Quick Question About Belkin Auto Kit

[Harrison486]

Hey guys! What's up? Well, I am soon going to be installing my first amp and sub (I cannot wait to start this project and see if I really can do it myself! :D ). Anyway, I realized that during this install I would need to pull out my headunit, and realized that this would be the perfect time to also hook my ipod into my car. Now, I have a Pioneer HU, model number DEH-P3500. To run this I would need the pioneer p-bus to rca adapter. I am fine with that. However, to actually run the ipod through my system, I was looking at the Belkin Auto Kit. It seems like the perfect tool. It will charge the iPod, supplies an amp to regulate volume, and will allow me to hook the iPod up through my AUX jack. However, I have heard reports of buzzing or interference with this kit. Is this true? Would this happen even if I use a direct line into my AUX jack? What are my other options? Thanks again.

[DrewT]

well, either get a ground loop isolator from wallyworld, or ground the cig lighter and the radio to the same point.

The problem has to do with ground loops, not something just limited to the belkin unit, but any charger/line out.

mine wasn't bad at all (just a really quite buzz), and when I put a ground loop isolator on it, it stopped. Then I grounded the adapter and the radio to the same spot, and all is good....

-Drew

[Harrison486]

Originally posted by DrewT
well, either get a ground loop isolator from wallyworld, or ground the cig lighter and the radio to the same point.

The problem has to do with ground loops, not something just limited to the belkin unit, but any charger/line out.

mine wasn't bad at all (just a really quite buzz), and when I put a ground loop isolator on it, it stopped. Then I grounded the adapter and the radio to the same spot, and all is good....

-Drew

The problem is that the money keeps adding up. How expensive and hard to install are those options?

[Harrison486]

How big of a quality difference would there be from me using the line out of the belkin kit to just using the headphone jack of my ipod?

[mde83]

BIG difference between headphone jack and line out option. Audio out = MUCH MUCH better. Ground loop isolatiors are cheap. You can probably get them for less than $10. Just follow the advice given above and you should be good. Make sure when installing your amp to run the RCA's from the amp to the head unit as far away from the amp's power lead as possible. Otherwise you will have nooise even without your iPod or Belkin...

[Harrison486]

Originally posted by mde83
BIG difference between headphone jack and line out option. Audio out = MUCH MUCH better. Ground loop isolatiors are cheap. You can probably get them for less than $10. Just follow the advice given above and you should be good. Make sure when installing your amp to run the RCA's from the amp to the head unit as far away from the amp's power lead as possible. Otherwise you will have nooise even without your iPod or Belkin...

Yeah I already know I have to do that...

People are just telling me that I should just run a cable from the headphone jack to my AUX input. But you say that there is a big difference. Are there any cheaper solutions than the belkin + ground loop?

[Harrison486]

So im looking at ground loop isolators and it just looks like some cylinder with rca female on one end and rca male on the other. All I do is plus my 1/8" to RCA cable into the belkin line out, then plug the rca into the ground loop isolator, then plug the male RCA from the ground loop isolator into my AUX? And that will prevent any buzzing?

[mde83]

That is the idea. I have them on my amp setup in my car and it cured my slight alternator whine...