so I have a constant 12v and a 'switched' 12v wired up. the constant 12v is running through fuse #8, a 16amp fuse, and the 'switched' 12v is running through fuse #1, a 8amp fuse. the static I'm getting when I turn up the volume (to a level needed to hear music on the freeway) doesn't sound like radio static, it's much worse... kinda an intollerable popping sound, and I'm guessing if I turn it up the volume loud enough, i'll blow more fuses.

when the ignition is off, but the cd player is on (with volume low enough that I don't hear the popping), the display on the unit goes dim with the beat of the music....

It's more than likely that I've damaged the head unit - I never have disconnected the battery when connecting the 12v lines... the lines are so jerry-rigged anyway that I pretty much deserve a broken $180 sony.

Question: which 12v line should I directly tap the battery for: constant 12v, 'switched' 12v, don't tap the battery, give up now?

thanks for all the help guys, we're gonna get through this!!

- '83 245gl