New Amplifier In the Works

[jpmc]

Something isn't right... That is an extremely powerful amplifier (we have one in our demo room) I have never had the peak indicator light up, not even once, even with a listening distance of 12-14 feet away from the speakers. Please keep in mind that if that peak indicator is lighting up, you are hitting the Sierra-2 with at least 200 watts, which is well above their max power handling capability. You risk doing serious damage to the speakers.

In addition, at only 4.5 feet away, it is important for you to realize that you are reaching a volume level of above 110dB, which can easily cause permanent damage to your hearing in less than a minute... This may be why you are seeing so much movement on your ribbon tweeters.

Amplifiers do not break-in... Power amplifiers like these have fixed gain, and the peak indicator measures either the voltage level of the amplifier output, the output current, or power supply ripple current, either way - when the peak indicator lights up - your amplifier is reaching its absolute maximum output. Only 2 possibilities here, you are either listening at a ridiculously high volume level and pushing the speakers too hard, or there is something wrong with your amp...

Maybe I'm going deaf lol

Maybe I can hit two birds with one stone here while we check some stuff out.

I've been toying with the idea of adding some absorption panels (since I know there are a tone of reflections in my listening room)

I have been looking into running REW but cant decide if thats the best tool for what I need. But now I also want to measure SPL levels to see if maybe I am really pushing more than I should be on volume levels.

What would kill two birds with one stone Dave? What do you suggest I do for this scenario with tightning up the room and also measuring to see what volumes I have been pushing the speakers to.

Thanks for all the help.

J