Volume at highest level(35) is too low. Could this be amplifier related ?

 

What sort of input are you using? Was it louder previously and only recently has it become lower? What sound system do you have in the vehicle? Any extra information would help diagnose the issue.

 

Depends on the definition of "too low". Is it something that's recently changed? Can you hear sound out of all speakers? What source are you using, and is the same across all sources? I know I get much "fuller" sound if I have the stage set to the Front setting instead of all.

 

It's probably been a couple of yrs since driven, and yes, I don't recall this being an issue before. I believe it's the Harmen Kardon system. CDs' do play louder. It has volume, just not enough for that good old time rock & roll - especially at interstate speeds.

 

Personally, before trying to diagnose amp problems, try turning bass and treble to the 0 setting (theoretically neutral), turn the music up and get close to each of the individual speakers to see if any are blown. Assuming all the speakers are still functional, and maximum volume on different inputs is still too low, the amp may be to blame. If the problem occurs more on FM radio channels and like, it may be a problem to do with the input itself and not the car. Poor reception from a local radio station gave me a bit of a scare when the audio quality was truly awful and distorted above low listening levels.

Even the tape deck up front can provide decent quality audio and can be used to diagnose the trouble as well, or to isolate the issue to a specific input type. Let me know what you find out.

 

Good suggestion -I'll check each speaker.