ground loop isolators

[zachzchw 5,000+ posts]

After searching, the main problem I read with this (aside from it being a band aid) is that it cuts down on bass. So, is it more of a problem using it on sub amps as opposed to comp amps?

Is it going to be hard to get quality sound out of my comps when using one?

Since the ground loop isolator solved my noise problems, is it safe to assume its not the head unit thats the real problem, but rather an issue with grounds?

Click to read more...

 

[GreenMachine70 10+ year member]

a ground loop isolator will only reduce or eliminate electrical noise created by grounding issues it wont effect your bass or sound quallity .

 

[audiolife 5,000+ posts]

oh yes it can. if its like a radio shack one with a poor design it can. http://www.autosound2000.com/filters.html has one thats not suppost to. i tried using radio shack versions and some others and has very distinct effects from doing so amoungst the issues was a lowwered output. put it another way if there was no side effects why would people spend weeks on end trying to get noise out of the system when all they would have to do is spend 15 bucks?

 

[zachzchw 5,000+ posts]

Since the loop isolator solved the ground noise, is it safe to assume that the problem isnt my head unit?

Didnt want to start another ground related thread, so thought Id ask here.....

 

[zachzchw 5,000+ posts]

So, does the ground loop isolator rule out the deck as a source of the problem or not, given that the isolator works on the noise? Or could I still have the burnt ground trace problem in the Pioneer?

 

[Decipha 10+ year member]

no, since the ground loop isolator solved the noise then it IS your HU that's causing it

well 95% of the time at least

 

[DFW40 10+ year member]

ground your HU with your amps and see if that takes out the noise

 

[Decipha 10+ year member]

alternator whine is a crazy thing, i had my system in my car and i had alternator whine really bad, i didn't drive the car for a couple days and when i came back the alt whine was GONE?? i was wondering where it went but i don't care to find out... i was happy

 

[audiolife 5,000+ posts]

So, does the ground loop isolator rule out the deck as a source of the problem or not, given that the isolator works on the noise? Or could I still have the burnt ground trace problem in the Pioneer?

not really its band aiding the problem. on mine (was an old pioneer premier dex m88 was pretty easy to see that i had a cold solder joint (had 1 in an amp as well) just heated it up (the solder joint) and boom back in bussiness. the problem i see with the newer decks is that you have probably more components that are surface mount and you also have a amp on board the deck (dex was pretty easy to follow as it was a dry deck made in 89) for all i know now it could be a bad ic bad connection at an ic or a flat out cold solder joint. have another amp to flip stuff around too?

 

[zachzchw 5,000+ posts]

not really its band aiding the problem. on mine (was an old pioneer premier dex m88 was pretty easy to see that i had a cold solder joint (had 1 in an amp as well) just heated it up (the solder joint) and boom back in bussiness. the problem i see with the newer decks is that you have probably more components that are surface mount and you also have a amp on board the deck (dex was pretty easy to follow as it was a dry deck made in 89) for all i know now it could be a bad ic bad connection at an ic or a flat out cold solder joint. have another amp to flip stuff around too?

Its not the amp. Both my comp amp (ED 9.4) and sub amp (Adire REVO 1500) do it. I have tried both the amps in another car, no problems.

So far, I have:

grounded the deck to the frame

grounded the deck to the amps ground spot (which is a good ground)

checked all wiring.......

Id really like to avoid having to send it back to Pioneer, I just dont know how to definitively tell if its the deck or not. Based on Decipha's post above, looks like it is the deck.....

 

[audiolife 5,000+ posts]

no crossovers or anything in line?

 

[melnlovr911 10+ year member]

yea i tried to use a ground loop isolator and it just completely cut out everything. not just the whine. I tried 3 different loop isolators cause they were laying around and everyone did the same thing. So i think they are crap.

 

[zachzchw 5,000+ posts]

no crossovers or anything in line?

Not sure what you mean by inline?

For those who havent seen the other threads, a recap of the problem....when I turn the key forward, I get a hum from the comps, when I start the car, the noise is louder, and increases with rpms, leading me to believe its alt noise. Im not sure what the other noise is...

 

[audiolife 5,000+ posts]

in line = what is in the rca path does it go deck to the amps only?

 

[zachzchw 5,000+ posts]

in line = what is in the rca path does it go deck to the amps only?

Yep, deck preouts to amps. Would it be worth attempting to ground the rcas? If I do that, and it works, does it mean its not the deck or what? Ive tried to go step by step and eliminate possible sources, but I just dont feel confident Ive done everything I can.......