Will engine intereference go away with a new amp/deck?

[thatphysicsguy]

So I have some pretty bad whine in my stereo that is dependent on engine speed. I currently have a 90's vintage sound system in there and I'll be replacing it with a new deck and amp along with a lukebox.

I pulled out a transformer of some sort that I posted here a couple nights ago and the whine started I think because I pulled it out. Was it some stop-gap solution to cover up the interference?

Will the whine go away with new things that are less um leaky? or do I need to address some issues with wiring before I install all my new goodies?

[bmwman91]

It probably won't go away by just replacing the black boxes. My guesses for the cause are:
a) Funky ass ground loop issue
b) If the system is using speaker-level inputs to the existing amp, only the + wire for L and R is hooked up to the amp. You need both + and - connected to a line level converter, or an amp with inputs specifically for + and - speaker level inputs. DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES CONNECT A - SPEAKER LEVEL SIGNAL LINE TO GROUND! You'll let the magic smoke out of your head unit and it'll stop working.

[thatphysicsguy]

It probably won't go away by just replacing the black boxes. My guesses for the cause are:
a) Funky ass ground loop issue
b) If the system is using speaker-level inputs to the existing amp, only the + wire for L and R is hooked up to the amp. You need both + and - connected to a line level converter, or an amp with inputs specifically for + and - speaker level inputs. DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES CONNECT A - SPEAKER LEVEL SIGNAL LINE TO GROUND! You'll let the magic smoke out of your head unit and it'll stop working.

Lol magic smoke, I love that.

But if I'm putting a new deck and amp combo with +/- speaker level inputs then that should address the problem barring bad ground. Because with the line level converter, I didn't get any of that bad sound

[bmwman91]

If you go with a new deck and new amp, and use the + and - inputs you should be fine.

Your issue arose when you removed the old transformer board thing, right? It looked like it had RCA connectors. What was it hooked up to before, exactly?

[thatphysicsguy]

it was hooked up between the amp inputs and the deck outputs in line with the RCAs that run back.

from what you say, I'm pretty optimistic it'll go away, thanks!

[Hellabad]

The best advice I have received, that has worked really well, is this:

Do not ground the head unit to the chassis. Instead, run the ground all the way back to the same ground as the amp.

You are probably running new wires anyways. Note: It has to be a fat wire, not a skinny one.

If starting from scratch, run all of the power wires down one side of the car, and the RCA and speakers down the other side of the car.


Jay

[bmwman91]

it was hooked up between the amp inputs and the deck outputs in line with the RCAs that run back.

from what you say, I'm pretty optimistic it'll go away, thanks!

Oh, so the existing setup uses RCA outputs from the deck to RCA inputs at the amp? In that case, I am not really sure what the transformer board is, but you could try putting it back. It seems unlikely that it is going to do anything noticeable to sound quality, other than improve it if it eliminates engine noise lol.

[dustyperez]

The best advice I have received, that has worked really well, is this:

Do not ground the head unit to the chassis. Instead, run the ground all the way back to the same ground as the amp.

You are probably running new wires anyways. Note: It has to be a fat wire, not a skinny one.

If starting from scratch, run all of the power wires down one side of the car, and the RCA and speakers down the other side of the car.


Jay

like he said, the best remedy for this is have a good set of rca's and keep them opposite side of the power wire.

[StereoInstaller1]

So I have some pretty bad whine in my stereo that is dependent on engine speed. I currently have a 90's vintage sound system in there and I'll be replacing it with a new deck and amp along with a lukebox.

I pulled out a transformer of some sort that I posted here a couple nights ago and the whine started I think because I pulled it out. Was it some stop-gap solution to cover up the interference?

Will the whine go away with new things that are less um leaky? or do I need to address some issues with wiring before I install all my new goodies?

Your new system is a new 5 channel connected to a new aftermarket deck, right? You will not be using that shitty old LOC, nor any wiring that isn't stock.

These days when using new gear, even cheap Taiwan shit, noise is rare.

Run 3 pair of nice RCAs up the left side, you likely will not have any noise issues at all.

Now GET TO WORK!

Luke

[thatphysicsguy]

Your new system is a new 5 channel connected to a new aftermarket deck, right? You will not be using that shitty old LOC, nor any wiring that isn't stock.

These days when using new gear, even cheap Taiwan shit, noise is rare.

Run 3 pair of nice RCAs up the left side, you likely will not have any noise issues at all.

Now GET TO WORK!

Luke

Lol luke, you're gonna be the one tackling this next week!

I'll send your deposit in the morning!