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How Do Digital Amplifiers Clip?

I will be moving the speakers from the current "A" system to a secondary system where the current solid state amplifier is underpowered. I am fond of the old speakers and do not want "kill" them as the ads used to say by clipping the amp. This got me wondering how digital amplifiers clip and how an underpowered digital amplifier affects the speakers when over driven?
zmrs13
vicdamone
850 posts
 
Its manufacture specific.
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,428 posts
 
Yes, soft clipping is built into Icepower amps.
csontos
1,311 posts
 
I have a Linn 2250S digital amp I just acquired with one channel down. On inspection, I see no evidence of anything having been fried or any odor that might indicate this. The components in there are awfully tiny. Is it possible to repair this thing short of replacing the entire board? The $800.00 flat rate Linn wants to replace it unfortunately for me, relegates it to the trash heap.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,303 posts
 
Didn't realize Ice power soft clips. Good to know. I still do not think I have heard any hint of clipping with the BC ref1000ms though. First time ever in 35 years worth of audio I can say that about my system.

One of the first thing I would recommend to most anyone is do whatever you need to insure against clipping with your amp and speakers. The effects can be detrimental to sound way before it even becomes noticeable. Its a fundamental thing that every owner should be alert to.
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