Amplifier gain

Is this on a dedicated amp or an AVR?

If its an AVR I know you will get into clipping more easily that way and why boost all the channels that much when turning up the volume can boost output as well.

Your risk of overdriving your amp depends on the level of its input signals and its gain. Large input signals and high gain will get you into trouble faster.

However, your best tools for avoiding overdriving are your ears. Are you an audiophile? Are your ears well-trained? Can you hear when an amplifier is clipping?

Most of the damage that is done by overdriving amplifiers is either accidental or happens when the nut holding the volume control isn't paying attention.

If your Rhapsody source is so low, might be worth addressing the problem there. Which client are you using?

Roger is right. If you are using a PC, be sure to set the speaker level to 100%. Do not attenuate it there. Use the volume control in the amp.

What about uncompressed streams from the same source?


Unnecessary risks for most speakers involves power levels in excess of 50 watts. With most speakers and rooms that would be ear-splitting or if you will a dancing level. I presume that your actual situation is that you aren't getting a good listening level.

I suspect that you've avoided risk to the extent that you can't enjoy your audio system. Turning up the gain control on the amp a fair amount seems to be a reasonable course of action.


The receiver lacked an amplifier gain control, so you couldn't shoot yourself in the foot with it.

If you are really worried about your speakers, get some in-line fuse holders and fuse them for 3-5 amps with regular (not slow blow) fuses. I'll bet that with your current settings, even 1 amp fuses would last forever. ;-)