can you put an amp in a sub enclosure

to save space, could you theoretically build some sort of compartment in a sub enclosure and place the amp inside or will this damage the amp? If you left an opening in this amp compartment in the enclosure, would the moving air generated by the subwoofer help cool the amp down possibly aswell? im interested to hear why this would be a good/bad idea. Maybe I am lacking some fundamental understanding of the whole setup. thanks for reading.

** title should have said, can you put an amp in a sub enclosure** sorry

No, you shouldn't even mount your amp on the outside of an enclosure because of all the vibrations.2003 Chevy Avalanche,Eclipse CD7000,Morel Elate 5,Adire Extremis,Alpine PDX-4.150, 15" TC-3000, 2 Alpine PDX-1.1000, 470Amp HO Alt.

I've installed 100s of amps on enclosures and never had an amp fail because of it.  Any place you mount an amp in a trunk is going to vibrate so the amp will be exposed to it regardless.

The cooling effect of moving air would depend 100% on design.  I wouldn't think you would want to design a setup like that,  though.  If heat is an issue grab some small fans and do a push-pull set up.

Kevin Pierson

Most enclosures out there are not braced properly.  On  a properly braced enclosure you may get away with it.  I have seen first hand the destruction associated with amps mounted on poorly constructed enclosures.  I too reccomend against mounting an amp on an enclosure.  The repair business has slowed up a bit.  I am now managing the store.  Maybe if we could get more people to mount their amp to their enclosure, I could get back to doing what I love.

i am an idiot wrote: Most enclosures out there are not braced properly.  On  a properly braced enclosure you may get away with it.  I have seen first hand the destruction associated with amps mounted on poorly constructed enclosures.  I too reccomend against mounting an amp on an enclosure.  The repair business has slowed up a bit.  I am now managing the store.  Maybe if we could get more people to mount their amp to their enclosure, I could get back to doing what I love.

@soundnsecurity likes this! i wouldn't do it with a cheap amp.

I can put any amp I want on *my* enclosures...

I do not think I would do that. I do not think the motion of the sub would keep the amp cool enough in the enclosure. Especially, if it was a small sealed enclosure there would be a lot of heat in a small space. You aren't really even supposed to mount them on the outside of the box, because excessive vibrations may cause some of the solder joints to break. I haven't really seen this happen personally. Amp Rack > Amp mounted in/on an enclosure.MECP Advanced

Make your life easier and buy a DMM.