Infinity ERS 840 Installation Manual page 9

A Word About Tone Controls...
The tone controls on your electronic components (e.g., pre-
amplifier, receiver, etc.) should be used with the utmost
discretion. Excessive boost can create severe power demands on
your power amplifier. Maximum bass boost can create a demand
for literally hundreds of watts in the bass region, whereas in the
"flat" position (or with the tone controls switched out of the
system), the average listening level may be impressively and
realistically loud at less than 10 watts. The remaining power
capacity required is on reserve for power peaks on sharp
transients and crescendos.
Nominal impedance refers to how much current is required, on
the average, from an amplifier for a given voltage at its output
terminals. Impedance is not an indication of quality or accuracy
in a loudspeaker.
Solid state amplifiers, properly designed and constructed, will
generally deliver more power at 4 ohms. Ask your dealer about
the actual power and reliability of your amplifier or receiver at
this impedance.
Understanding "Min/Max" Power Ratings
If you intend to use your speakers for background music, or at
moderate levels in a small room, an amplifier or receiver with the
recommended minimum power rating can be used. But it is
important to be aware of potential damage to tweeters that exists
when a low-powered amplifier or receiver is played at volumes
beyond its normal limits.
At extremely loud listening levels, all amplifiers will "clip"
(distort) the peak of musical signals. When this happens, the
resulting harsh distortion may contain a considerable amount of
supersonic energy which is routed to the tweeters, potentially
damaging them.
The ERS 840 employs an internal protection device to help prevent
its tweeter from being damaged in the case of overload conditions.
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