alternator whine and crackling sound

i have a radio and an equalizer.

i dont know what the model numbers of the radio or equalizer are, only that the radio is made by Soundtech.anyway, i get alternator whine, and a crackling/popping sound in the speakers that seem to be synchronised with the spark plugs.

my question is, is there any sort of "common" thing that causes alternator whine and other distortions?

The alternator noise or whine is usually caused by a ground loop. A ground loop is a difference in ground between two or more components. Try grounding both the radio and equalizer to one good ground free of paint and to the car's body. The pop noise is probably from the igntion system. If the pop noise is only heard on FM, then you may need a tune up or a new antenna. The least desirable senario is that your equipment is at fault. Some brands of stereo equipment aren't designed well and have no concern for filtering noise out of the system. Post your as many details of your car and system to aid members in suggesting solutions to your problem.sparky

makourain wrote: i have a 84 nissan navara. i have 5 speakers, 2 in the front, 2 slighter larger ones in the front and 9inch sub in the middle. i discovered about 20 minutes ago that it is the sub that is causing all the noise distortions.

its not the sub, the noise is still there :(