Amplifier Distortion - Totem KIN Force Manual

If the KIN Force is placed on a surface, Totem recommends
decoupling the loudspeaker with the supplied feet to break down
cabinet resonance for optimum results. Turn the speaker upside
down and apply the adhesive backed feet to the 4 corners of the
cabinet.
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 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.
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.
totemacoustic.com
DECOUPLING

AMPLIFIER DISTORTION

VOLUME
LIMITS