I have my XM power running to an aux outlet I installed in the glove compartment. Intermittently I get a high pitched whine coming through the speakers (both front and back) which I have traced to the power area for the XM. If I jiggle the wires it will go away.

I'm using FM modulation but that doesn't seem to have any bearing on the problem. I also have a set of crossovers mounted in the glove box which I have a feeling might be the source of the problem.

Any thoughts from a solder geek?

 

what you are hearing is the alternator whine that is present in most all portable sat radios. this is due to poor shielding of the power line that is coming into the unit. I have found that if you take a small guage ( 16 or smaller ) wire and wind it around the primary power wire and attach one end of it to the chassis of the car it seems to help but not in all instances. It is doubtful that the problem is in the crossovers as it would take a very strong EMI to affect the output on them. You are certainly not alone in this as I get about 20 calls on this a night @ Crutchfield.

 

when i installed mine i had the same whine, i put in a ground isolator on the aux power outlet, still had the noise so i kind of ignored it, i eventually got a new HU w/ aux input and connected it directly into the mx recever and no more noise, IMO, the fm modulator BLOWS.. so you have to either live w/ it or pick up a HU w/ aux input

 

i have the delphi skyfi plugged directly into the aux inout on my sony HU. it is powered by a cigarette lighter adaptor. i have a whine in my front and rear speakers that is only noticable at high speeds ~70 mph or high volumes. Although it can be heard in my aftermarket tweeters at all times. I have traced the whine back to the power source of the XM. If i unplug it the whine stops, the instant i plug it in it starts again. The power cord is ran as far as possible from all other wires. Any ideas on how to stop this.