Looking at a blown amp...worth the gamble?

[budgetkiller 10+ year member]

Hey guys, I'm looking at a 2010 series Kicker ZX 1500.1, but it currently isn't working properly. Here's what I've gathered so far about the issue:

The amp worked fine for months (2ohm load) until one day it began having this problem.

The amp turns on, plays one note, then "clicks" off into protect mode.

The amp then restarts itself and repeats the process.

I've read that the Kicker ZX series amps are known for having some sort of "common problem" with this.

The owner says he took it apart and could find no visible damage or blown circuitry on the board.

The guy says he'll take 50 bucks for it. Is it worth my time? Any idea what failed on it? Will Kicker repair it if I send it to them and how much will that run me?

I know it's not the best description, but without the amp in front of me it's what I could do. I've been into audio for years and I'm not afraid to start soldiering new components to the board if that's all it needs. Any advice/tips appreciated. Thanks!

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[Hammer Knock]

nope not to me. could be though?

 

[Spooney 10+ year member]

I would call kicker and see what the repair rate is before you make that gamble. If they wont touch it try amp medics. They seem to get mentioned a lot and do good work from what I hear. It could be a very simple inexpensive repair or it could be something major. Dont be fooled by the seller though into thinking its a guaranteed simple repair just because there are no visibly bad parts. You could need an entire output section rebuild and every part could still look factory fresh. I say this because I see blown amps listed all the time as "easy fixes" and only having " one or two bad fets" . Truth is one or two bad fets can often mean an entire output or power supply rebuild and anybody who claims they fixed an amp by only replacing the visibly burnt one or two bad parts has only put a band aid on a much larger issue.

 

[budgetkiller 10+ year member]

I would call kicker and see what the repair rate is before you make that gamble. If they wont touch it try amp medics. They seem to get mentioned a lot and do good work from what I hear. It could be a very simple inexpensive repair or it could be something major. Dont be fooled by the seller though into thinking its a guaranteed simple repair just because there are no visibly bad parts. You could need an entire output section rebuild and every part could still look factory fresh. I say this because I see blown amps listed all the time as "easy fixes" and only having " one or two bad fets" . Truth is one or two bad fets can often mean an entire output or power supply rebuild and anybody who claims they fixed an amp by only replacing the visibly burnt one or two bad parts has only put a band aid on a much larger issue.

Good info. I'm a little hesitant because the guy claims he's "fixed amps before" which really makes me wonder if he knows it's cooked. I'd love to pick up such a beast of an amp for a steal of a price so I'll look into your suggestions, but I'm really looking for an SQ amp anyways so I might just have to keep shopping. Although, I have read that the ZX series amps have some common problem in the output section that doesn't sound too difficult to fix.

 

[sexy 10+ year member]

I think the repair will be about $300 plus shiping from what i have been told by other people with a problem like yours.

 

[budgetkiller 10+ year member]

I think the repair will be about $300 plus shiping from what i have been told by other people with a problem like yours.

Awesome. Looks like I'm going to keep shopping around then.