Emotiva LPA-1 Impressions by Joe Sixpack

[kexodusc]

The volume level on the receiver was set at -5dB when I read the SPL meter. Later, when I was listening at what I thought was a reasonable volume, the meter was peaking at 80 dB. I was certainly surprised when I saw that.

Don't read too much into that (the -5dB setting) - the gain structure of the LPA-1 and your Yammie's internal amps are probably different. Also, the signal doesn't travel the same path obviously so its probable there's different signal strength reaching each amps what with one having to go through pre-outs and so forth. I've noticed 8 dB difference between the loudest and quietest amps I own. Quite a bit.

Distortion really affects our sense of loudness - absence of distortion (THD, clipping, etc) doesn't sound as loud as the same music played with even just a little bit of audible distortion. I get a kick out of some of the car audio guys in my neighborhood who tell me their stereos already hurt their ears so they don't need more power. when more power would keep their ears from hurting.

[diggity]

man that amp is a big mutha!! where did ya put it?