I just installed a Cerwin Vega B52 Amp this weekend as part of a system upgrade. After I got everything powered on and tested, I noticed it was running a bit hot. So this morning I finished up the install and took it for a ride. After I got home (about 1 hour later), the front fairing was warm to the touch.

My question is, do these amps run hot? If so, what have you guys done to prevent any damage from the heat?

 

Sounds like the gains are too high. What speakers are you running, line levelers etc?
What wattage did you set the gains and and how did you measure for proper wattage?

 

I've never worked with a B52. Where are the gains on that amp? All I've seen are pictures and there's no obvious place that has a dial that says "gain"

 

The "SENS" **** is the gain. Short for sensitivity.

 

That amp does run a bit hot. The major difference as I understand it between that amp and the diamond line is the heat sink.

But yeah....check the gains!

 

The B52 amp is getting it's signal from the BT355 line leveler and only powering a set of AD CX62 in the rear. As far as adjustment, I turned the main volume to just shy of 4 clicks and them adjusted the SENS till the rear speakers fluttered. Once they fluttered, I backed it off a tad.

From the sounds of it, I might have it turned up too high? If I back it down, I really don't get much from the speakers. Any ideas?

 

Try confirming your setting with a digital multi meter and a 1k test tone.....but from the few times I've used that amp it does run a bit hot. I'm pretty sure they have thermal protection so if they get TOO hot they should lower in volume or turn off to keep it from frying.

 

Ive got a question about this CV amp, do you have to run the remote wire to something that powers on with the key or does it turn on and off automatically?

 

Run the remote wire to an AC source.