Hi Mesch,
Q1: I don’t know the answer.
Q2: Yes, based on the specs I would expect that the amp would be driven to the approximate vicinity of its 35 watt maximum continuous power capability by an input of 1.3 volts. Although the dynamic (short-term) power capability of the ST-70 is apparently significantly higher.
Q3: Yes, you can do that, but there’s probably no point in doing so. It would probably be more meaningful to gradually increase the volume control settings you use while listening for early indications of the onset of clipping (i.e., perceivable increases in distortion).
For a voltage reading to be meaningful, the meter would have to have bandwidth extending over all or nearly all of the audible frequency range; it would have to be fast enough to fully capture the amplitude of a brief transient; and if it is fast enough to accomplish that capture it would probably have to provide a peak-holding function that would allow the value to be displayed for enough time for you to see it. Also, the 35 watt and 1.3 volt specs are probably based on the amplitude of a sine wave as defined on an "RMS" (root mean square) basis, while music is of course not a pure sine wave, and depending on the particular meter what it may indicate could be a peak value, an RMS value calculated from a measured peak based on a sine wave assumption, or a "true RMS" value. So there are lots of potential issues that would be involved in obtaining a meaningful measurement.
In any event, enjoy! Best regards,
-- Al
Q1: I don’t know the answer.
Q2: Yes, based on the specs I would expect that the amp would be driven to the approximate vicinity of its 35 watt maximum continuous power capability by an input of 1.3 volts. Although the dynamic (short-term) power capability of the ST-70 is apparently significantly higher.
Q3: Yes, you can do that, but there’s probably no point in doing so. It would probably be more meaningful to gradually increase the volume control settings you use while listening for early indications of the onset of clipping (i.e., perceivable increases in distortion).
For a voltage reading to be meaningful, the meter would have to have bandwidth extending over all or nearly all of the audible frequency range; it would have to be fast enough to fully capture the amplitude of a brief transient; and if it is fast enough to accomplish that capture it would probably have to provide a peak-holding function that would allow the value to be displayed for enough time for you to see it. Also, the 35 watt and 1.3 volt specs are probably based on the amplitude of a sine wave as defined on an "RMS" (root mean square) basis, while music is of course not a pure sine wave, and depending on the particular meter what it may indicate could be a peak value, an RMS value calculated from a measured peak based on a sine wave assumption, or a "true RMS" value. So there are lots of potential issues that would be involved in obtaining a meaningful measurement.
In any event, enjoy! Best regards,
-- Al