2. amps-preamps
  3. 1212080127

Is my amp clipping?


I'm having a problem with my tweeter at moderetly loud levels (95db at listening position). Whenever there is a somewhat dynamic song -- with decent base -- the tweeter crackles and pops.

Speakers are 850 Rockets (91.5 Efficiency) from AV123 driven by Belles 350A Reference. Could the amp actually be clipping at such moderate volume levels?

If not the amp, could it be my Oppo CD player?
audiob

Showing 2 responses by reubent

reubent
7,090 posts
 
Here's an easy troubleshooting step.

Plug your Oppo's L&R analog outputs directly into the Belles Amplifier. Turn the Oppo on, press the volume down button on the Oppo remote about 20 times to insure the built-in digital variable volume is set to a very low level. Turn on the Belles and play a tune. Once a CD is playing, gradually turn up the Opp's volume using the volume up button on the remote.

The Oppo has variable volume built-in, so you can bypass the pre-amp as a test. Actually, if you have a single source, you don't even need a pre-amp. Try it. If the problem goes away, its the pre-amp. If the problem still exist, try a different source or a different amplifier if you have one or can borrow one.

Enjoy,

TIC
reubent
7,090 posts
 
Do you have any other source that you can try? If you have the same issue when using another pair of speakers, and you've ruled out the pre-amp, that only leaves the source (Oppo) or the amp. If you have a tuner, receiver with pre-outs, iPod or some other unit with RCA line outs, you could try it and rule out the source and/or isolate the issue to the amp. If you try another source and don't hear the problem, you know it was the previous source (Oppo). If you still have the problem, then it would seem to be the amp.

TIC
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