Distorted sound from EMG 40CS w/BQS system

[bassiclymike]

Just finished installing two (used) EMG 40CS pickups and an EMG BQS (bass, variable mid, treble) tone circuit system in my Dean Rhapsody 8. Both the pickups and the tone circuit use their solderless connection system. I carefully followed the connection instructions (which can be found here: Invalid Link Removed ). When I connected a battery (tested at 9volts) and plugged it in, I get a distorted tone, and not nearly as much output as I would expect. Tried a couple different batteries, same result. Basically sounds like I'm running thru an overdrive box at low volume. Couldn't find anything on the forum on EMG's website, but it doesn't look like there's alot of activity there.
I went over all the connections several times, I can't see anything that's not correct. While the pickups were used, the BQS tone circuit was brand new. Tested with an ohmmeter, the pickups each show 59.2kOhm resistance. EMG indicates 10kOhm output impedance in their literature, making me wonder if the pickups are bad.
I know these systems work best with 18volts, but they are also supposed to function OK on 9volts. I only have one 9v connector right now. I'll check again when I connect two for an 18volt setup.
I've done a full EMG install before, put two HB-CS and a BTC tone system in my Hohner B2A, and that sounds amazing. I had high hopes for this one, but right now it sounds like ****.
Has anyone experienced anything like this? Any ideas?
thanks!
mkl

 

[SGD Lutherie]

Double check the wiring.

If the wiring is good, try one of the pickups right to the output jack. Since they are both distorting it sounds like a problem with the preamp.

But check the wiring first.

 

[bassiclymike]

With help from EMG tech support on troubleshooting, I isolated the pups from the tone circuit and it sounded fine, just no EQ. Wiring was good, they had me send pics and verified it was correct. So they're having me send back the tone circuit to replace it. Good customer service.