Guys,

I've recently upgraded from my old Sony Headunit to a new Sony MX-8800 headunit and since then the old whine has returned. Now, I know that its not a ground loop as I've got isolators on the inputs to my old (and probably nearing death) amplifier.

Now, I've decided to rewire the cabling in the car and put the power down the centre console of my beloved Octy vRS...except......how does one take the console apart? I've also seen thr thread on the power cable coming straight from the battery (I'll be doing this next weekend, weather depending).

What guage of cable will I need for the main power, remote cable and the earth - It might as well do a proper job while I have the car apart..

Recommendations?

Hi BPM

The only thing I could recommend with alternator noise is making sure you have a very good ground chassis connection for the amp. The grounding needs to be the same size gauge as the 12V feed.

In terms of gauge size, it really depends how much power you'll want available for your amps. Considering it's a hefty job changing it over, I'd always think if you're planning on upgrading in the future and cater for that now. I've put 4 gauge through mine. It should be enough for most powered systems unless you go mad on subs and kilowatts of power

I don't think you need to take the console apart. Most people have routed behind the glove box, and temporarily removing that allows you to grab the cable as you push it through the bulkhead. As Q says though, it'll cost you some knuckle-skin :(

Good luck

I've always been saying that it was a dodgy ground...so I'll find a new point tonight for it.

As for the remote cable, any recommendations on guage or would the standard cable that comes attached to the phono's work?

Apart from that I'm starting the upgrade tonight...

grounds, grounds and more grounds!!

have a look on www.talkaudio.co.uk , we have a wealth of imformation on there in the FAQ section and people are always willing to help you. there's a couple of skoda owners (incuding me ) on there too.

okay....this issue wasn't the ground as it has a nice point on the chassis (the same point for the rear power socket on the Estate.. But I did notice that in my haste to get the old system in before Trax was that I used the power from the Cigarette lighter socket in the boot of the car....Good thing I'm upgrading the power at the weekend.

Just one more question.....How does one take apart the centre console in order to run the power down it ? (any instructions anywhere?)

Thanks again guys!

Is it any easier to run the cables down the sides of the car, under the carpet ?

yeah, but I have the RCA's down one side and the Speaker Cables down the other...

The remote wire can be a piddly one. The remote input(s) on the amp(s) don't draw any current so you can get away with thin stuff.

Oh, and a big to talkaudio. As marko said, quite a few briskodians there and a very good source of info / help from audio fanatics.

Excellent. I've a quick look at talkaudio and it has a huge amount of info on it,

Hi Bernard,

I have just seen the photos from the Rolling Road, and I have to say the cars look really well. I can't believe your baby is kickin out 190.... That is serious output for a standard car. Myself and Padraig will definetly be at the next Rolling Road, as we are dying to see what our beasts will kick out. I am afraid I can't give you any help regarding your wiring issues. Best of luck though!

Regards

Mc Gyver

Myself and Padraig will definetly be at the next Rolling Road, as we are dying to see what our beasts will kick out.

Mcgyver, The credit card must be looking a bit healthier now

Mcgyver, The credit card must be looking a bit healthier now

Thank god I got that sorted out. A few quiet weekends saw me come back on track.. Hopefully we can organise a good gathering of the Octi brigade real soon