problem with soundstream class 5.2

[marko]

i just bought a soundstream class A5.2 amp as faulty, now when i rigged it up there was output but very low volume, now the amp is rated at 1/4watt per channel at 12v (yes you read that right!), and the manual says to run it at low ohms to get any decent power out of it. i've spoken to another guy whom has the same amp and he says his runs fine at 4ohms stereo! am i doing something wrong or is the amp faulty? looks very clean inside as well so no obvious over heating etc..