I'm trying to figure out if this amp can be mounted vertically. I'm using a PDX 2.150 to power some door speakers in my car and I mounted the amp vertically, here's my installation:







I was told on another forum that mounting PDX series amps vertically harms them and voids the warranty. I've NEVER heard of an amplifier being sensitive to the angle at which it's mounted but I am not as familiar with these amps.

The instructions say that they shouldn't be mounted vertically when stacked, but as far as I can tell it doesn't say anything about a single amp not being mounted vertically. I also contacted Crutchfield and asked them, they told me that all PDX series amps no matter what the configuration, single or stacked, cannot be mounted vertically or the warranty is voided.

Hmmm... I know Crutchfield probably has no idea what they are talking about but still, it's interesting to me that they told me this.

Does anyone know for sure if they can be mounted vertically as in my installation? If it's going to harm this amp I will remount it somewhere else ASAP. But I don't want to go through the work if mounting it vertically isn't going to hurt it.

Thanks for your help.

 

yes they can be mounted like that.

 

Here's what Crutchfield said:

Hi again,

Thanks for responding to Emmit's email. He currently is not available, so I will be happy to answer your question. In regards to where that information is listed, it is not listed in the owner's manual. That information was given to us by our Alpine reps, and the reason why is mounting this amplifier in a vertical position could affect the unit's ability to dissipate heat and possibly damage the amp which would not be covered by the warranty.

Now even armed with this information, people and companies will do what they want with the products they buy - so it does not surprise me that you have seen them mounted in other configurations. We just feel an obligation to inform our customers of the optimal use of the product in question. You can also confirm this information with Alpine as well. Their number is 800-257-4631/800-421-2284.

I hope that this helps. Thanks again for writing us. Let us know if there is anything else we can assist you with in your endeavors.

Amos
Crutchfield Product Advisor
solutions@crutchfield.com
1-800-388-2911 ext 3234

Weird right?

I called a local authorized dealer and they said Crutchfield is loco and that they mount them in all different positions all day long with no problems.

Oh well, I'll leave it for now.

 

I have mounted many PDX amps vertically, and stacked as well, with no issues. As long as the amp has proper ventilation, which yours clearly does, you shouldnt have any issues.

Kirk R

 

I have also mounted PDX amps every possible way, [including "upside down"] without any issues.

The rep at Crutchfield is full of chit, there is no way in the world that Alpine would be able to void a warranty because of the way the amp is installed without having that disclaimer prominent in the owners manual.

I asked a friend who is the Alpine rep in our area and he asked me if I was joking.
He pointed out that the only mounting instructions are...

• DO NOT BLOCK VENTS OR RADIATOR PANELS. Doing so may cause heat to build up inside and may result in fire. because it is the only thing that could cause a problem, [excluding wiring].

I have a question and couple of suggestions for better performance out of the amp.

Question...
Why do you have an in-fuse fuse on the power lead to the amp, [next to amp]?

Suggestions..

Remove the in-line fuse and fuse holder, there should be one fuse on the power lead, installed as close to the batt. as possible and use an ANL fuse.

Move the amps ground from below the latch to one of the bolts that holds the bumper to the frame rail, under carpet to drivers side of amp. 94

 

Yeah I ended up calling Alpine directly and the technician that I got on the phone was like "yeah you can mount them vertically, why wouldn't you be able to?" lol. So yeah, for some reason Crutchfield must have been misinformed somewhere along the line.

The fuse holder is about 12" from the battery (it's a Miata, battery in the trunk), should it be closer? I'll have to look into the ANL fuse thing, what would the benefit be of changing?

Also, the ground is clean as far as I can tell. Is there a way I could measure the efficiency of the ground location to make sure it would be worth it to move it?

Thanks for the input!

 

A Miata

An ANL fuse has much less resistance then an AGU fuse does, but if you make the swap get the cheap ANL fuse holder, like one of these... http://cgi.ebay.com/Stinger-Go...sting stay away from anything that uses a set screw to hold cable or fuse.

Ring terminals soldered to the cable and clamped, [stud and nut] directly to the fuse is a better connection and eliminates two connection points = less resistance.

Install fuse as close to batt. as possible, the fuse that is in-line on the power cable is there to protect the cable and if it is 12" from the batt., then by the looks of it, only half the cable is protected.

You can test the ground potential at any point with a good multimeter, but take my word for it the frame rail bolt holding the bumper is a better ground because it is a more direct route to the batt.

Your ground is connected to that section of sheet metal that the latch is mounted to, that section of sheet metal is spot welded to the cars back panel that in turn is spot welded to the floor pan of the car, the bolt holding the bumper, [and I am assuming Miatas are the same as most cars when it comes to mounting the rear bumper] will allow the ground cables terminal to be in direct contact with the floor pan. 94

 

I have been reading this same issue with these amps. I dont see how they would know in which direction you mounted the amp and then be confident enough to void your warranty.

I do have one question for you PDX owners. Did the "stacking spacers" come in the box with your amp or did you have to purchase those separately? Thanks

 

Damn I just googled this question and it led me here

Ive got a pdx5 to mount vertically

 

I know this is an old post but its one of the first ones to pop up in google.


Alpine has now amended all of their owners manuals to state that

"Note:
When stacking amplifiers, do not install horizontally or at an incline. Any installation other than parallel to the vehicle floor, invalidates the warranty."

I've always found Crutchfield to be very knowledgeable with everything car stereo related.

That said, have you had any problems with your amp? I'm considering doing the same thing.

Thanks

 

That's only when stacking.94