jphalter@ihuxb.UUCP (11/01/83)
Yes, I too expected to buy a new amplifier after purchasing a CD player. I expected massive clipping because of the CD's dynamic range and was worried about destroying my not-to-expensive Onkyo speakers. I have since changed my mind and do not expect to replace my 55 watt Pioneer receiver. I have a number of Telarc discs with huge dynamic range and some extremely loud bass (tympani) transients and have had no problem with clipping. My 55 watts is more than sufficient to produce LOUD music from a CD with plenty of room for peaks. By LOUD music, I mean "uncomfortable to listen to" for more than 10 minutes. (I realize this is not scientific.) I've also played CD's through a 45 watt Harmon-Kardon (Hi, Ken) receiver loudly without any problems whatsoever. My experience with pop-jazz CD's suggests that these discs are even less of a problem. They have much less dynamic range than the Telarc and stress the amp and speakers to a much lesser degree. I have had no problem in dubbing pop-jazz CD's onto cassettes either. Simply reducing the average recording level works fine, leaving room for peaks.