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 clipsI 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/736757
You want as much insulation as possible on the probe/s.