Question about Gound Loop Isolaters
Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Car Audio
Forum Discription: Car Stereos, Amplifiers, Crossovers, Processors, Speakers, Subwoofers, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=17844
Printed Date: July 25, 2025 at 1:33 PM
Topic: Question about Gound Loop Isolaters
Posted By: frozenfoodman
Subject: Question about Gound Loop Isolaters
Date Posted: August 20, 2003 at 2:22 AM
What are the disadvantages of a ground loop isolater?
I have a "SQ" system and I'm worried if they will reduce sound effect the overall output of my SQ system...
Replies:
Posted By: JamesRH
Date Posted: August 20, 2003 at 2:35 AM
I use isolators a very last resort if i cant solve a running noise problem...i dont really like them...never actually seen the used in a SQ setup...just spend time running wires in protected ways(away from noise sorces)
Posted By: wvsquirrel
Date Posted: August 20, 2003 at 2:43 AM
Do you have a ground loop, or engine noise? If it's engine/alternator noise then you can use a different filter on the power wire instead, which shouldn't interfeer with SQ.
With the exception of your headunit, are the rest of your grounds going to the same location? That helps prevent ground loops as well. ------------- Squirrel
"No more Cpt. Kirk chit chat"
If its too loud, then you're too old
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Posted By: frozenfoodman
Date Posted: August 20, 2003 at 2:44 AM
RCA's are not the problem. I'm using all fiber-optic cables. Grounds are the problem. I have 3 different grounding pts. throughout the vehicle. The DC resistence is different at every pt., thats why I have the noise.
Posted By: frozenfoodman
Date Posted: August 20, 2003 at 2:45 AM
Its alternator whine. Pitch changes with acceleration..
Posted By: wvsquirrel
Date Posted: August 20, 2003 at 2:46 AM
How far away from the units are the grounding points? If you can select 1 common point that is less then 3 feet away from each unit, then that should drastically help.
Also look into getting an Alternator filter. David Navone filters are excellent from what I've been told ------------- Squirrel
"No more Cpt. Kirk chit chat"
If its too loud, then you're too old
Donate to the12volt.com
Posted By: frozenfoodman
Date Posted: August 20, 2003 at 2:48 AM
Thats impossible..My headunit is grounded up front. My XM radio is grounded in the middle and my amps, eqs are grounded in the rear.
I was thinking of dasiy-chaining a wire from all 3 grounds back to the battery...
Posted By: wvsquirrel
Date Posted: August 20, 2003 at 2:50 AM
Not a good idea on the daisy chain, grounds would be too long. What's the distance between the headunit and XM radio? ------------- Squirrel
"No more Cpt. Kirk chit chat"
If its too loud, then you're too old
Donate to the12volt.com
Posted By: frozenfoodman
Date Posted: August 20, 2003 at 2:53 AM
approx. 4 feet..
Posted By: wvsquirrel
Date Posted: August 20, 2003 at 3:27 AM
Split the difference. Find a point apx. 2 feet inbetween the headunit and XM radio and ground both to the same point (bare metal to the chasis). That drops you to only 2 different grounding points, which is how most systems usually end up. If you still experience alternator whine, try looking into the link I posted above for Alternator filters ------------- Squirrel
"No more Cpt. Kirk chit chat"
If its too loud, then you're too old
Donate to the12volt.com
Posted By: shindaima
Date Posted: August 20, 2003 at 6:46 AM
Try not to use GLIs unless there is absolutely no way to get rid of the alternator noise. They'll get rid of most of the noise but your highs will suffer big time.
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