Amps getting hot even at low volume

[rc10mike 10+ year member]

I dont ALWAYS listen to my system full blast. Sometimes just voice volume. Even then, my PPI 2200 and JL e4300 are hot to the touch. Lets assume that everything is wired and grounded properly. What might cause this condition? If you need any more info just ask. Im using a Pioneer DEHP860MP hu.

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[outspoken 10+ year member]

subs wired incorrectly? oops, thought you meant power wire. my bad

 

[tee 10+ year member]

bad gains?

 

[rc10mike 10+ year member]

What do you mean by "bad gains"

I intentionally run the gains high so I dont have to use the WHOLE volume of the radio. I hooked up steering wheel controls in my car. My HU goes from 1-40 if I remember correctly. I usually never turn it up past 15. Could that be the problem?

Please excuse me if I sound like an idiot, but Im under the impression that as long as you control the volume from the HU responsibly, then it shouldnt matter where you set the gains.

 

[brendonius]

What do you mean by "bad gains"
I intentionally run the gains high so I dont have to use the WHOLE volume of the radio.

I would say thats your problem right there. Making the amp work really hard to amplify such a quiet signal to a decent level would cause your amps to generate a lot of heat. Use one of the tutorials to set your gain properly, guaranteed it will solve your heat issue...unless your amp is crammed under a cramped dusty seat:crap: haha anyway, hope this helps

 

[rc10mike 10+ year member]

Yeah, I dont know the inner workings of amps too well, but I kind of agree with you there. As for being crammed, the amps are mounted on the back of the enclosure, I always have the seats folded down too.

 

[IA2 10+ year member]

I would say the high gain setting is definitely your problem

 

[helotaxi 5,000+ posts]

The amp doesn't work any harder making 200w with the gains high or making 200w with the gain set to min. That's not how it works.

Your issue is that you are running big Class A/B amps at low power where they are not as efficient. They'll usually get hotter at low volume than at high. 1/3 power is used as a torture test for A/B amps for just that reason.