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Disconnecting speaker while power amp on - any dan


Something like this happened yesterday - managing to disconnect the left speaker (B&W 803S), I just missed to turn off the Rotel RB-1090. Nothing dramatic happened - there was not any “pop” sound from speaker, not the amp protection circuit was activated nor fuse burned... Probably because the preamp was turned off (or maybe on? - being upset at a moment I am not able to recall 100%..., but FOR SURE without any signal from the CD) Only my nerves suffered...

What is actually going on in such a situation, electronically speaking?

I can guess that the disconnected half (channel) of the amp “is seeing” a change in the level of resistance, unlike the other channel, still connected to the speaker. What a change is it? Is the disconnected channel “seeing” an ENDLESS resistance, or ZERO resistance?

IS THIS SITUATION HARMFULL FOR THE AMP CIRCUITS, even if no visible reaction of the amp (protection, fuses etc...)?

Electronic engeneers - any thoughts???

Thanx!!!
zormi
unclejeff
1,313 posts
 
Better to not have done it; however considering how many times my maid knocks the speaker cables of the speakers, if there were damage it would have happened to me long ago.
timrhu
2,779 posts
 
As long as you don't short (touch) the loose hanging speaker cable to the other cable nothing bad will happen. The amp sees the same thing as having no speaker connected at all. The important thing is make sure the speaker wires DON'T touch. Smoke may be the result or a blown fuse if you are lucky.
Owners manuals are very explicit about not doing this for good reason.
shadorne's avatar
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shadorne
7,477 posts
 
If you short the amp output while disconnecting the speaker wires then there is of course potential for damage to the amplifier.
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