nevermind guys... i've solved the problem.
I just spend another 2 hours today testing wires and re-installing everything.
Turns out it was a bad ground contact. Had to sandpaper the ground area real good.
Another different questions though...
you guys think a 2v preamp output is decent??? I know more is better... but I'm trying to decide whether to go with the JVC SH55 or the SH99.
Major differences is that the SH99 plays MP3 and has 4V preouts instead of 2V. But I save about $60~$80 going with the 55's. Any suggestions?