Grounding both amps?

**Magnaflow GP** · 03-05-2010

Im wondering whether i should use a ground distribution block making both amps grounded at the same place, ive heard this isnt the best and that i should run seperate wiring from each amp to a different ground and not to use a ground distribution block. Is this true?

**matt5112** · 03-06-2010

You want to have a central grounding location so either the same spot or the same piece of metal.

Also, keep them separate so if one fails, they don't all fail.

**imdaman3** · 03-06-2010

and dont make the ground over 2-3ft will cause noise

tryin keep all grounds as short as possible

**matt5112** · 03-06-2010

shorter grounds just means less chance of failure.

nothing about noise since the ground still has to travel the length of the chassis regardless of how its wired.

**imdaman3** · 03-06-2010

^^true matt, newer cars if the ground is to long it can cause noise, longer ground has higher resistance,compared to the distance front to back of a huge chasis, its equivalent to a hundred runs of zero guage.

**matt5112** · 03-06-2010

Only if you get a ground on the right piece of metal.

**Magnaflow GP** · 03-06-2010

thanks appreciate it ill prob run on top of the rear fender

**paulygp09** · 03-06-2010

thats where I have mine, and have no trouble with sound quality!

**Magnaflow GP** · 03-07-2010

good to know! thanks

**I800C0LLECT** · 03-08-2010

Noise typically results when one ground is backfeeding into another due to their measured differences. If you have two grounds that are equal then there will be no backfeed. However, trying to accomplish that in a vehicle is near impossible. Typically multiple grounding points already exist in a vehicle. You could use separate grounding points to maintain the "18 inch rule" but then that idea of cross talk between differences in grounding points could occur.

Same thing can happen with a single ground point. Car Audio amounts to nothing more than good guess work

Pick your poison. My grounds hit a block that feeds to 4awg grounding point on rear wheel well. It's about 18" in length. The biggest reason for that rule is so that your cable can carry a large load without frying.

Remember...the difference between grounding points could even cause back feed through RCA's. That's why EQ's traditionally add noise to signals. This is why people prefer digital as much as possible too. I believe balanced and digital are over kill in a vehicle environment.