Car Stereos: amplifier, kenwood kac, mono amplifier

Question
I have recently purchased a class-d mono amplifier.  It is a kenwood KAC-6104D.  I have heard that this class of amp does not produce alot of heat and dissapates it very efficiently.  My question is can I mount this amp upside down under my back seat?There is plenty of space and ventilation.  I have heard differing opinions on this, so i wanted to ask an expert.  Thank you.

Answer
Hi Chris,

It's true that class D amplifiers, in general, are more efficient than class AB amps with similar power ratings.  Because wasted power is converted to heat, a more efficient amplifier doesn't generate as much heat as a less efficient amp.  However, that's not to say that class D amplifiers don't get hot.  Amp designers take advantage of the properties of a class D design and use it to reduce the "footprint" of the amplifier and use smaller heat sinks in the design.  So while a D amplifier doesn't generate as much heat as a comparable AB amp, it might not be designed to dissipate excess heat as effectively either--and all amplifiers will generate some heat.

Generally, I try to avoid mounting amplifiers upside-down if at all possible.  Most amps are designed so that the heat will be drawn into the case and rise out of the amplifier.  If the amp is inverted, the heat will rise into the interior of the amplifier instead.  

I haven't seen any real testing on the effects of inverted mounting on the amplifier, and I've known many installers who've routinely mounted amps under the lower deck in the trunk with no real problems.  It's likely that if you have no other choice, you can get away with it, especially if there's plenty of ventilation around the case of the amplifier.  However, I'd consider it a last resort.

Hope this helps!

Brian