How far do you push your amp?

outlander

Hello,
I picked up a used Rotel RB-985MKII (100W X 5) a few weeks ago. I really like the amp, it’s a big improvement over my Yamaha HTR-5250 receiver (100W X 5). What I’m doing now is using the pre-outs of the receiver to dive the 985. I’ve always used the rule of thumb with a receiver that you never turn the volume up past the 12 o’clock position to avoid clipping. I was wondering if the same rule applies to the pre-amp volume control driving a separate amp? The input sensitivity of the amp is 1.0V the pre-out output level of the Yamaha is 2.1V. Does that mean I should be even more conservative when increasing the volume level? I’ve only pushed it to ~11 o’clock and it still sounded OK but as you know a little clipping (maybe less that you can hear) can go a long way. Also I was wondering how far people with similar set ups push their volume control?

Thanks!
O

unc2701

It's not that easy to say, but if you have a SPL meter, here's what you can do:

Unhook the Rotel, crank it as loud as you had it before, put on the test tone, read the SPL. Hook up the Rotel, turn it up till the SPL reads the same.

If you ever hear clipping, it's too loud and your tweeters are getting damaged.

steveinaz

Volume knob position is irrelevant. What matters is if you are approaching the clipping point on the amp; assuming of course the speakers can handle the power.