Amplifier Distortion; Volume; Limits; Environmental Information - Totem Rainmaker Manual

AMPLIFIER DISTORTION

The most common source of speaker damage results from amplifier distortion. Your amplifier may run
out of clean power upon listening at loud levels. A direct consequence of such an overuse is distorted
power, producing a greater quantity of distortion than its rated output power. This provides a threat of
damage to any loudspeaker.
The greater the amplifier power, the safer the loudness potential. A 50 watt/channel amplifier, if driven
above this 50 watt/channel limit, will naturally produce multiplicatively more distortion than at 50
watts. A 120 watt/channel amplifier will have substantial distortion above 120 watts but will not allow
any significant distortion below 100 watts. To conclude, more amplifier power provides cleaner power
and less possibility for damage.

VOLUME

Volume controls on the amplifier/ receiver/preamplifier are very misleading. Please note that the
volume control does not address power-output, but simply adjusts the audible level of music. It is the
type of music being played that has an incidence on the amount of power used at a given volume level.
Less dynamic music utilizes lesser amplifier power than more dynamic music does. With most music, the
amplifier reaches its maximum power between the 11 and 1 o'clock position on the volume dial.
Distortion is inevitable when the amplifier is pushed above its rated output level, which may result in
speaker damage. This occurs with any type of speaker. This type of damage constitutes abuse and may
not be covered by warranty. Be attentive to the instant distortion commences, turning the volume
control down to prevent speaker and/or amplifier damage.

LIMITS

Be wary of providing more power than is appropriate for your speakers and damaging them. Although a
more powerful amplifier may provide better sound, it is very important to utilize speakers within their
power-range rating to prevent damage.

ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION

All Totem products are designed to comply with international Restriction of Hazardous Substances
(RoHS) and CARB certification.
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