amp is acting up again

[99CouGSweetRide]

I had this problem before but I think it fixed itself. I have an amp with 2 sets of + and - terminals for speaker wires. I got 2 subs, and the 2 wires from each sub goes to a set of terminals on the amp. For some reason, one set doesn't work. Right now one sub is working, and when I switch the wires from the terminal that isn't working to the terminal that is working, the sub works...is it possible for the terminals to just be shot on the amp?

Mike

[01blkcat]

That could be the problem, but I would point to either bad wiring, or maybe the amp going bad, period.

[ZEXCougar]

Check the fuses too. There should be at least two that are located on the amp somewhere. Maybe you blew one. Otherwise, you may have vibrated the wire loose on the inside of the amp. Either take it in for service, or if you are out of warranty and know anything about electronics you could crack it open yourself. It is quite possible that the wire just got disconnected, and all you'll have to do is re solder it. If the sub is working when you hook it up to the other connection, the problem is definitely your amp - so I would check the wiring inside. Quick word of advise - if you do plan on taking it in, do not open up the case by yourself! They will definitely know that you did, and guess what??? No more warranty! Hopefully it is this easy. If you are under warranty, just take it in. Usually, an amp is so expensive to repair that they just take out the guts and replace them in your old case. = brand new amp! The store I used to work for always did this - I'm not sure if that is universal, but it was explained to me this way. It just isn't worth fixing to them. If you do go inside the case by yourself, you should be able to tell if you fried something. You will see a black film residue on the chip or resistor that blew. If this is the case - time for a new amp.

[99CouGSweetRide]

hmm sounds good...I could actually use a new amp anyway. But for now, this is what I did: I just took the positive wires from both subs, spliced them, and connected to the positive terminal on the working set of amp terminals. Took the negative wires from both subs, spliced them, and connected it to the negative terminal on the same set of amp terminals...would this lead to any problems? Both subs are working again, just don't wanna fry the electrical system. Oh and by the way, I do have two 35 amp fuses on the amp and they're both fine.

Mike

[ZEXCougar]

I don't know if running it this way will damage your amp or not, but you can do it the following safe way for the same results. Try it and feel the amp after 10 or 15 mintues if you have 4 ohm subs due to the fact that your amp may run hot. I don't think it will, especially because you don't have it bridged, but it still might. You will definitely know if it is overheating due to the burn blister on your hand after you touch it! I drew you a cool picture in windows paint, but I can't put it up for some reason. Anyways, this is how you do it:

Run the positive wire from the amp to the first sub, then run a wire from the positive terminal on the first sub to the positive terminal on the second sub. Do the same for the negative terminals and you are all set. You are now running your speakers in parallel. This will lower the ohm value and get you much more bang for your buck, but I can't stress enough to make sure that your amp is handling it ok!

You don't have to worry about having problems this way - it is a commonly used practice. Have you ever seen a box that has numerous speakers but only one input terminal? They are being run this way. When you get your amp fixed, if you want a bit of a boost in bass, run your subs this way and bridge your amp, but make sure that your amp can handle the extra load and doesn't everheat. Amps will tell you what they are stable to, but always double check by feeling the amp for overheating.

Two 4 ohms subs in parallel = 2 ohms
Two 8 ohms subs in parallel = 4 ohms

[99CouGSweetRide]

when I had a single sub I used to run it in parallel, but when I put the bass up to a certain volume the amp just shut off until I lowered the bass. I have it wired in series now and I think it sounds a lot crisper and louder. I don't know I'll play around with it sometime this week. Thanks tho, sorry you couldn't post the pic.

Mike