2. amps-preamps
  3. 1427697016

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
zufan's avatar
zufan
563 posts
 
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.
zd542
5,339 posts
 
The easiest way to tell is to listen to the amp.
csontos
1,311 posts
 
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?
almarg's avatar
almarg
9,670 posts
 
Peter (Csontos), keep in mind that what the preamp puts out is what goes into it plus its gain (which is defined based on its volume control being at max) minus the amount of attenuation the volume control is set to provide.

And what goes into the preamp depends on both the source component and the source material.

So if the amp clips when its input reaches 2 volts, the position of the volume control that will result in the preamp putting out 2 volts will depend on the source component, the source material, and the gain of the particular preamp.

All of those factors can vary widely. So the bottom line is as Ralph (Atmasphere) & ZD stated.

Best regards,
-- Al
csontos
1,311 posts
 
Sure, I get that. I'm just surprised the op wasn't given consensus in terms of typical circumstances. It's usually the case in my collection, low and high level recordings being the oddball. I thought pre amps were built to max out the average amp right around half way on the dial. This has been my experience, I think. Except for my Oppo BDP95 at 2v out direct to my LSR&D monos with 2.4v in. But I can get the clipping indicators on the amps to flash. Why would that be? Wrong specs?
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