If I want to practice the connections with the two multimeters and
agitator clips in a dry run with no power in the amp, how do I ensure
that there is no energy in the amplifier? Should I have music playing
and then turn off the power amp so it is still supplying output to the
speakers until it fades out? Or just unplug it and wait a certain
amount of time?
Just power down the amp as you normally do. Wait about a 1/2 hour - one hour and then disconnect the speakers, ICs. Remove the amp, and put it on the table where you will working on it.
Remove the top cover.
Set meter to VDC auto or above 450VDC.
Check for DC voltage from B+ to chassis on both left and right channels.
Remove the side panels.
agitator clips
I got the ones I use at Radio Shack.
They look something like this.
https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/pomona-electronics/4233-0/501-1342-ND/736757You want as much insulation as possible on the probe/s.