Is it normal for amp to get hot

Started by Wdawg Nov 3, Replies: 2. Laptop Tech Support. Question Does a docking station that bridges peripheries and monitors to a laptop and computer exist? Started by hodzic Oct 24, Replies: 3. Laptop General Discussion. Wireless Carriers. Tom's Guide is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher.

Visit our corporate site. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number Top Bottom. Oct 27, Question Marantz SR not turning on. Sep 5, Aug 15, Question Volume to headphones increasing when amp is turned off using optical. Jan 22, Question Yamaha rx-v won't auto turn on when powered. Dec 13, Question Speakers connected to monitor turn off when there is no sound. Dec 7, Nov 15, Nov 10, Like all electrical devices, amps are expected to warm up when in use. However, if the device becomes too hot to touch, this is almost certainly a problem that needs addressing.

Electrical devices commonly heat up when they are being used. The harder the device is working, the more heat it usually exerts as it uses more electricity to perform the task at hand. Used to amplify the audio signal from a sound source, and output it to monitors, headphones , or speakers, the amp is a pivotal device in any audio system. The first thing we need to assess is why that is happening.

It could be a natural side effect of the amplification process, or it could be a sign that the device has become faulty and you should repair or replace it. Amps are commonly fitted with ventilation systems. Most electrical devices that use considerable amounts of power are. The vents allow hot air to be exerted from the amp, rather than being recycled within the device, which would increase the heat and likely fry the inner components. When the amp is on, you should be able to hear the vent blowing out some of the hot air.

Having a faulty ventilation system could ruin the amp if it goes unnoticed for long enough. Another logical explanation of why your amp may be getting hot is that it has a heavy Class A bias. Check out my article on the differences between class A, B, and AB amps here. Learn More. A car amplifier can overheat for a variety of reasons.

Your amplifier could sustain serious, if not permanent, damage. Read on to learn what can cause your amplifier to overheat, what to do if it happens to you, and how to keep your amp from overheating.

Cheaply made amplifiers are highly likely to overheat than quality ones that are designed from the ground up with quality in mind. The efficiency of an amplifier lets you know how much of the electricity fed into your amp is converted to an audio signal and how much is wasted as heat. Quality amplifiers use the electrical power that is supplied by the battery and alternator in the most efficient way possible.

Cheap amplifier on the other hand waste more power than they actually produce in sound. That wasted power turns into heat, which leads to overheating problems.

So, investing in a good, brand name amplifier from the get-go is one of the best ways to avoid overheating issues. An amplifier class refers to the way an amplifier combines power and signal. Mounting your amplifier in a well-aired location is highly recommended to prevent overheating problems caused by lack of airflow.

Dec 21, 17, Grand Junction, CO. My Memphis Big Belle gets pretty hot so it may just be how they run Mar 5, 14, IL. Are your power and ground wire the same size? Jun 18, 8, Greenwood, La. The heatsink is just doing its job. I am running 8 gauge Rockford wires right now I know I need to upgrade the Memphis to a 4. Also like I said it has never gone into protection mode or cut out. I figured it might be normal because like the other person said it is the heat sink so of course its gonna be hot if it's doing it's job.

I think in the Jl's manual it even recommends a 8 gauge. Dec 26, 10, Maine. Sep 30, 3 0 Naples,Fl. A fan will help Big time. Apr 6, 2 St. Louis, MO. Create an account or login to comment You must be a member in order to leave a comment Create account Create an account on our community. It's easy! Log in Already have an account? Log in here. Previous Topic Next Topic.