What causes turn on / off pops and thumps and how can I get rid of them?

What causes turn on / off pops and thumps and how can I get rid of them? 

When a car audio system utilizes additional components such as amplifiers and processors, those devices are turned on and off automatically with a signal from the source unit (known as remote turn-on).

Occasionally, those components may have built in delays that turn them on and off at different intervals. This is especially common when mixing different brands of components into a single system. These different turn on/off intervals may cause an audible "pop" or "thump" when turning the system on or off.

For example, if the amplifier in a system turns on before a crossover, the crossover may send a small transient signal to the amplifier. Because the amplifier is already on, it amplifies the transient signal causing the turn-on noise.

There are different methods to cure a turn-on noise, including devices that "delay" the turn-on of the amplifier until after the other components have come on and "settled down". These delay turn-on devices are available from most car audio accessory suppliers.

To cure a noise at turn-off, the amplifier must shut off before the other components in the system. To do this, you must delay the turn-off of the other components until after the amplifier shuts off.

This sounds like a lot of work to figure out, and it can be frustrating to get rid of such noises, but patience will help you to find the source of your trouble and fix it. See your local Rockford Fosgate dealer for additional assistance if you run into trouble.