SMSL DA-9 Review - Cause of clipping behaviour.

[mononoaware]

So in this review they mention the DA-9 sounds like it’s “clipping” when sent signal with strong bass frequencies while using with inefficient speakers.

What could be the cause of this?

First thought was possibly lack of proper application of thermal paste which I have seen mentioned in posts at least twice.

Here is the most recent post with photos of factory applied thermal paste.

 

[daftcombo]

Did the signal reach 0dBFS?

 

[gasolin75]

Look at the Sabaj A20A thread

 

[mononoaware]

Did the signal reach 0dBFS?

Not sure but could the lack of thermal paste cause the amplifier chips to quickly reach maximum thermal performance and exhibit clipping before highest achievable levels?

 

[SOUNDSONIC]

Im doubtful. They only demoed the IOTA SA3 while only words on the DA9.

 

[PatentLawyer]

I don’t trust a word Jay says.

 

[JohnYang1997]

Not sure but could the lack of thermal paste cause the amplifier chips to quickly reach maximum thermal performance and exhibit clipping before highest achievable levels?

This is not possible. It must be that they play louder than the amplifier can handle which is possible.

 

[SOUNDSONIC]

This is not possible. It must be that they play louder than the amplifier can handle which is possible.

That's absolutely correct. Any amplifier has its clipping level. Overfeeding it with low frequency will surely do such clipping.

My SA300 experienced clipping when I hooked it up with a FX Audio Tube06. The volume, bass and treble of the SA300 were at max while the FX 's volume was at 12 o'clock and the bass/treble were at 0db. With these settings, the SA300 was doing quire well. I increased the bass of the FX at 3 o'clock and slowly increased the volume. The SA300 clipped as expected.....

 

[mononoaware]

This is not possible. It must be that they play louder than the amplifier can handle which is possible.

Ok thank you for the answer.

 

[mononoaware]

That's absolutely correct. Any amplifier has its clipping level. Overfeeding it with low frequency will surely do such clipping.

Ok so it is high voltage low frequency signal which causes clipping. And any behaviour similar to “clipping” is not possible by overheating amplifier chips.
Understood.