Avic N2 in 2002 Boxster

[chiefsalami]

By "deck amp" aka preamp, they are referring to the radio's built-in amplified outputs (which generally will be like 30Wx4 max, which is crap). But like I said, a lot of these navigation units don't even have amplified outputs - don't know about the N2 specifically. The stock amp refers to the car's built-in audio amplifier (part of the Bose system, for example) that handles amplifying and distributing the sound to the stock speakers.

If you're still getting a buzz, especially when accelerating, you definitely have a ground loop problem and really should get the ground loop isolator. Circuit City, Best Buy, etc. installers don't know **************** about how to install something the right way, and just rush through the installs anyway.

[gjin15]

Okay, I will try the ground loop isolator. THe circuit city guy told me today that it would cost 70 bux to rewire all the wires to the "deck" amp.. i don't know if this is right.. is this hard to do? Thanks for all your help

[TriGem2k]

Originally Posted by gjin15

Okay, I will try the ground loop isolator. THe circuit city guy told me today that it would cost 70 bux to rewire all the wires to the "deck" amp.. i don't know if this is right.. is this hard to do? Thanks for all your help

I wouldn't do it. I would keep my car as far away from Circuit City as possible.

[chiefsalami]

Amen to that. Again, don't pay them any more money. They should do the job right based on what you have paid them already. Of course, our idea of "a job done right" versus theirs will always be a big difference, I think.

IMO, I would not use the deck's amp and/or rewire the car unless you are going to upgrade your amplifiers and speakers. You might actually end up with worse sound quality.

But the ground loop isolator will definitely cut down on the alternator whine - so definitely do that, or revisit the installation job to make sure it's done right - because you shouldn't need the isolator anyway. As a side note, I have a full computer (running Windows XP) in my car with a touchscreen motorized VGA monitor in the dash and an aftermarket headunit for the radio and DVD player. I did the install right, and have no engine noise coming through my speakers. And I'd be more likely to, because a computer generates more electrical noise than any headunit by itself. But the installation was done right (I did it myself).

[gjin15]

are all the ground loop isolators the same? (brand wise)? Which do u prefer? Crutchfield sells the PAC one.. however radioshack sells the "radioshack" brand one.. does it make a difference? Thanks for all your help

[gjin15]

ANd also, when I turn on my headlights... there is a lot of static noise that turns on as well.. would the ground loop isolator fix this as well? THanks

[TriGem2k]

Originally Posted by gjin15

ANd also, when I turn on my headlights... there is a lot of static noise that turns on as well.. would the ground loop isolator fix this as well? THanks

You've got some wires crossed beacuse the it shouldn't affect that at all. Sorry to say, Circuit City reall messed u up.

[TriGem2k]

Originally Posted by gjin15

ANd also, when I turn on my headlights... there is a lot of static noise that turns on as well.. would the ground loop isolator fix this as well? THanks

Where are you located?