I have installed a component amp in an Acura TSX. Because of the head unit configuration, I needed to use the existing set-up which includes the radio/cd changer and a small, separate amp under it. The RCAs seem to be getting engine noise interference. I have cleaned-up the lead dress and have a good ground but there is still a slight whine. I think the problem is that I am using the old amp to drive a new EQ/preamp. The layout underdash is such that the RCA's are very close to the old amp. Moving them would be quite a chore and I was wondering if I could put a grounded shield around or between the bundle to protect them from the proximity of the little amp.
Thanks, Skip
Re-route the RCA cables, and try a better quality set with more shielding. Also, you say you are using the old amp to drive a new amp. Do you mean you are using the high-level (speaker) signals from one amp to drive another? This could easily be your problem. You need to make sure the high level inputs on your amp can handle the signal (ie the wattage output) from the factory amp or this can be a severe noise source and level control nightmare. It could also be an impedence mis-match, or it could simply be the more powerful new amp is simply revealing problems in the factory setup that you could not hear before, in which case there may be nothing you can do about it... I'd bypass the factory amp if I was you.
The RCA's are good quality. The car came with a HU radio/changer combination that feeds the fronts and rears to a small amp located under the HU in the center console. This amp feeds eight speakers. I took the front door speaker outs from this amp, ran them through an LOC and into a Clarion preamp/EQ so I could control a separate sub (not yet installed). Basically, these are the controls I would have if I could replace the stock HU. In a post here a few weeks ago I was pretty universally told to use the amp to get enough signal to the EQ
The EQ has three sets of RCA outs which I bundled and ran along the center panels into the trunk. The power wire runs down the passenger side. Gain and clarity are excellent so I don't think I am overdriving any part of the system. The EQ is designed to take a speaker level input from stock HUs and this isn't all that different except they are in two separate boxes. I think the problem is that the layout requires (more-or-less) that the RCAs go under the first amp and actually have to touch it to get out of the console. The whine is very faint and I have confidence that the ground connection is solid. What I am considering is wrapping a grounded shield around the RCA bundle for the short distance it is in proximity to the stock amp.
Skip