Quote:
I assume the neg of a RCA is its outer metal ring, correct?


Correct.

Quote:
Hope I can find this thing.it's elusive thus far and I only get 2 hours of daylight after work a night, heh



Just go through the steps in the FAQ. As you noted, removing the RCAs between the empeg and the amp fixed it. That's because you literally broke the loop. One part of the loop is the shield in the RCAs and the other part is the chassis of the car.

What happens is some of the supply current to the amps or empeg runs through shield of the RCA cable instead of the normal power wires and the car chassis.

Is it possible that Lexus use a balanced system? Could that be contributing.

Look for a Lexus forum. Installing the empeg is almost identical to any other head unit so if they had noise problems and fixed them, they can probably help you too.

I just hope I don't have the same problems with my M3 I'm picking up soon (weekend hopefully). hybrid8's 328i install is promising though.
_________________________
Christian
#40104192 120Gb (no longer in my E36 M3, won't fit the E46 M3)