The limit on most systems *is* the tweeter. In general the speakers are guilty of *most* of the non-linear distortion - which increases with level no matter what. After that the worst offender is the amp. Most amps have problems in the power supplies where the rail voltages downward modulate on creshendi, and this causes a sort of distortion. Usually it is heard as a reduction in definition and space. Most noticeable on BIG choral pieces (try Dorian...) adding big brass instruments makes most amp/speakers go all to hell.
You can check this to some extent by dropping the levels about 10dB on playback and letting your hearing threshold recover adequately (read: wear earplugs for an hour) before listening.
All this *assumes* that the basic sound of the rest of the signal chain is not "challenged" and sounds pristine (big assumption).
This also assumes that your room *is* as previously mentioned not being overpowered and does not have a nasty problem with HF standing waves...
That relates to your playback level too. MOST home speakers will NOT go much louder than about 100 - 109dB range. EVEN at those levels there is significant added IM and THD. So,
you need to keep in mind that your peaks could exceed the output capabilities of both your amps and your speakers, depending upon what the average level you chose to listen at is. Which is one reason that some of the larger speakers, line source speakers and horn speakers offer some advantages in this department. (it's all yin/yang no matter what..)
_-_-bear
You can check this to some extent by dropping the levels about 10dB on playback and letting your hearing threshold recover adequately (read: wear earplugs for an hour) before listening.
All this *assumes* that the basic sound of the rest of the signal chain is not "challenged" and sounds pristine (big assumption).
This also assumes that your room *is* as previously mentioned not being overpowered and does not have a nasty problem with HF standing waves...
That relates to your playback level too. MOST home speakers will NOT go much louder than about 100 - 109dB range. EVEN at those levels there is significant added IM and THD. So,
you need to keep in mind that your peaks could exceed the output capabilities of both your amps and your speakers, depending upon what the average level you chose to listen at is. Which is one reason that some of the larger speakers, line source speakers and horn speakers offer some advantages in this department. (it's all yin/yang no matter what..)
_-_-bear