This was simply design of the speaker amp power match, not the entire system design. But with a proper amp/speaker match, the preamplifier should simply not have any volume control what so ever, each speaker should be on it's own autoformer or some type of line level volume control. This will eliminate the clipping problem found in most if not all multizone audio systems that are not done with a 'system' type solution such as A/D/S Dominet, AudioControl Director, you get the idea.

Well, in most cases, ambient noise levels of sound systems in homes will not come into play. If your trying to reinforce sound levels that require this type of calculation, definatly don't do it as part of a multizone audio system. Set up the mixer in the back yard for those kind of parties.

But I agree totaly on the clipping part, but what a lot of people don't understand is that it's not the speakers nor the amp, it's you turing the preamps volume control to 'make the speakers louder' thus clipping the input stage of the amplifier. Most preamps will drive the amlifier to full output at about 12:00 or so, with a recording of proper levels. Of course you need the extra gain for that poor/low recording you want to listen to. Thus, I say run preamp at near max levels into the amplifier, and use external VC's for each set of speakers, NOT the preamps VC. This small extra cost of a system will save many headaches for the end user.

This message was edited by Matt on 05/12/02 22:50.09.