Do Audiophiles blow speakers?


Ok so I am bored and curious, I have never and probably never will over-drive an amp or blow speakers....but I want to know if this happens with trained listeners or is mostly done by the masses of listeners who dont care about critical listening?
I know that lack of amp power usually blows a speaker, I just thought some stories would make for good reading.
chadnliz

Showing 1 response by cknight

OK, maybe this is a stupid question, but here goes: I own a 250W amp (MF A5)- and speakers that are rated at 300W (VSA VR-4jr's). Thus, I thought, I can turn up the volume as much as I like- even all the way- and my speakers will be able to handle it. So I tried it! I was, well, saddened- but not really surprised- to hear a tremendous POP (like a gun shot) from the left speaker when the volume was at about 7... I immediately turned the volume back down.

Now... my stupid question. 1. Since the amp's max wattage is less than the speakers handling capacity, why can't I turn the volume all the way up? and 2. does this POP mean that I have blown a driver? As far as I can tell the system still sounds fine. Advice would be very welcome!