R5 audio issue

[LyGuy_]

Hi All -

I've been following this forum for a while but this is my first public post. I'm considering purchasing a used 2018 R5 and I was hoping to get folks thoughts on a recurring audio issue based on service records and a recent water test.

Service records indicate that the original owners have had issues with speakers cutting out as well as a buzzing or static sound coming from various speakers. The boat has premium sound with arch speakers and they had the Cobalt dealer add a 2nd set of arch speakers (same stock JL Audio as the first set from the factory). There are 3 JL Audio amps (2 small and 1 large). Details on the service records / water test below:

• The 1st service record mentions a buzzing sound from the transom speakers and the arch speakers cutting out. I don't have details on the fix for this.

• The 2nd service record says that one channel went out on the amp that powered the bow & transom speakers. The owner then put all 4 wires into the channel that was working before bringing it in for service. For resolution, the dealer said "the amp had the 4 tower speakers hooked up to individual channels, and 4 speakers hooked up to one channel. The customer states that there was only 2 of the other four channels used, and when one went out, they connected them to the other channel. We took and hooked up the other 4 speakers to the other 4 channels that were not being used, and all the speakers are working."

• The 3rd service record says "customer was in before for static through the speakers. We repaired that but now the front bow speakers have static." I don't know what the resolution for this was (I will try to get more detail from the dealer on Monday).

• Finally, we water tested the boat and all the speakers worked but there was a buzzing / static sound from the transom speakers that was very noticeable at low volume while the engine was idling. After turning off the engine and turning up the volume the static was less noticeable but it may have just been overpowered by the music.

I called our local Cobalt dealer and they said that sometimes you can get buzzing if the wiring is too close to the head unit. They also mentioned that sometimes the RGB LEDs can cause static as well (which this boat has).

Any thoughts on what may be causing this issue?

Thank you in advance for any advice!

[Big Block Power]

Just to let you know cobalt stereo wiring is terrible. If it was me I would bring it to a Stereo shop unless you are handy and run all new wires.
The big issue is the grds have to be the same for the amp as the stereo.

[Norris_Boating]

I know there are lots of issues with the Rockford head units, though I haven't seen this issue that your describing. I would replace the head unit and see if the problem goes away.
And welcome!

[AsLan7]

.
Hey Lyguy_. So glad you found us.

Any buzzing or static is almost always a grounding issue. We have RGB's and a JL Audio amp/speaker setup for our inside boat audio. No buzzing. Like bbp mentioned, an audio installation specialist can track this down.
We have the RF head unit and a software update cured a BT drop out issue. Not sure if you have that going on at all.

Any pics?

And welcome aboard mate.

.

[Krob1114]

I know there are lots of issues with the Rockford head units, though I haven't seen this issue that your describing. I would replace the head unit and see if the problem goes away.
And welcome!

Maybe we got lucky? No problems. Make that no problems yet.