I've never experienced a burning smell using the Z-5500 system, and the best way to determine if something is being overdriver is to place your hand on the heat sink located on the back of the sub. It should be warm to the touch--but not hot.

As for your hookup, without seeing and hearing it first hand it's tough for me to diagnose. This is one you will have to experiment with until you get the best sound quality.

Good Luck,

Gary

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Travlin' Easy
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PSR-S950, TC Helicon Harmony-M, Digitech VR, Samson Q7, Sennheiser E855, Custom Console, and lots of other silly stuff!

K+E=W (Knowledge Plus Experience = Wisdom.)