Noise from Aux input running Belkin Power Adapter for iPhone 3GS

[NWCX9]

Been running my iPod 5G and my iPhone 3GS via the AUX input on my 08' CX9 without any issues (no power adapter for either) until I purchased a power module/holder for both. I picked up a pretty nice Belkin unit that will hold/power my iPhone and my iPod. I tried a few but liked this one best as it holds my devices well when zoom-zoomin...
http://www.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=492842

It plugs into the cig lighter and has a 1/8 stereo mini plug built into the power plug with a smaller patch cable coming out of the top to plug into device (no FM trans). Anyway, the unit works well in regards to holding both my devices stable & powering needs (really nice when running my iPhone on GPS or streaming audio via Pandora), but it does have some slight RF static at low volumes.

I'm using a cheap Radio Shack mini to mini and I think I might be picking up some noise from the Mazda power system via a poor ground loop in the cig power adapter? When I hardwire my devices to the CX9 I get no noise at all so I know the Belkin unit is picking something up.

I am thinking of purchasing a better quality mini to mini that has better shielding as cheaper patch chords have a pretty thin layer and don't protect very well from RF noise.

Has anyone had this happen? Its not bad at all, only at really low volume levels....

Am I on the right path on my patch cable upgrade. Or am I talking a ground loop supressor near my batt cable??

 

[CX9 SportOwner]

Anything plugged into the car power will hum. The 3.5mm jack does not have a filter on it for the feedback loop generated.

Try this: http://www.crutchfield.com/p_127SNI...se-Filter.html?search=127sni135&ssi=0&tp=2653

 

[NWCX9]

Anything plugged into the car power will hum. The 3.5mm jack does not have a filter on it for the feedback loop generated.

Try this: http://www.crutchfield.com/p_127SNI...se-Filter.html?search=127sni135&ssi=0&tp=2653

Ordered one today!! You saved me some research bro! Thanks (cool)

 

[SeCX-9]

That's just what the Dr. ordered...that'll fix it

 

[CO CX-9]

Hi! Months ago, I purchased a Griffin tuneflex for my CX-9, whereby the iPod plugs into a gooseneck via its charging interface, and then there's a 3.5mm cord that runs from the Griffin unit to the aux in on the CX.

I had some noise here and there but it wasn't too bad, particularly once the volume was set up to normal listening levels.

Nevertheless, I did purchase the ground loop isolater (same one as recommended above) recently, but found that the sound level is extremely low as compared to the direct connection to the aux in, and it also seems lower frequencies are not very audible.

Since it seems most others have had success with this ground loop isolater, I thought I'd check in here to see if anyone had any suggestions before I returned the thing.

Thanks!

 

[Davicho]

I am glad you posted this CO CX-9. I was about to buy one of these filters as well, but if that is the draw back to using this filter to get rid or minimize the noise. I rather spend the extra money and buy the iPod interface module. Thanks and sorry you had to be the ginnea pig.

 

[Lindyrect]

I experienced a large amount of noise while running my XM radio through the aux input, so the GLI was a no brainer for myself.

 

[CO CX-9]

I am glad you posted this CO CX-9. I was about to buy one of these filters as well, but if that is the draw back to using this filter to get rid or minimize the noise. I rather spend the extra money and buy the iPod interface module. Thanks and sorry you had to be the ginnea pig.

It does seem to work well for most other people, so it could be something between the isolator and the Griffin charger I'm using.

It occurred to me that I might have the connections backwards (input vs output) so I tried reversing them, but the results were the same.

I'm thinking more and more of going with the iPod interface. It is a bit expensive, but I think I'd be happy with that. The main thing is to find someone to do the install for a reasonable price.

 

[Davicho]

It does seem to work well for most other people, so it could be something between the isolator and the Griffin charger I'm using.

It occurred to me that I might have the connections backwards (input vs output) so I tried reversing them, but the results were the same.

I'm thinking more and more of going with the iPod interface. It is a bit expensive, but I think I'd be happy with that. The main thing is to find someone to do the install for a reasonable price.

I am not worried about the install. When I do get it, I am planning of doing it myself. With the help of the installation instructions and my OEM Workshop Manual it should be a breeze. I am more worried about the cost of the darn thing...!

 

[NWCX9]

That's just what the Dr. ordered...that'll fix it

Shur enough did.......works great! Nice clean sound. No loss of power or sound quality. Sounds great on Pandora....(headbang)

 

[Davicho]

So does the filter work or not????

CO CX-9 had a problem with it but now NWCX9 says it works perfectly???

Arrggg!! $17 vs. $130

 

[CO CX-9]

So does the filter work or not????

CO CX-9 had a problem with it but now NWCX9 says it works perfectly???

Arrggg!! $17 vs. $130

It seems to work for most people. For me, it could be that there's some interference or something that is preventing it to work well with the particular Griffin charger I am using.

Why don't you just give it a shot, and if it doesn't work to your expectations, you can send it back?

 

[Davicho]

It seems to work for most people. For me, it could be that there's some interference or something that is preventing it to work well with the particular Griffin charger I am using.

Why don't you just give it a shot, and if it doesn't work to your expectations, you can send it back?

Yeah, I guess i will give it a shot. Except that since I am going to buy it on eBay I am pretty much out of the money if it doesn't meet my expectations.

 

[NWCX9]

Yeah, I guess i will give it a shot. Except that since I am going to buy it on eBay I am pretty much out of the money if it doesn't meet my expectations.

Go for it!!! $17 shouldn't break your bank.....if you haven't already purchased on Ebay go with Crutchfield. They're great and will allow you to return.

Regarding the concerns with sound quality or gain.....I am an audiophile by hobby and record concerts live with pro-gear. So my ears are extremely picky on sound quality (thus the static noise was driving me crazy even though you could only hear at low gain settings). Anyway, the sound is clean and clear with little if no coloration. This is playing through an iPod 5G video & my iPhone GS.

PS - Make sure you have the gain on your portable device up to around 90% gain for best results.