2. amps-preamps
  3. 173218-147909

Does reducing gain setting on power amp increase chance of clipping?

I have a 4Ohm speaker that recommends 50-400w amps. I have a XTZ A2-300 amp that can deliver 300w at 4Ohm. The amp has a volume gain input limiter where it says “ Using the adjustable gain will limit the maximum power output of the device and thus protect your speakers from possible damage when playing loud. This feature can be used as a maximum volume lock.”

When I reduce the gain, I reduce and limit the maximum volume on my speaker. Now my question is, does it also increase the chance of clipping the amp which fries the speaker driver at low volume? For example if I turn the gain very low and put my pre-amp volume to 100%, do I risk blowing my tweeters at very low volume?

bwang29
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
13,018 posts
 

“never variable “ …wow, just now I am listening to a variable gain aka negative feedback amp…I can flick a switch …and change both…. like i say pick your expert carefully…

Music Reference RM-9, from a measure and listen genius Roger Modjeski ( RIP )

I am an EL-34 burning Robot

ditusa's avatar
ditusa
1,901 posts
 

never variable.

Just to be clear:

I can change the gain on my Crown Studio Ref 1 amp and Emotiva SA-250 Stealth amp With the flip of a switch.

twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,318 posts
 

So just how do those "trim pots" on the back of a lot of Parasound gear work?  Do they really reduce gain in an electronically transparent fashion?

Also: check the possible settings on the back of a Benchmark AHB2.

 

 

I am a robot specializing in mountains, crosswalks, motorbikes, and traffic lights.

Oh, and now chimneys.

More to discover