How loud can my Denon 4308 go without Damage

DenonDandy1

Hello PolkAudio -

I had a question regarding my denon 4308 and Dali Speakers.

As you all know, Dali Ikon 7 speakers have an ohm rating of 6 ohms. And the Denon 4308 has a 170 wpc at 6 ohms.

So my question is: At what decibel (according to Denon's volume knob), is a safe volume not to over acheive at? (-10 dB or +18 dB)

Also, one more question: The THD for 6 ohm speakers, even in stereo, for the Denon 4308 is .7%. Would the music I play sound better if I only use the Denon 4308 as a pre-amp, and get an external amplifier with lets say a .03%? What would be gained. Im asking this because on some of my cd's, in a moment in the track of dead silence, I can hear an airy sound, which I assume should sound inky black silent in the music. So im not sure what this is; I came to the conclusion this was from the high THD of .7% on the 4308 at 6 ohms?

cnh

Pretty f...g loud! I've heard the Dalis--nice combo with the Denon!

The answer is that there is no answer the Denon will clip at different levels with different speakers...so just use common sense...don't take it up to +18 for example!

Denon lists those THD stats on its site for 6 ohms....Don't worry about distortion levels that low...numbers are not the real measure of how loud something will play or how good it will sound.

If you buy a Rotel, Carver, Adcom, Parasound, etc...power amp of 200 or more watts at 8 ohms....it's going to sound better because it won't strain to put that power out..not because of its distortion numbers...plus its got better power supplies, caps and so on---and even those do not exhaust what makes it sound better.

The point is FORGET the numbers and get a few power amps and see how they 'behave' with the Denon--there is also a synergy.

I can tell you from experience that Denon's like Adcoms for example...they also like Parasounds--go well together...others may also sound good....you need to experiment with 'your' ears!

Good luck

cnh

dorokusai

When it starts to sound like crap, it's too high. Audible distortion is about 1% and the THD of everything you've mentioned is way below that. You have to use some common sense DD1, forget what number is lit on your AVR.

You should call Dali today and see how much a replacement tweeter is....you'll blow one up at some point.

CNH - The last thing he's worried about is synergy.

Toolfan66

dorokusai wrote: »

When it starts to sound like crap, it's too high. Audible distortion is about 1% and the THD of everything you've mentioned is way below that. You have to use some common sense DD1, forget what number is lit on your AVR.

You should call Dali today and see how much a replacement tweeter is....you'll blow one up at some point.

CNH - The last thing he's worried about is synergy.

Fixed, I am sure you meant to say Dali.;) not that you don't have the power to fix it any time you want too.

dorokusai

You're right, I was hasty.

BlueFox

DenonDandy1 wrote: »

Im asking this because on some of my cd's, in a moment in the track of dead silence, I can hear an airy sound, which I assume should sound inky black silent in the music. So im not sure what this is; I came to the conclusion this was from the high THD of .7% on the 4308 at 6 ohms?

I doubt if you are hearing THD. The background noise depends on the CD. I have some that are dead quiet between songs. Others sound as if they were recorded by copying a record from a turntable, and have low level rumble in the background.

billbillw

There is no set level. It varies based on input, setup, etc. Use your ears. If it sounds clean, it is fine. If its distorted, turn it down. Don't worry about the ratings. Companies like to find a nice even number for power rating. They could have said it makes 152 watts @ .05THD, but 160 sounds like a better number. None of it matters in the real world.

AsSiMiLaTeD

Another vote for "when it starts to sound like crap you've got it turned up too loud"

DenonDandy1

Thanks everyone. Yeah, I really dont want to do damage to the speakers, but I would need to crank it way higher than what I have been playing at. The Dali 7 can take 200 watt peak power.

I've only cranked them up to -10dB on the Denon, which around 120-130 watts. But I was hoping I could get cleaner audio. 120-130 is somewhat optimal for the denon as it can only max out at 170 watts per channel with 6 ohms, so I dont go over -10dB.

concealer404

If you want cleaner, add more power.


I guess i should elaborate before you potentially crank that knob further. You want a nice high current amplifier that can deliver what is needed without straining your Denon further.

vc69

Ummm... yeah.

I don't care what your Denon says on the display. Power output varies with the input voltage and load on the amp so it is a dynamic circuit. That means you need headroom to avoid clipping. Rule of thumb used to be 12 o' clock and stop. With these newfangled receivers, that no longer works so you are on your own.

I would take Doro's advice and purchase a spare set of tweets.

cnh

I can testify to the 12 o-clock...I had an old Kenwood integrated where you'd want to stop about there...it was an honest 130 watts/channel and you really couldn't turn it up much more because the bass got too boomy and things started to sound TOO loud....which can also be a kind of distortion warning...when they sound TOO LOUD instead of LOUD! That indicates strain....

cnh