Problem: Amp Overheating

[Scufftastic]

Hello!
I've recently purchased a Squeezebox, and I am mightily impressed with it! I have just one problem, which I hope someone out there might be able to help me with.
The Squeezebox is connected via the RCA leads to my amp (Kenwood KR-A3080). After the Squeezebox has been on for about 15mins, my amp cuts out, and I'm left with a slightly worrying burning smell.
I've tried the squeezebox on different inputs on the amp, with no improvement. The other audio equipment (cd, tape and dvd player) all work fine, and no overheating occurs.
I suspect some sort of impedance mismatch, but perhaps a squeezebox audiophile out there might have better ideas? I'd appreciate any help!

Cheers,
Scufftastic.

[Khuli]

The squeezebox has standard 75ohm output impedance, so it shouldn't be that causing it, as your other components are likely to be the same.

Does the amp overheat when the SB is connected and on (but not playing), or when connected and playing but the amp source is the CD player?

[Scufftastic]

Hi Khuli. The amp only overheats when the SB is on and playing, and you've got the SB selected as the amp source. When the amp cuts out, the SB merrily continues to play, but obviously you hear nothing.
The amp works fine with the other components; and the squeezebox is clearly also working fine on its own. It's just when you connect the two that it all goes wrong. Do you have any other ideas as to what might be causing this?

[Paul W]

Hi,
A few suggestions ... hope they are some help:

Do you have to turn the volume control on your amp either up or down to get the same music volume when playing from the Squeezebox versus a CD / tuner etc? If so, maybe the SB's output is too high and is overloading your input stage? Can you try to turn the volume down on the SB's analogue output and see if that makes a difference?

Conversely, if you have to turn your amp way up, it could be overheating, but unless you've inadvertantly turned the SB's output down (or added attenuation in Slimserver),this shouldn't be the case.

Have you tried playing the SB through the same input as the CD player, i.e. disconnect CD player and connect SB to those cables?

Finally, do you have the SB connected to the phono stage of your amp which is designed to accept a much lower input ...?

Good luck ....

[Scufftastic]

Hi Paul
I did some tinkering last night after your suggestions about volume. The squeezebox did sound quieter than the CD player, and I found that whacking the volume right up when playing a CD did in fact make the amp cut out - something I didn't try before.
In the end I traced the problem to a loose connection on one of the speakers - nothing to do with the squeezebox at all!
Thanks for your help and suggestions - and sorry for being a bit of an audio-newbie!

[Paul W]

Great, glad to hear that you fixed your problem ... enjoy your listening!

Cheers,
Paul