Damn, never seen this happen b4! Ive actually seen this happen with aq1200 and 2200's...ive even had a few new DD amps and i personally havent had that issue. Maybe they were loose straight outta the box when new?

 

That is definitely a possibility. Guess I should have double checked them instead of relying on QC.

buddy had it happen on his dc 3k's and the side ones on his 1100. added little lock washers

That is wild. Can't believe they don't use better screws and some thread lock. My sk4500 had like 9 screws in either end. I guess DD thinks 4 is plenty.

 

buddy had it happen on his dc 3k's and the side ones on his 1100. added little lock washers

 

On another not, how do you like the new bass knob with the voltage meter built in? Does it need calibration or is it already accurate?

 

There is no option to calibrate it. It is as accurate as my 3 dollar harbor freight DMM. Pretty neat feature, if your amp doesn't fall apart.

 

Lol i hope mine doesnt, i bought a new DD m3c and will have it by Wednesday. Ill be checking all the screws lol

 

I'm going to check mine tomorrow. Been mounted upside down for a few months now

 

Mount that sumbitch somewhere else. If its vibrating the screws out it needs moved imo

 

There is as much vibration in the amp rack as there is my c or b pillars. That's why I am so disappointed with this situation. The first thing I did with this build was make the amp rack. Everything else was designed around it. It stout.

 

It's obviously not as stout as you think. I would seriously reevaluate your mounting location.

 

Any helpful ideas? I thought bolting it through the uni body and to the c pillars was the best I could do. I can't find anything that vibrates less than the amp rack in my vehicle.

 

What's really going on is that your dd is bucking your system. "Sundown? PRECISION POWER!? Oh hell nawww"

 

I mounted my xs8k w 2 layers of closed cell under it. Be amazed at what happens in there when the lid is shut. Its all crazy shit like in the fridge when you shut the door and the light goes out!

 

Haha. I'll have to check out your build log for ideas.

Here's a couple more pics of my amp rack. Really don't know what else to do. Only other mounting locations are to the enclosure, roof, or floor where people will put their feet on it.

 

That's pretty much how mine was in the old scion and it was fine. Dc5.0, old M4 and new M4.

I did have cross braces which might have made the difference.

 

Happened to my audioque 3500.1 and i bought loctite tk prevent it from happening. I always tighten my screws before installing now

 

I'm confused. I dunno if anybody else noticed too but the very 1st reply and story you stated the amp gets a little bit of vibration. Later on you say that there's so much vibration in the amp rack as the c and b pillars.....so which is it??

Case in point, Todd hit the nail on the head. You need to reconfigure your so called amp rack since your running a lot of watts and quite possibly cabin pressure. I would multi layer a new amp rack or modify that one you got.

Also when your amp was assembled, it could have been missed for the screws to tighten. It's possible. Not all amps made will be the same. There could be something different from one to another.

 

What I was implying is that my c and b pillars vibrate less than anything else on my vehicle. And that is how much my amp rack vibrates as well. It is VERY minimal. If I cant find a location that vibrates less, then how do I make the amp see less vibration? Float it with baloons? Im not on here lying about how much my shit vibrates. People are saying it's vibrating worse than I am aware of. I guess I haven't had my hands on it while it was full tilt at every frequency like they have. :dontknow:

 

Once your vehicle gets 150db+ everything vibrates bad. Just tighten screws down and use locktite/glue if needed.

 

If your vehicle is unibody:

If your vehicle had a frame it would be a different story, the vehicle frames are isolated from the body by rubber body mounts and rubber suspension components, unibody vehicles only get the suspension component rubber so any vibration not absorbed by suspension is distributed throughout the unibody structure which is designed to dissipate the sound/road vibrations by spreading it out. Now you have bolted/welded/attached a metal object to the unibody so it is sending those road and other vibrations through the framework you installed which in turn is running right through your amp.


At least thats my theory....

I would get some rubber pads about 1/4" thick to separate your mounts from the unibody structure then apply some good rubberized foam under the amps before bolting them to your rack (old Neoprene wet suit from a garage sale may work).



Now if your vehicle is a full frame vehicle my theory is moot but the isolation steps I mentioned above would still help.

 

in the situation I described, all amps were on a 2x4 sandwiched wall in a regular cab pickup. hard to put a 3 foot amp in there.

 

i use closed cell foam to mount all my amps as a cussion for the "feet" and use a metal washer with rubber underside to screw thru to sandwich the amp with some isolation to vibrational issues. a pic is worth a thousand words so have a look at the foam feet i made this amp.

 

I think this and some loctite will fix my problem. Thanks for the pics!

 

Amps just don't like this kid. I have seen this amp rack in person and even been next to it when we clamped the amp, and I didn't see the amp move at all, so this is kinda crazy.

 

Amps just don't like this kid. I have seen this amp rack in person and even been next to it when we clamped the amp, and I didn't see the amp move at all, so this is kinda crazy.

LOL, Sorry just had to :lol:

 

Red or blue locktight on threads + rubber washers between the box and amp.

Maybe take the amp off the box

 

Maybe I'll make an amp rack. Think that would help?

 

Well, other than the issue that caused this. can you fix it yourself? As in, is the sheared off screw still tall enough to unscrew with a pair of pliers, or is it level with the screw hole? Because if the latter is the case, the only way to get it out at that point is to Dremel a slot into the remaining screw shaft so you can unscrew it with a flat head, but idk how handy you are or how much you want to risk accidentally grinding some of the paint off. Then you can probably find a suitable replacement screw at home depot.

I'm just saying, you don't necessarily have to pay that 50 bucks and ship it off.

 

I could easily get the screw out with a left hand drill bit. Problem is that the amp now produces a humming/fluttering noise through my subwoofers and when I adjust the remote gain knob I get a loud pop/thud through the woofers.

 

It is something that can happen on anything using screws that vibrates alot -- definitely not unheard of in car audio amplifiers. With a loud system things like that are worth checking periodically -- along with power/ground terminals on your amp and so forth.

 

Don't know if anyone cares but a little update. Dd got the amp on the 2nd. They tested the amp and said that it onlyy has issues if the remote gain knob is plugged in. They also told me that any m3 or above amp has no warranty so I will be paying for any repairs. They said tech would look at amp and they would get back to me no later than today. Fast forward to today. It's 3pm so I figured I would give them a call. Spoke with someone that said there is nothing wrong with my amp and that they will ship it back. I explained that the problem only shows up when the remote knob is plugged in, per THEIR update that they gave me via email. They said they would have to call me back. They call me back 2 minutes later and inform me that their tech doesn't work on site and he hasn't been in to pick up my amp yet.

I'm pretty happy with this whole situation thus far.

 

Someone needs to look at their own warranty policy.....

I see nothing about M3 and above amplifiers having no warranty.... Does anyone else????

From their website:

1yr Manufacturer's Defect Warranty:

The warranty period begins on the original purchase date from an authorized DD dealer for the respective periods specified below. DD agrees to repair or replace, at our discretion and expense, all DD products which are defective in material and/ or workmanship for the period of one year from date of purchase. This warranty is non-transferable and applies only to the original purchaser of the product. A valid receipt of purchase must be sent in with the the product to be eligible for warranty.In addition to the 1yr Manufacturer's Defect Warranty DD products (excluding M4a and Z series woofers) also come with our Road Hazard Coverage (see below for details).​

2. Road Hazard Coverage:​

Road Hazard Coverage is at the discretion of DD and covers standard product failures that are not due to a manufacturer's defect (i.e. burnt voice coils and blown power amps). Road Hazard coverage excludes the M4a amplifier and Z series woofers.

Within 90 Daysof purchase DD will offer a one (1) time repair or replacement, at their discretion and cost, of any product that fails due to an issue that is not covered under the Manufacturer's DefectWarranty.​

After the 90 day period, for the remainder of the 1yr warranty period, if the product fails due to an issue that is not covered under the Manufacturer's Defect Warranty the product will be eligible for a one (1) time discounted repair rate.​

3. Post Warranty Lifetime Service:​

DD builds their products with the best parts available in the industry. This enables us to actually service the majority of our products in house instead of just swapping them out and throwing the failed product away. So, no matter the age of your DD woofer or amp we most likely can provide repair service. This means you'll never have to buy a new sub or amp at full price again. In the event we can't service your product we will extend a discount on a new equivalent product.​

Serviced Product:​

Woofers and amplifiers serviced under warranty will maintain any remaining warranty period. All out of warranty service woofers will receive a 1yr Manufacturer's Defect Warranty from date of return shipping. All out of warranty serviced amplifiers will be tested, and guaranteed to be in 100% working order, to the best of our knowledge, before it leaves our possession. Amplifiers serviced as out of warranty will have a 30 day Service Warranty on repairs made. Failures after the serviced products return, not directly related to the made repairs will not be covered under the Service Warranty.​

EXCLUSIONS
DD's Manufacturer's Warranty does not apply with respect to the following:​

• Burned/open voice coils or busted suspensions due to over-driving.
• Blown outputs or a blown power supplies in amplifiers due to overdriving or under voltage.
• Defects or damage caused by accident, improper installation, plain old abuse, fire, flood, lightning, or other acts of God.
• Damage caused during shipping or handling. These claims are made with the Freight Company.
• Accessories attached to or to be used with DD products.
• Products that have their serial numbers removed.
• Packing materials. i.e. card board boxes, corners, peanuts, and etc.
• Adjustments or alterations required for compatibility with conditions prevailing in foreign countries.
• Items subject to fatigue through normal wear and use.
• Product, which has been altered or repaired by anyone other than DD, or an authorized DD Service Center.

OBTAINING WARRANTY SERVICE​

• All units must be returned to DD with a valid RMA# for warranty service.
• To obtain an RMA# go online to [url]http://rma.ddaudio.com/return.[/URL]
• Write the RMA number on the outside of the package being returned. Product will not be accepted without an RMA number.
• Secure the product in its original packaging, which includes both the box and the foam insulating material.If the product is not returned to DD in the original packaging, or if the original packaging used in return shipping is damaged it will be re-packaged upon return.
• Include the form you received with you RMA# or a statement containing the following information with the product to be returned:
  1. Customer name, address and phone number
  2. RMA number and a description of the problem
  3. Name of dealer
  4. Proof of Purchase
• You are responsible for all shipping arrangements and charges. DD suggests you insure the package being returned.
  NO CODs WILL BE ACCEPTED
• All return shipping charges for DD products that have been serviced under this warranty will be paid by DD, and we will insure the package on its return.
• If special handling for the return shipping is requested, DD will deduct regular UPS ground from the charges if the product has been serviced under this warranty.
• If product serviced was not covered under warranty then an estimate for the repairs will be given & payment must be made in advance before repair work begins. All unclaimed product, or product on unpaid service orders will become property of DD after 90 days.
• The service evaluation and repair estimate process will begin when product is received. This includes breaking down woofers, bench testing amplifiers, and disposal of any non usable (non factory) packaging.
• When a product is sent to DD for service it is assumed that the customer has read and fully understands the DD warranty policy. If you have any questions regarding this policy please contact DD online or call 405-239-2800.

LIMITATIONS
This warranty is made by DD and is subject to the following conditions:​

• This warranty is valid only within the territory of the United States of America. To be covered by this warranty the DD product concerned must have been originally purchased, and the person seeking warranty service must reside in one of fifty states of the United States of America or the District of Columbia.
• DD shall have no liability whatsoever for incidental or consequential damages. The responsibility of DD under this warranty shall be limited to the repair or replacement of defective DD products by sole discretion of DD or its authorized service providers. In states that do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.
• This warranty is valid only with respect to repairs affected by DD or an authorized DD service provider.
• All warranties, other than the express warranty herein contained, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose are limited in duration to the applicable warranty period set forth above.

ADDITIONAL WARRANTY SERVICE INFORMATION
Some states do not allow limitations on length of an implied warranty. This warranty provides you with specific legal rights. You may also have other rights, which may vary, from state to state.​

DD's warranty policy benefits our customers by assuring them that only persons qualified by DD will be authorized to service its products. Our policy enables DD to receive defective components so our Research and Development team can research problems as they arise in order to eliminate them in the future. DD takes steps to improve the performance and endurance of its product, which can only be done at our plant. When the unit is received by DD it is completely serviced, including replacing any necessary components. All parts are checked to insure no other part has been affected which could create distortions in output, or other avoidable future problems.​

 

Wow, that is horrible customer service. Hopefully they repair it correctly the first time. :thumbsup:

 

It is what it is I guess. I have never dealt with having something repaired because I always buy used gear. I hope this isn't how all companies handle things. It's an 1800 dollar amp that, at least according to their website, gets 1 free repair within 90 days of purchase. It's not like I blew the output section on the amp. I was pretty happy with my purchase at first, it was nice thinking I had a warranty for a worst case scenerio. Now I feel like I was ripped off. I hate to be that guy, but damn.

 

wait wait wait, youre telling me they said no m3 or above amp has no warranty?!?!?! after you just bought a bnib m4b, honestly thats pretty jacked up. thats literally the only reason i see people buying new from the company is so that there is at least some warranty, or recognition or good product. if not then what would be the point??? dont get me wrong i love DD, i have 2 m3b's, but thats just not cool in my book.

 

Their words were "on any amp m3 and up we do service only, no warranty repairs". That was their response to me after I mentioned the fact that the amp was only 2 months old.

 

Had this happen to my ct4k. It was from vibration due to mounting on the box.

 

I'd be telling them to fix it so you can sell it as you have no desire to run their products based on how they handle themselves as a business and refuse to stand behind their grossly overpriced products...

 

I'm debating it. I'm going to bug the shit out of them until I get the amp back.

The real bummer is that the only show my work schedule will allow me to attend is happening this Saturday and I've had plans to go for awhile now.