You need a line out put converter to get the Bose amplifiers to work properly. Something like this

I'd remove the head unit and check the wiring behind it. If the popping noise is in all four speakers, then it's an issue with the wiring. Sounds to me like a loose/frayed connection.

Right, ok, thanks for the advice. I'll relay this info to the tech who does my subs/amp install. Should I request that he check all of the audio wires and connections behind the head console, or is there a specific one he should look for?

I appreciate your replies too robomatic12. I don't think a lineout converter was installed when I got my aftermarket player. I don't even remember that tech mentioning that. But whatever he did, it worked, lol, 'cause the system sounds like it's still OEM, aside from the popping.

[BigTDogg (MA)]

Right, ok, thanks for the advice. I'll relay this info to the tech who does my subs/amp install. Should I request that he check all of the audio wires and connections behind the head console, or is there a specific one he should look for?

I may have posted these on here before, but incase I haven't, here they are:

For the speaker connections in each corner:



And for behind the head unit:



I would check #3 on the 6 pin harness, the amplifier turn on lead. But check them all. Popping tends to be an intermittent connection issue.