more ML430 audio questions

[dittymotorcity]

I know there's many threads relating to the MCS audio system but after reading many I'm no better off. So, forgive this post if I missed something.

2000 W163, no audio codes. Turns on & display is good. Every once in a while, the system works properly - usually for about 10 minutes...then no sound. after that, i get periodic powerful, loud "pops" from the speakers. sometimes some soft hissing but these are short duration. SO...it appears the full system CAN work...when it wants to. replaced the under-dash amp as many posts indicated...but no difference.

i DID notice that there was a lot of wetness under the driver & pass seats & will remove the seats if i have to, but my question is....what relation does the subwoofer have to the circuitry of the entire system? if the sub is shorting out will it affect the rest of the speakers?

i've tried many of the 'remedies' in other posts but with no success. TIA for your responses.

[dittymotorcity]

update - this is a non-fiber-optic system. pulled out the head unit & found a silver antenna amplifier dangling back there. any thoughts on the reliability of those units? it has a clip mounted to it like the sort you'd -fix to a sunvisor...is there a grounding effect to that clip?

again...TIA