I hate to say I was wrong, but I was. Let me explain...

I set up my aftermarket system to replace the Bose system entirely. I had a Kicker ZX700.5 (5 channel amplifier) with Alpine Type X components in front, and Alpine Type S 6x9s in the rear deck.

I tapped into the head unit's outputs to the speakers -- left front, left rear, right front, and right rear. Those 8 wires (positive and negatives) were run back into the trunk and then attached to the speaker level inputs on my amplifier.

When I completed the installation of the system, there was alternator whine but it was very slight. I thought that having a bad ground was an issue, so I regrounded and took proper readings to ensure I had a good ground. I used the spot that was under the tool kit in the trunk. It's on this forum somewhere...

Still, I had the slight whine. I honestly didn't mind it much -- it was very slight and when the music was playing it was non-existant. However, on a hot day, I fired up the air conditioning. It was then that I realized that the alternator whine was very intrusive into the music. I set out to fix it.

Initially, I thought that the gain on my amplifier was too high, and introducing noise into the system. I turned the gain down all the way, and then blasted the volume to see if I still got the hiss on my speakers. I did.

Frustrated, I broke down and ordered the AudioControl 6XS active crossover module. This was suggested by forbidden to me many times, but in pursuit of keeping to a lower budget, I opted to try without the 6XS.

All I can tell you is that -- speaker level inputs don't work. At least, not on the Bose system. I found out the hard way. I went over my budget by about $300, but all in all I think it was a worthy investment of my money.

I just wanted to share with everybody who was upgrading, and perhaps Astral can update the Sticky to reflect my findings with the speaker level inputs.

My thanks to forbidden on here, who continually told me that I'd be sorry -- I was! But in the end, I'm glad I went the route I did because I learned something about the RX-8's setup on my own. I would have been more upset had I bought the 6XS and not needed it, than if I found out I needed it and bought it afterwards

Any questions, feel free!

 

Did the hiss and alternator whine disappear with the 6XS?

If so how high are you able to set your gains now?

Lastly where did you tap for the 6XS?

 

The alternator whine is entirely gone. The gains on the 6XS are set halfway -- and on my amplifier much lower. I was playing with the gain on the amplifier just to see, and even if I pump up the gain I don't get any hiss.

As far as the tapping, it's still right off of the head unit. I ran 18 gauge wire off the head unit into the trunk, and then put RCA ends onto them. Those RCA ends plugged into the 6XS, and then I used normal RCAs to go into my amplifier.

The result is a cleaner sound, with no distortion or alternator whine, even at high gain levels.

 

Glad to hear it all worked out

 

Me too, good to hear it worked out for you. Generally speaking, when I do suggest something, it is always going to be in the customers best interest and based 100% on a solid and relevant background. That 6XS is the absolute best move you could have made and I am sure that it took your system from mediocre to absolutely amazing.

 

He He!!