Static in system when engine is running.
 

Why does my system sound so much "cleaner" when the engine is off? When the engine is running, there seems to be slight static in the background all the time. Is that from the engine electrical system? Is there a filter for that? What can I do or buy that will clear it up?
My system is:

Alpine head unit
Alpine 300w amp(drives subwoofers)
Alpine 150 amp (drives door speakers and 6x9')
crossover unit
Sony explode door speakers(6.5inch)
Two 12inch JL Audio subwoofers
Two Pioneer 6x9 rear speakers

Re: Static in system when engine is running.
 

Make sure your RCA's and power wires are run on opposite sides of the car. If they are on run on the same side, the power wire can cause some interference with the signal sent through the RCA's. Do you have an aftermarket ignition system? The ignition boxes generate alot more energy than the factory system. Make sure you have high quality, well insulated plug wires also.

Re: Static in system when engine is running.
 

Yeah, they are on opposite sides. The system is in my '88GT which is bone stock so there is no aftermarket ignition box, wires, etc...
I'm going to try a ground loop wire first.

Re: Static in system when engine is running.
 

Is the static in the door and rear speakers, the sub, or all of them?

Re: Static in system when engine is running.
 

I notice it from the door speakers but mostly from the tweeders.

Re: Static in system when engine is running.
 

Tweeters being dash speakers I would assume (unless you have component speakers). Are they hooked up to an amp, or are they running off of the speaker outputs on the H.U.? If they are run off of the same amp as the door speakers, I would look at the amp. If they are run off of the H.U., and the door speakers are run off of the amp, II would look at the H.U. How old is the H.U.? Did you buy it new, or used? Do you have a warranty on it? If you do have one, I would call up the manufacturer and describe the problem. If they are run on the amp, I would look at the amp. Make sure all of your speaker connections are tight. And make sure the RCA's are all the way in the jacks and the connection is not sloppy.