Aluminum vs Copper?

[ronsdeal]

Hi,
Still having alternator whine with new audio setup.
Single point ground for all amps AND head unit.
Not using ANY of the original wire; speakers, power, etc.
Running 6 gauge to power dist, [copper].
Now I am thinking that I should run heavier cable, maybe for the Big 3.
I have some 1/0 copper. Any thoughts?

Thanks

Ron

 

[EricM9104]

Are your rca's and power cable next to each other?

 

[PandorasCustoms]

Alternator whine can be generated from a few simple things.

Like mentioned above, if a poorly shielded RCA cable is run near the power wire, as the AMP requests more power, the noise will increase.

Also, a poor ground will influence this. I really don't think that the "Big 3" come into play here. I would check these other things first. Although, performing the upgrade isn't bad, I just don't think it is the reason for the problem.

 

[ronsdeal]

Thanks for the reply's.
I have Power running down the drivers side channel, RCA'a down the middle of the ex, along with the turn on lead, and 3 of 4 speakers down the right side channel. The left rear speker is coming from the left channel then across to the amps. The amps are mounted under the rear seats.

 

[PandorasCustoms]

Do all of the speakers make the noise?

Does the noise increase/decrease in intensity when you increase/decrease RPMs?
Mostly, when intensity changes due to engine acceleration, it is grounding issue since the Alternator is generating more power at higher RPMS. If the noise were based off of Volume controls, then it is generally wire placement.

 

[ronsdeal]

Work in Progress

Hi;
Thanks for the input...[pun intended]
Figuring that the main issue is a ground loop, I bought some 1/0 cable and redid the 3 main grounds. Battery to Frame, Battery to Chassis, and Battery to Alternator. That's as far as I got tonight. I also bought some 2 gauge and some 4 gauge [in red], and tomorrow I will run new 2 gauge back to my amp distrubutiion unit, as well as Battery + to Alternator. Then we will see if that solves the problem.
I was getting hum/engine whine from all speakers.

Also need to decide if I want to keep the amps under the rear seats, or put them in back somewhere.
Any thoughts?
Thanks
Ron

 

[PandorasCustoms]

Honestly, depends on the amps.
My audiobahn amp for the mids kept overheating on long trips, so I had to relocate it a while back (Ended up rebuilding a whole new box), so it has a much better chance to cool itself.

And, depends on your style. With mine, I have them flushed into the box, so they are sleek but still noticeable.