Recently I experienced something strange - my left speakers would crackle/distort when driving over bumpy roads. It would sound normal/great when stationary. So 2 Saturdays ago I visited Sheng Auto. Jackson sat in a test drive and told me that he suspected that my amplifier was faulty. But that day he was packed and didn't have time to even check further.
Even though I suspected it was the speaker's wiring, I wasn't sure and proceeded to get a replacement amp because I trusted his diagnosis, and also partly because I wanted it changed anyway as one of the channels isn't working. Later on, my friend suggested that I try to change the inputs and channels between left and right to confirm whether it's the speakers or the amp. Turns out, the problem remained on the left side. Oh well.
So on Tuesday I went to try out 2 audio/accessories shop and now gonna share for you guys reference.
1. Elegant Auto Sound, near CarClick (can find on Google Maps)
- asked the guy to replace my existing amplifier with another one
- asked the guy to check the wiring of my left speakers
- asked the guy to see if the audio whine can be solved with something I brought along
- asked the guy to try installing a remote control for the headunit
- asked for a price estimate and he said between RM100-200 depending on what he hears for himself
- saw a SG plate in front of me, so thought he shouldn't be too bad. agreed and left the place with another friend to CarClick to replace his car's spark plugs (which took like 1 hour + because had to wait for the dispatch to send the plugs, my friend wasn't too impressed)
- came back about 2 hours later to find the amplifier replaced, but the front speakers had left/right inputs wrongly connected - ok no problem, can just swap it myself
- sounded like the audio whine was gone, but found out later on that it was because amplifier gain wasn't increased
- the guy said there wasn't anything wrong with the left speakers
- the add-on remote was installed and then removed because he said it wasn't compatible - will need to try this again as there is something setting in the headunit to program the keys
- damage RM80
- probably partly my own fault for not staying there to see exactly what he did
- but likely won't revisit because of the next shop I visited
2. Yaw Audio Accessories, near Taman Sentosa
- after I found that that left speakers still crackled, my friend recommended to this shop (which he later told me he has been frequenting them for almost 12 years)
- was lucky they weren't attending to anyone else when I arrived
- told them about my left speakers crackling when road is bumpy
- they proceeded to check the amp and said it was all ok
- after I suggested twice that I suspect it's the speaker's wiring, they checked the left front speaker, and true enough, found one of the wires breaking off without much force. proceeded to re-wire that, and so far the crackling speaker issue is fixed
- damage RM65
- could probably have saved some if I went to just this 2nd shop
- will probably revisit them because they are the only shop so far who recommended that I install some line suppressor to try to fix the audio whine/aeroplane sound, which would cost another RM65 labour and RM20 for the part if it works
- even Sheng Auto just told me it's probably due to the headunit and there's nothing they can do (they are the ones who ran the amplifier and speaker cables)
- downside with Yaw is they are quite hardsell with some of their stuff, but can always say no and they don't change attitude if you say no
- plus side is they advise the pricing up front before doing anything
So this little exercise I spent a bit of unnecessary money here and there, just to find some alternatives. Looks like I may visit Yaw more often - more easily accessible, and more time definite. A little more pricey perhaps, but better than being told no time slot after driving all the way there.
Will update again if I visit Yaw a second time.