Can Amplifiers Lose Output As They Age?

Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Car Audio
Forum Discription: Car Stereos, Amplifiers, Crossovers, Processors, Speakers, Subwoofers, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=145504
Printed Date: May 09, 2025 at 8:13 AM

Topic: Can Amplifiers Lose Output As They Age?

Posted By: jamesrundles
Subject: Can Amplifiers Lose Output As They Age?
Date Posted: July 03, 2019 at 7:07 AM

I have heard it is possible over time for an amp to loose its output power gradually over time. I never believed this to be true however I have had the same amp and same subs and same box for 9 years and it has been in 5 different vehicles. I realize each vehicle will acoustically sound different but this latest vehicle is different. 2004 mitsubishi endeavor. Run the amp from a line level converter and was sounding great plenty of bass. Switched the head from stock to aftrtmarket with dedicated sub output and eq controlls and the sub is different. Seems like the output is weaker. With all the back story the question is is it possible for an amp to loose output due to age.

James

Replies:

Posted By: geepherder
Date Posted: July 07, 2019 at 7:22 PM

It's definitely possible, but since you changed the headunit, you should go back through the amp setup procedure. It's likely you need to adjust your gain.

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Posted By: jamesrundles
Date Posted: August 02, 2019 at 12:20 PM

On this issue while the output seems to be lower I found my rca cable was shorted on one channel and was making the other play weird. Reaced that and it is good again

Posted By: DYohn
Date Posted: August 04, 2019 at 12:45 PM

Capacitors change with time which can cause amplifiers to lose both bass output and overall power output capability. If you think this has happened to your amp, the best thing to do is to consider replacing it - unless it is a very high quality amp like a McIntosh or something that would be worth having repaired.

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Posted By: timbo74
Date Posted: August 29, 2019 at 8:02 PM

It’s called degradation, most electronic devices are subject to it.