Amp gain I swapped batteries. My radio will now go only to 30 on the volume setting. How do I change this to high?

Wow, old school! Humm...If I remember High gain input will distort a wave form. This means the amp increases the wave voltage to pass the maximum available voltage. But since it can't go any higher in voltage, the wave stops at the max (what ever the supply high voltage is rated at) then flattens out at this peak level until the wave drops back down. Your signal distorts any time the feed goes over the limit. Sometimes this is done on purpose as in Guitar amps where there is a separate dial that controls this 'effect'. I'm guessing you are using a regular amp with very simple controls like volume, tone (Bass, Trebble). Some older dedicated amps do not have a volume input but may have a 'Gain' knob which just about serves the same purpose as the volume control. This gain knob is usually set at a level BEFORE distortion can set in from your signal source. Hopefully once properly set you won't overdrive the amp and get unwanted distortion. The problem rises when there are multiple sources of signal say from a Radio Tuner, Turntable (ceramic or Magnetic), and the newer CD, DVD, MP3 players. You must also note that many of the devices after Y2K (wow 18 years ago!) don't have a 'Line' or low level output. Most equip only have earphone outputs which will be too high for use on amplifier. High level output are used to drive head phones or ear buds. You must use anttenuator device to reduce the power for low level use. Donno, if those are still around as Radio Shack stores have closed down.
* Okay assuming you know all this and your amp WAS working normally at one time, AND this is an old 1950-1970's tube amp. Then you probably have a shorted (burnt?) gain or volume knob. Volume Resistor (Pot) cleaner sprayed into component may help. But usually components this old will need replacement. Dirty pots will cause cracks, pops, and scratchy sounds from speaker. This is the most common cause for unstable volume (gain) in amps.
* Another problem may be a shorted or partially bad signal capacitor which is just off the volume/gain pot or directly at the input of the amp section. Capacitors may go bad if a voltage spike (surge) hits it. These are low voltage devices so it does not take much to spike them. Electrolitic caps will sometimes self heal but fail again as input voltages spike near it's limit. You will need an audio electronic tech to go through and check all the components and replace as needed. Yes this is costly as there are not many 'old school' people around. But with some of these antique prices for tube amplifiers (especially bass guitar amps) you have to decide if it's worth it. There are new tube amps out there for audio pureists, so you may want to check that option.
* Okay, worst for last. Tube going bad (very common). Good luck on finding a replacement. I've seen them available on eBay and Amazon but don't know the quality. Very old TV/Radio shops in an old town may have them and worth a check if they are still open. You may also find them at an old music store.
* There are other possible problems (Power supply, Transformer, Bad contacts on tube socket, Bad solder joints, etc.) But really require a tech to trouble shoot and locating replacement parts to initiate repairs.
* since the problem shows up after the amp is heated up and hot. Check the vents for dust and vac out cob webs and debris. Placing a small (small!) fan to blow on the back may help, but over heating usually causes the power supply to heat up as well and may cause arcs in the high voltage section. High heat also breaks down old style capacitors.
* There is a reason why most people switched to transistors and now power ICs. Tubes have a warmer tone that few people can detect as most of us (Rockin '60-70's) have blown out our hearing long ago.
Aloha, ukeboy57

With the deck off av off, press setting, audio, menu will come of you need to set the amp gain to high. Volume will now go to 50 not 30. Cheers.

turn down the amps gain and radio volume to lowest.

a. disconnect the RCAs at the source end. (at the head unit)
b. connect only 1 RCA at a time to the amp. ok?/fails?
still fails? u have a short in the RCA wire. toss it.

didnt fail?
a. with radio off, connect RCA to radio while RCAs are connected to amp.
fails? you've got a dead short on radio side.

does not fail? turn on radio...fails? radio is issue. (not very likely though)


my quess is that you've left out a significant observation as the probability of a shorted radio is low and you say you swapped RCAs.

When setting your gain you want to set the gain high usually between 75% to 95%. if the gain is low than turning up the volume on your radio will only amplify the distortion coming from the under powered head unit. By turning up the gain you are maximizing the signal that is amplified coming from your head unit

This is most likely caused by an overload from the amp. Depending on what setting you have it on, you should adjust the gain and any other boosters to about midrange. If you put it all the way it will cut out as you're experienceing. Try to lower the gain and such and see if that helps. If that's not the case, then your amp may be damaged and can't handle the load.

Interesting that you have a Soundstream "The Continuum" amplifier. This is limited edition of the Reference 705 amp produced with a polished aluminum (not chrome) case. You have a very hi quality - Old School - amp.

Properly installed this amp should produce more than ample volume levels and certainly far more than a stock unit.

Because the Alpine head unit provides sufficient voltage to drive the amp, it is likely either the wiring, or, the way you have it set up.
The amp has a large internal capacitor bank and for proper operation, this amp must be connected directly to your car battery, prefereably with 4 AWG. (The amp is made with 4 AWG power connections.) Use high quality speaker wire run directly from each speaker to the amp.

If you have done the above, then it is probably the way you have it set up. The amp is sophisticated with many configuration options. Do not change any switch settings while the amp is playing. Ensure you have the appropriate inputs and crossover selected. Check the gain settings.

it sounds like the Multi information display has failed (MID). It is the long display with all the radio controls on it. If you want to find a known good part they are really easy to swap out. Just remove the radio knob and if you look down in there, there is a place to put a T10 (i think maybe bigger or smaller) torx T10 screwdriver.if you turn it while pulling back slightly on the screwdriver it should come right out. It usually is the component that fails but as always you may want to check your fuses.

The gain dial is not a volume control. The gain dial is used to compensate the output level of your car radio head unit. all car stereo units output are not alike. If you set this gain level too high, it will cause major distortion (clipping) to the audio output of you speakers when cranked up. This excessive distortion WILL eventually, or even quickly damage or blow your speakers.

I personally blown speakers this way no not properly setting this. (lesson learned, I guess :| )

Start with a clean setting - zero cut and zero gain on the Eq. Play a song close to the amp, and then move away, playing the same notes. Do you still get the distortion? Change lower the input gain and repeat the test. Lower the output gain and repeat. Are any outboard distortion pedals in the mix, such as overdrive? Eliminate them. Run straight through from your axe to the amp. Check for any distortion settings. Set everything including reverb to zero. When the distortion disappears, this is your base setting.
Change only ONE parameter at a time. When the distortion comes back, you have found your problem.+

Hi , you need to replace with thick wire , if possible attache fuse or circuit trip overload protection you may ask to thew radio store .