amplifier low voltage warning

[craig7]

so, i blew a fuse on my amp yesterday, no big deal, i put in the replacement fuse, it worked fine. but a few minutes ago i noticed that the low voltage light on it kept turning on and my amp didnt come with a manual or anything so i have no idea what it means. is the amp just not getting enough power from the power supply? if so what kind of power supply do i need?

 

[Sylar]

Did you check if you have power supply fluctuations? If yes, maybe a voltage regulator would help. We face voltage supply fluctuations regularly (even as I am writing this ), so I intend to buy one for my new system.

 

[craig7]

Did you check if you have power supply fluctuations? If yes, maybe a voltage regulator would help. We face voltage supply fluctuations regularly (even as I am writing this ), so I intend to buy one for my new system.

well the light only goes on when there is a significant amount of bass

 

[markw]

well the light only goes on when there is a significant amount of bass

Sounds like there might be a problem with the power supply and fuses will neither cause or cure it.

Unless, of course, there's a problem with the house wiring which isn't likely.

 

[Sylar]

well the light only goes on when there is a significant amount of bass

Thats usually the region with a lot of musical energy...& requires more power. This is probably why when playing bass stuff, the problem is showing up.

You should check with a multimeter what the voltage is like when this happens. Does it happen all the time (Morning/Noon/Evening/Night)? During Peak loads it could be a problem, and when loads are light things could be fine. If it happens all the time, then some thing is probably wrong with the mains supply/wiring (which needs to be checked) or the amp dosent have the 'right kind of PSU for your needs'...or both. If there is a voltage drop during peak hours...then a regulator will help to keep the voltage within required range.

Long back, I used to use a old car amplifier to play music. Power was supplied using mains with an 'not so appropriate' small AC-DC converter. When I used to push the volume a bit more than 50%, the music used to drag with even medium bass staff. At peak loads it used to do this at around 30% - 40% itself. But of course, the converter was a cheap one. So both the PSU and the supply was a problem.

 

[Sylar]

Sounds like there might be a problem with the power supply and fuses will neither cause or cure it.

so, i blew a fuse on my amp yesterday, no big deal,

I think it is a *big deal*. Here is why i feel so.
With a voltage drop, the amp is trying to compensate by drawing in more current. And with more current than it is designed for, the protection kicks in & fuse blows. Don't increase the fuse rating & put a 'better fuse' to fix this

 

[Nestor]

Try the following. I ordered them in terms of simplicity/cost.

-Check your power cable and connections. A loose plug may cause a voltage drop during current draw.

-Check line voltage, but at another cct. If possible, try running amp and speakers from a cct that doesn't normally supply the amp. It'll be difficult to check voltage while amp is running as you have to expose live wires. This will depend on your skill/knowledge level.

-You may have a loose connection at the plug or breaker as well. Isolate the cct and check connections. Get an electrician if you aren't sure what to do.

-Power supply in amp defective.

 

[craig7]

I think it is a *big deal*. Here is why i feel so.
With a voltage drop, the amp is trying to compensate by drawing in more current. And with more current than it is designed for, the protection kicks in & fuse blows. Don't increase the fuse rating & put a 'better fuse' to fix this

well i belw the fuse by blowing a 2" speaker with the amp (stupid idea) and the amp came with a spare fuse so i just used that one

Try the following. I ordered them in terms of simplicity/cost.

-Check your power cable and connections. A loose plug may cause a voltage drop during current draw.

-Check line voltage, but at another cct. If possible, try running amp and speakers from a cct that doesn't normally supply the amp. It'll be difficult to check voltage while amp is running as you have to expose live wires. This will depend on your skill/knowledge level.

-You may have a loose connection at the plug or breaker as well. Isolate the cct and check connections. Get an electrician if you aren't sure what to do.

-Power supply in amp defective.

what do you mean by cct?

 

[Sylar]

2" speaker

Which speaker....specs?? Someone could help you analyze here.

Not a good idea to connect any and every speaker to an expensive amp without knowing its specs.

 

[mtrycrafts]

so, i blew a fuse on my amp yesterday, no big deal, i put in the replacement fuse, it worked fine. but a few minutes ago i noticed that the low voltage light on it kept turning on and my amp didnt come with a manual or anything so i have no idea what it means. is the amp just not getting enough power from the power supply? if so what kind of power supply do i need?

If you don't have a volt meter, or, even if you do, you may want to buy a Kill-A-Watt meter, about $25, Google it. You can plug that into the outlet then your receiver into the meter and you can see voltage changes right at that component. And, you can use that meter for other interesting discoveries like how much you are really wasting on standby electrical appliances, etc.

 

[craig7]

Which speaker....specs?? Someone could help you analyze here.

Not a good idea to connect any and every speaker to an expensive amp without knowing its specs.

it was a cheap dollar store speaker, maybe 2 watts max and the amp was only $50

 

[Nestor]

well i belw the fuse by blowing a 2" speaker with the amp (stupid idea) and the amp came with a spare fuse so i just used that one

what do you mean by cct?

cct = circuit