Well, last week I upgraded to the Eclipse CD8445, and of course, got the infamous alternator engine whine through my highs and mids. I changed the ground from the one I was using (the one in the wiring harness) to one I found on the firewall direct to the chassis. It minimized it a little, but I could still hear it with the volume turned way down. Couldn't hear it with the volume up.
I believe the 8volt preouts probably had something to do with it.

Well after some research, I learned you are never supposed to run your RCA's right next to your speaker wires and power wires, which I had done 2 years ago.

SOOO, after 2 hours of sweat and dreaded re-routing of my rca wires, the problem is fixed. I could probably re-ground my HU to the factory harness ground wire and be ok (just to keep things tidy and less wires running under my carpet, and possibly a shorter ground using the factory chassis ground) but I guess I won't try to fix what is broken.

I had zero problems with my wires the way I originally ran them, but I only had 4volt pre-outs with my old clarion.

This is just an FYI for anyone whom may encounter the aggravating noise.

RL

 

Good tip. Thanks.
How well do you like that Eclipse? I was looking at them, as my old Kenwood is dying. It's either get the 8445 or a JVC/Jenson DVD.
Chris

 

I like it well, but I give it a 7/10.

It doesn't have a cd/mp3 pause button which is nice for cell phone calls when you get them, and you can't turn off the subwoofer.

It has many bells and whistles, some which I may never use.
I miss my clarion dxz835mp, it had some really simple basic features that I wish were incorporated into the eclipse 8445.

The subwoofer volume switch on the face was awesome, and the magna bass-ex for bass boost was sweet.

The eclipse has a loud on/off which sucks, so I don't use it at all. But the 7band PEQ, time alignments, and all other stuff is really cool.

Rob

 

No pause button? That is too weird.
That sub control on the front of the Clarion sounds like a great idea.

I am mostly concerned about the sound quality on the Eclipse. I would be running it either with no amp or a small amp.
Chris

 

I can honestly say I have much more control over my overall sound using the eclipse deck. 8v pre-outs and the PEQ, crossover, circle surround options, etc.

It really depends on how "INTO" the whole SQ (sound quality) thing you are.

Most admit it is a fine deck, much better than the Clarion. I have to agree, its just missing some simple options I wish it had.
I found mine on CA.com for 280.00 shipped to my door. They used to retail for over 600.00

Rob