fasteddie,
Just going by what you've told us I have to agree with 'Beetle', sounds like you're over driving that amplifier. That's fairly common when reports say the audio is distorted, at least one of the things to check. If things improve when the drive is turned down I'd have to think that's what's happening.
Since an amplifier can only amplify what it's fed, are you sure your audio barefoot isn't distorted? Any complaints in that regard without the amplifier on?
If you can rule out those two possibilities, then I think you'd have a good reason to suspect something else 'not right' with the amplifier.
I don't know anything about your amplifier specifically, but most solid state amplifiers just don't require much drive at all. A completely stock CB radio shouldn't over drive one much, if at all.
Did you get that amplifier new, or used? Either way I don't think I'd believe the output power claims completely, a little 'salt' is always a good idea there. And if it was used when you got it, was any part of it made 'better' by the previous owner, maybe?
It wouldn't hurt to have it looked at by someone who knows what they are doing.
Good luck.
- 'Doc
