Lightning Audio Amp Issue

[JBMark33]

I found a Lightning Audio 750W amp on clearance at Wal-mart for $20.

I assumed it had some kind of issue with it, so my thinking was:

If it does have a problem: return it.
If not: I got a good deal.

Upon inspection after getting it home, the two fuses that are right on the amp were blown. These are both 20A.

I bought 5 more, and as soon as any kind of power is put to the amp, it blows the fuses.

Should I try higher amperage fuses?

I hooked up power, then tried putting in fuses, and I also tried putting the fuses in first. Same problem.

[calaeb0896]

I got the same amp but mine were 40 bucks i bought two. I havent hooked them up yet but if they have the same problem im not really going to care they were cheap. But it they work they are pretty good amps.

[harofreak00]

Take the cover off, I bet you find some internal damage as well.

Return it.

[loud95sse]

ya, it will need repairs. take it back

[Bugsi]

Amplifiers will generally destroy themselves if the output is short circuited while the amp is on. This is really easy to do by people who don't know what they're doing when DIY installing. Just having a wire accidentally touch from the speaker output + to - terminal is all it takes. Optionally, hooking a new amplifier up (correctly) to a blown speaker with a shorted voicecoil effectively does the same thing.

When an amp blows, the output transistors almost always fail by fusing silicon as a short circuit, making a direct path from the amplifier's power supply rails (typically a minimum of 50 volts) to ground. If you're lucky, *just* the transistors short, and then the fuse pops. If you're not lucky, other components fail. Diodes and Transistors typically short circuit, resistors often go up in flames and cause an open circuit.

It really isn't a good business practice for a store to re-sell a returned amplifier without testing it first. They're just wasting your time. Replacing fuses will not help you, you'll just pop the new fuses as well. Don't use a higher rated fuse, that won't help either.

Since the store thinks it is okay to sell you a blown amp at a discount, I say you should insist on keeping the amplifier that you paid almost nothing for, but take it back and insist on having them send it out for warranty repair. You should get a working amp back after repair, and then you'll finally have the good deal that the store was luring you with.

[JBMark33]

That's a good idea to have the store have it fixed.

I would have never thought about that.

I won't try any other fuses.

Thanks.

[03SSEISUPERCHARGED]

I have the problem of it overheating not sure why that is, haven't had ur problem but yea everyone is prolly right something inside.

[Bugsi]

That's a good idea to have the store have it fixed.

I would have never thought about that.

I won't try any other fuses.

Thanks.

It really ticks me off that stores sell broken gear. But unless they had a big sign on it that said "Dead amplifier, no warranty, $20", then they lead you to believe you were buying a working, warranted item for $20, and it's not your fault if it doesn't work, -it's THEIRS. Make them either fix it or replace it with a new one. They're legally obligated to honor the lowest price listed on the item, and it is illegal for them to misrepresent it. If it was sold as working, then they are obligated to make it work, so you can enjoy your good deal! If they don't like it, they aren't obligated to sell amplifiers for $20 now, are they! But they chose to do so, so they have to honor their sale.

[thunderhand]

any amp for $20.00 isnt worth the $20.00

you usually get what you pay for.. and in this case.. its not much..