Alternator whine from Aux power jack in center console

[wnugent]

IPod Stalk

I use my IPod mini (so old school) with a Belkin TuneBase and the aux input

(http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=186782)

Music, Convenient location when mounted in the dash socket and no audio whine

 

[wfnugent]

Sorry - meant the one with an AUX output NOT the FM broadcasting version

 

[aarroneous]

Jrtoureg, you just don't get it. If a company makes a feature specifically for connecting aux audio components. They should make sure it works properly and doesn't adversely effect the sound quality.

Why couldn't Mazda or any other manufacture, have spent some additional effort to make sure this jack was already isolated so their buyers don't have to go buy additional hardware?

Because as long as you don't use the cigarette lighter to power your audio devices, you won't have the ground loop problem. I'm almost positive if Mazda (or any other manufacturer) started messing around with setting up non-common grounds for audio vs. engine components, someone would probably mess up an install somewhere and end up frying their components, and then sue Mazda for their troubles.

 

[Lindyrect]

Bought the ground loop isolator from crutchfield and it works great, Radio shack also sells one, but it uses RCA jacks.

 

[IanKen]

Alternator whine != ground loop. FWIW.

Alternator whine usually happens when a signal connection (IE: analog audio cable) is in close proximity to a power feed. It can be worse if the two lines run parallel to each other.

This is why any decent custom audio installer will be sure to run the power feed for amps down one side of the vehicle and the audio patch feed down the other.

 

[Starter]

I just ordered this http://cgi.ebay.com/Ground-Loop-Iso...ryZ32809QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem