Listening At Higher Volumes - Nice PROFICIENT AUDIO PAS-A4100 Installation Manual

Operation
For systems that ARE NOT operated by remote control; i.e. in-wall volume
controls, touch pads, etc.,
Use the Input Level Controls to set a maximum "safe" volume level to protect your
speakers and / or optimize the signal-to-noise ratios between source components
and amplifier . Source component output level controls are sometimes overly-
sensitive near their minimum position . By reducing an amplifier's Input Level
Controls, you urge the source component's volume control to operate in a more
reasonable and enjoyable range . This is very subjective, so trial adjustments and
listening are in order to dial this for the given application .
As identified in 5b above, with independent Input Level Controls for each channel,
volume balance between speakers within the same room are possible . This
flexibility allows for channel volume tuning (left/right channel balance) for off-
center listening positions .

Listening At Higher Volumes

It requires more power to achieve a reasonable volume of sound in a large room
than it does in a small room . It is possible (even if you are not a teenager) to turn
the volume so high that the amplifier runs out of power . This creates "clipping"
distortion .
Clipping distortion can be first detected in the higher frequencies of your musical
content . Clipping distortion will make the treble sound very harsh and unmusical .
When you hear harsh sounding treble from any good speaker, turn the volume
down immediately! Those harsh sounds are masking some much more powerful
high frequency sound spikes which could quickly damage the speaker and/or
activate the amplifiers protection circuit . Clipping distortion causes the amplifier to
work harder in its attempt to reproduce the signal resulting in an increase in heat
generated by the amplifier .
If you continue to operate the amplifier at "clipping" power levels, the amplifier
protection circuits will activate when the amplifier overheats, shutting the amplifier
off . The protection circuits will reset automatically once the amplifier's internal
circuitry cools . Should the protection circuit become activated, reduce the
master volume and re-check the Input Level Control adjustments to minimize the
chance of a reoccurrence . Perpetually overdriving your speakers and amplifier
is considered abuse and will void the manufacturer's warranty of all affected
products .
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