Z. Gluhak wrote:
I have some noise in my system. Alternator whine.

I have followed the FAQ, checked grounds, used shorting plugs and have come
to a definite conclusion (after messing with it for 3 hours) that my RCAs
are causing the problem.

I have ripped the RCAs from under the carpet and created a straight path in
the air going from the HU to the AMP(above the seats).

Noise remains.

I replace the ZN 2.0 RCAs with an older set of lower quality Sound Quest
RCAs and whine diminshes.

ZN cables contain a small ferrite wound bobbins (aka a coil) that can
actually cause noise problems. They can pick up high frequency noise
from elsewhere. They also create a high-impedance ground path which can
lead to ground loops.

I replace those with the el cheapo $2 rcas (hell I even used barrels to
connect two sets as they were shorter) and the noise goes away.

What the heck? It seems logical to me to go and buy the cheapest pair of
RCAs and replace mine and problem solved.

Basically, that's it. But if you've been using ZN cables all along, and
the noise just appeared one day, then its merely a symptom. Something
else may have gone wrong in your system, so double check all of your
grounds again.

Contrary to what most people say there seems to be no diff in sound quality
when I switch to the el cheapos.

Most people believe the hype. The $2 RCAs are perfectly fine. The $20
RCA's might have properties which make them better suited to being in a
car for a long time, but they won't affect the sound.

I just can't get myself to go out and buy el cheapos, it seems like I am
going backwards.

It works. Logic dictates you should do it.

any thoughts? this is very frustrating. now my car is all apart and I can't
figure out what to do. I don't want a high freq filter because I was told it
can cause problems with sound quality.

Why are you confused? Because you did some thinking for yourself, and it
contradicts what everyone else has told you? You have found the problem,
you have found the solution, and you have done it through competent
troubleshooting. Now plug the el-cheapos in, sell your ZN 2.0's on e-bay
to the next maroon who pays more for the hype, and enjoy your audio
whine-free!



--
thelizman

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