The amp remote line was initially powered off pjn 2 (with some miswiring by the professional installers of some sort). That's when the Empeg would not start up. After the installers changed the amp remote line to be powered off the ignition, everything works.

I'll debug where the line 2 really went next time the dash is taken apart (when the tuner ships). I'll let you guys know where it was really connected by my professional installers.

I don't get awful pops. I do hear faint pops sometimes. When starting the car. But I don't pull the empeg out or in unless the ignition is off.