clipping and max rated watts/max volume


Does clipping and max power/max volume usually occur before the volume knob is turned all the way to it's maximum full rotation? What point is typically full power unclipped / max volume? i.e. -Volume knob around half to 3/4 way to max rotation?
labguy
From my experience it is around 1-2 o'clock position. Remaining travel/rotation allows for playback of low level recordings (or sources).
Clipping has very little to do with the volume control position and everything to do with how strong the signal is.

So you can't rely on the position. If you hear the amp distorting, turn it down.
Depends on the system of course; with power hungry speakers you could go past noon. I've read tho that clipping starts before it's audible, and not near as loud a setting as you'd think.
Huh? Is there no correlation between pre amp output and amp input sensitivity? This is what ultimately determines volume control position in reference to max power output, no? I mean generally speaking, if my pre puts out 2v and my amp has an input sensitivity of say, 1.5v, won't the pot be at around 12-1 o'clock? Is this not a typical scenario? OTOH, would I not be using up the entire pot if I have 2v out and 2v in?