stereo install

[bluev8]

Hello!

I have just installed a sound system in my Esprit V8 and
got some problems with alternator noise.
I have clarion head unit and two amp installed (2-chanel) in
the front of the car, there the spare tire used to be.
One amp is for the front system and the other one is for the
6" behind the seats.(I also have crossover in the amps)
As I wrote before, I have problem with alternator noise, I think it is a
bad grunding point!?
I have gronded the amp direct to the batteri, is this good or should I use
some other location, for ex. using the bolt which holding the seat!??

regards Niclas

[teigan]

the more wire you use, the more external noise is apt to pick up. use the best shielded wire you can buy, and use the shortest length leads you can. going direct to the battery is not the best choice.

[southenddc]

You could try using a ground loop isolator which you can get from Maplins for £8. It stops interference noise.

[techspy]

In my setup http://skynetworks.gotdns.com/Install I grounded the amp directly to the battery, and the headunit to the stock ground wire. In a normal situation it would be best to ground to the chassis somewhere. However, due to the grounding issues of the Esprit, I would highly recommend against grounding an amp anywhere other than the battery. I have no noise, but the amp, imparticular, is of very high quality. I would suggest first disconnecting the RCA cables from the headunit and see if the noise goes away. If you disconnect from the headunit and it goes away, it is the headunit. If you disconnect from the headunit and it is still there, leave them disconnected at the head unit and disconnect them from the amps as well. If it stops then, you are getting interference from the RCA cables themselves. If you still have noise, it is from the amp. This can be because of a grounding issue, or bad quality amps. One thing that always helps is to run your amp power wires and the RCA cables in different routes. Also, keep the gain controls turned down as low as possible while still having an acceptable sound level. If all else fails, you can try the noise limiters. There are basically 2 kinds. One goes inline with your RCA cables, and the other one goes inline with the power and ground wires. The second type can get expensive for the ones large enough to be used on an amp. Ones for a head unit are fairly inexpensive. One last thing may be putting a large capacitor inline with your amp power cable. They are primarily used to provide additional power for amps, but can help isolate some whine. By the way, if the noise is a clicking sound, it is most likely coming from your spark plugs or wires. Most modern plugs and wires don't cause that, and you can even get some that are specfically designed to cut down on that type of noise. This is usually a problem with an older distributor type ignition. If the noise cooresponds with engine rpm and is a whine, that is most likely from the alternator.

Edited by techspy on Wednesday 16th August 11:30

[bluev8]

Thanks for the replys!

I will try the tip from techspy, thanks!
An other question, you sad that grounding in the battery
is the best choise.Even if I have the amps in the front=very long cabel!???

cheers Niclas

[techspy]

bluev8 said:

Thanks for the replys!

I will try the tip from techspy, thanks!
An other question, you sad that grounding in the battery
is the best choise.Even if I have the amps in the front=very long cabel!???

cheers Niclas

In a fiberglass car, yes, it is still best to ground at the battery, even with long cables. However, if you can find a "good" ground spot up front, try it. If it isn't good enough, you will know right away.