Can't find an answer to this anywhere- amps power on only at high volume

[Lucasmembrane]

Wondering if anyone could assist a novice with this amplifier problem. I have a functioning system comprised of a Pioneer DEH-80PRS HU, Focal K2's in the front and Focal 6x9's rear. Two JL 10" subs.

Here is where I'm lost. I've been running these with a JL XD700 5 channel amp. I just attempted to replace this amp with one JL XD400/4 v2 and a JL XD600/1 v2, separating the system to give the subs adequate power.

What's happening: the amps won't turn on unless I turn the volume up high; they kick on, and I turn the volume down before the sound comes through too loud. They run great for about 5 seconds and then power off, as the audio signal drops. I've trouble-shot the grounds, power, remote turn-on wire, fuses, etc. The amps seem to not be recognizing the remote turn-on wire. Swap back to the XD700 and all is fine.

Any thoughts? The web is all about "amps turn off at high volume." Can't find anything about how they only stay on at high volume. Thanks

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[wew lad 5,000+ posts]

How do you have your remote wires wired to the two amps?

Some amps use a sensing circuit to turn the amp on when it detects significant source voltage, which it sounds like, but I need to know how your remote wires are run and if you're getting +12v into the remote wire terminal

 

[Boomin_tahoe 5,000+ posts]

And those JL Amps are pretty picky from what I read/heard about having constant power to them.

Otherwise, they do what you just described.

Almost sounds like voltage drop at the same time while I'm at it. Has the big 3 been done? How is your electrical looking?

 

[Lucasmembrane]

Thanks for the feedback. The two remote wires and the remote turn on from the HU are connected behind the HU. So both amps are running from the single HU wire, which I understand is not ideal. I have not yet researched the most stable way of making this connection.

I have not yet done the big 3. I had two small Alpine amps prior to this set up (this is the 3rd system in the same car in 10 years) and it wasn't necessary at the time. Probably a great idea to change those out now.

Sidenote I tried running just one of the new amps off of the remote turn-on wire alone and it continued exhibiting the same issue. But the old 5-channel powered right up. I tried the old amp on both power/ground/remote sets, and worked fine. Thanks guys

 

[Boomin_tahoe 5,000+ posts]

I'm running 2 amps myself and also have the remote wire running to them. It sounds like your not sure abut how they are connected but sounds fine to me. That's normal for running multi amps.

Did someone tell you this isn't an ideal way because if so, I'd like to know and....why it works for me and prob many other members on here.

 

[mlstrass 5,000+ posts]

run a temp jumper wire from 12v on the amp to the REM terminal and see if it turns on. Then test voltage at the REM wire from the HU and go from there....