playing open strings without the amp, my strings sound dead. As if they were way out of tune(low). Amplified, playing any string open sounds the same. Fretted notes sounds fine.

My amp was turning off and on about a week ago. not doing that now, just he dead sounding strings. I'm guessing new strings but dont want to waste money on strings if its not that.

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It should sound the same regardless of whether it's amplified or not.

You mentioned you are playing 'low', I assume that you are using heavier guage strings, check that they aren't binding in the nut, this can often cause the strings to sound dead. Just get some sandpaper and widen the nut a bit, then rub some graphite / pencil lead in the grooves.

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I just meant the low strings EAD sound really dead or flat played open amplified or not. Chords and everything else sounds ok on those strings, not as good as it has in the past.
I using small strings, 46-9.

The thing is that all the string except low e and b are relitively new. I snapped the low E a few times and only replace it every time.

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strings are cheap. and theyre never a waste of money.

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Almost nothing is better for your guitar sound than new strings; I've experimented with too many different gauges/styles to not know the difference at this point.

Just change your strings and go from there. Then you can see whether theres still a problem

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lol, a set of Diaadrio Strings can get up to like 5$

...was that sarcasm? Or are you legitimately complaining about the ridiculously high 5$ price range of strings?

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not really. I just rather not buy them if it something else. the closet guitar center isn't exactly right next to my house.

I really wanted to know if anyone had this same problem. what could I rule out. it wouldn't be intonation, trust rod or action?? playing the strings open sound really bad.

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~in rod we trust~

unless the action of the guitar is too low, so your strings are hitting the fret board and creating a fret buzz, you probably could use new strings...