Hi guys --

How can I tell how close I am to maxing these things out? Is the preamp volume control a direct indication of how close to the limit the amps are, or is there more to it?
I'm using a yamaha receiver as a preamp for my 2200s. I've often got the digital volume control on the yamaha set at -3 to -10, which would have me worried about clipping if i was using the yamaha amp. Do I have the same worries with the 2200s?

Thanks!!
ld

The 2200's are rated for 200W, but the receiver's volume control does not tell you how much of that power you are using. Unless you are running extremely inefficient towers and/or have calibrated the system a fair bit above reference level I would not expect the 2200's to be anywhere near cripping. You don't have any worries.

Thanks for the info gonk - but naturally it raises another question!

I've seen 'reference level' used in other posts -- ex: "Stacking 2200's on top of each other just won't work at reference levels" & "clipping at reference levels", & now your comment - "calibrated the system a fair bit above reference level". What does "reference level" mean in these 2 contexts? Are we simply refering to adjusting channel level to 0 [your post?]. It seems to have a different meaning in posts that talk about problems developing when 'listening at reference levels'. Input appreciated - & thanks again. These forums are a great source of info.

take care all --
ld

Reference level, as far as I understand it, is typically done by setting the pre-pro to 0db and using a sound level meter to dial all of your channels to output a test signal at 75db.

Hope I got that right.