Hello everyone. I know absolutely nothing about sound systems and electrical whatnot; a while back (a couple years now) I got a relatively ghetto sound system done . Some nice speakers up front but decided to put a huge cabinet where my trunk used to be....Aaaaaaanyway I've always had this issue (that I'm just now addressing) where the sound will cut out completely if I have the sub up too loud. It will stay off (all audio, any input) and won't turn back on until I turn the car off and back on. It's like turbo limp mode but for the sound system lol. Anyway, another thing is that often the subwoofer won't come on after starting the car, until I have driven a long time or until I crank the music loud enough that it seems to make it kick in. I've asked many a friend about this and nobody seems to have any idea what's going on, so I figured I'd ask you guys. Thanks so much for any help or feedback!

and background info It's a Fusion Sub, their 12" kit that came with a sh*tty amp and wiring. I'm sure that's my issue but I want to figure out what exactly I need to upgrade. Thanks again.
--Caleb

 

It sounds like you've got two problems - both related to your amplifier. The first - sound cutting out at high volumes - is likely because your amplifier does not properly isolate signal ground from power ground, and at high input voltages (high volumes) the head unit starts to see what essentially is a short, and it goes into over-current shutdown. This won't reset until you power the vehicle off and back on.

The second issue is almost certainly a separate issue, but is likely due to a failing component in the amplifiers input stage, probably a capacitor. It could also be a signal wiring issue though - a poor or loose connection, but this is less likely.

Get yourself a decent amp capable of properly handling the MINI headunit's balanced output signal.

 

Thanks for your help! Any suggestions of a particular amp to go with? I really don't know anything about sound system components. Thanks
--Caleb

 

There are plenty of decent options, but as someone who has looked at all of them extensively I can tell you that the ARC MINI line is the best all around option of performance/price/size in an amp with a full differential balanced input (i.e. can handle the MINI HU's output).