Abstract: A method and circuit for protecting the output stage of an amplifier from thermal overload. A normally-open, temperature sensitive switch is thermally coupled to the transistors in the output stage and electrically connected across a portion of the feedback resistance element of the amplifier, in one circuit embodiment. Whenever the temperature of the transistors reaches a predetermined threshold level, the switch closes and acts as a low resistance path across that portion of the feedback resistance element, thereby reducing the gain of the amplifier to a safe level which is zero in the preferred embodiment. Thereafter, when the temperature decreases below the predetermined threshold level, the switch automatically opens to restore normal operation of the amplifier.