Static in system when engine is running.

[351 82GT]

Why does my system sound so much "cleaner" when the engine is off? When the engine is running, there seems to be slight static in the background all the time. Is that from the engine electrical system? Is there a filter for that? What can I do or buy that will clear it up?
My system is:

Alpine head unit
Alpine 300w amp(drives subwoofers)
Alpine 150 amp (drives door speakers and 6x9')
crossover unit
Sony explode door speakers(6.5inch)
Two 12inch JL Audio subwoofers
Two Pioneer 6x9 rear speakers
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[94 BLU GT]

could be a few things. First make sure you have a good ground for all your amps. Secondly make sure you have good shielded rca audio cables and if possible keep them as far away from any sort of power cables as possible. Lastly, you can buy these little filter things that your rca cables pass through before reaching your amp that takes the noise out.

 

[USMstang]

Make sure that your ground wires are always at least as large (if not the next size up) as the corresponding power wires for each component. I am of the opinion that filters only mask a problem instead of solving it. Plus, a bigger ground wire is usually pretty cheap! Good luck.

 

[2badazzstangs]

the quick fix they are referring to is called a ground loop isolater. They are fairly cheap, check ebay, should be around 10 bucks.

 

[WillDuhhBeast]

It could be what's known at alternator whine.


It's usually directly related to your ground.

As stated, a ground loop isolator may fix this.

good luck

 

[Green93Hatch]

Like everyone else said, check your ground. Also make sure that when you ran your wires, you ran the rca's and speaker wires on the opposite side of the car from the power wire. This will help keep the rca's from picking up noise from the power wire. This is what normally causes "alternator whine".

 

[red9FOX3snake]

one other thing you can do is run a wire ( same AWG as power ) directly to the negative terminal of your battery. that will eliminate any ground continuity issues