High pitched distortion (A Ground loop?)

[Keyten]

I just recently installed a new car audio system in my 06 RX-8.

I got Car Toys to install my system because I'm still a car audio noob and I'm pretty sure I couldn't have handled it. Anyways, after they installed everything it sounded pretty nice. I am using a factory HU because that's pretty much the only option for the RX-8. When I play CDs my system sounds fine.

Yesterday though, I received my Ipod converter and hooked it up. It connected to the free Minidisk port in the back of my HU. It uses the dock on the bottom of the Ipod. I plugged my Ipod in and I'm not sure what the problem is but I can hear my Ipod's hard drive being amplified through my speakers. I also get standard distortion when playing tracks. This is very noticeable when I pause the Ipod and turn the volume all the way up.

Now my question is, does anyone know what the problem might be? I have been researching and the only thing I can think of is a ground loop. I am not convinced though because this only happens with my Ipod, not my CD. And I would imagine a ground loop would be constantly active and wouldn't change volumes. When I turn the volume up the distortion gets louder as well. Also, isn't a ground loop more of a hum? I am experiencing more of a high pitched chirping distortion.

I am trying to isolate the problem but so far I have hooked up my brother's Ipod and the same thing occurs. My next guess would be the Ipod adapter but I'd rather get other peoples thoughts on the matter before I try to send it off and get a new one.

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[dleccord 5,000+ posts]

what does your new system consist of? what was installed at car toys?

if you suspect it could be the ipod connector, just buy another one and see if it goes away. if not, you can always return it.

 

[Keyten]

Front Door: Infinity Ref 6810cs

Rear Deck: Alpine SPR-69C

Amp 1: Boss 250.4 4-Channel

Amp 2: Sony Xplod 2-Channel

Subs: 2x 10'' Blaupunkt Thw1000

LOC: AudioControl LC6

Cap : Massive Audio 2 Farad

The two amps, LOC, subs and wiring was done at car toys.

Can a ground loops even be a high pitched noise or is it always a low hum?

 

[Keyten]

Bump

 

[dyohn 10+ year member]

Yes it's probably a ground loop and yes it's being caused by the iPod. Are you using the Mazda iPod interface cable?

Also, there are plenty of ways to change out the OEM HU in an RX8, it just requires a little fabrication work (especially if you are cursed with the blose system.)

 

[Keyten]

I am using the AudioLink cable which has been out for a few years now, not the Mazda brand. When you say it's my Ipod causing it, are you saying it would be the actual Ipod or the Ipod converter? And no, I don't have the Bose system.