Why does my amp go into protection mode when I turn the volume up?

Question

I've checked all the connections and everything is wired right and tight. I'm on a bit of a budget so my entire system is Boss Audio. I have a head unit and a 5 channel amp running 2x 6.5" speakers, 2x 6x9" speakers and a 12" sub. The amp is 2900 watts (1400 RMS) and even though i don't know a lot about electrics, I've been told it's plenty big enough and each channel should have plenty of power for each speaker. I used a 4 gauge wiring kit to rig it all up too. I can't work out why it turns off. Should i take them all off and put them back on one by one until the problem occurs or should I use a voltmeter? If so, where do i get one and how do i use it? I would really appreciate any help. I've tried all I can do and it's starting to do my head in. I just wanna use my stereo.

Answer 1

It sounds like you need to turn the gain down on the amp.

It should be a dial on the side of the amp, I never turned my gain up past half way. Even at a quater, you should still make enough noise.

Answer 2

You didn't say anything about what the ohms are, but my guess would be you either need to turn the amps gain down, or install a   cooling fan. Also it could be the location of the amp. Make sure there is plenty of room so it can dissipate  heat. You might just let your head unit power your surround speakers, and your amp push the sub.

Answer 3

if you have the correct size wires http://www.crutchfieldadvisor.com/S-KlsA... and the correct impedance (ohms) at the amp then its your gain setting

Setting the "gain" or input sensitivity control is an important adjustment common to all amplifier installations. Proper gain setting helps reduce noise and distortion and allows for the widest possible dynamic range. Here's how to do it:

Turn your amplifier's input level controls all the way down.

Put in a tape or CD or tune in a radio station. Turn up your receiver's volume control. You'll begin to hear music at faint levels. (Audiophiles and sound competitors may want to use a dedicated test disc.  http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/I...

When you start hearing distortion, lower your receiver's volume control until the distortion disappears. At this point, you have as much signal as possible passing from your receiver into your amp. (This gives you maximum signal-to-noise ratio, so you'll enjoy clean sound and your system will be less prone to engine noise problems).

Now begin adjusting your amp's input gain. Turn the input level controls up until the system is as loud as you can stand it or until you begin hearing distortion — whichever comes first. If you hear distortion, decrease the gain settings slightly.

By following this procedure, you'll optimize your amp's performance at the receiver's maximum volume level, so you can crank your system almost all the way up without amplifying any distortion, or damaging your speakers. Keep in mind that this adjustment does not affect the power output of the amp — you're simply setting the amount of input signal needed for optimum sound quality from your system.

Answer 4

your power cables cant run all the energy your using........get thicker amp wires and you shouldnt have any problem

Answer 5

Try checking this site. It's gives protection mode troubleshooting:

http://www.caraudiohelp.com/newsletter/a...