question regarding Amplifier volumes and clipping

[Graceguts]

Hello everyone.
question for ya all.
My system consists of:
Yamaha RXV 1081
Polk LSIM 705s fronts
Polk Lsim 706 center
and (4) Lsim 703s for sides and surrounds.
Emotiva XPA 2- 300 watts rms 2 channels driven- This amp powers my front 705 towers
Emtotiva XPA 5- 250 watts rms all 5 channels driven- This amp powers my center and 4 lsim 703s
----- it is my understanding that if i turn the volume to -0 db, this being reference level and when the Yamaha approaches clipping, that is if i ran all my speakers off the amp, but i do not)....With the Emotivas I have, does this theory still apply? given the specs i provided above on the two amps (emotivas) and no speakers powered of the Yamaha, How far can I push the speakers? My set up is a 7.4 system, 4 self powered subs. In fact the Yamaha has that little bit of extra volume setting from -0db to +15 db. All speakers are crossed over at 80 Hrz. How do we know how much juice the external amps actually have a a 0db refertence level since it does not follow the 0db level of the yamaha?
Many thanks
Derek

 

[ski2xblack]

The power the amps develop depends on their input sensitivity and how much voltage they're being fed. Clipping could occur in the amps (doubtful, unless you're a total headbanger, although more likely when relying on the AVR's internal amps) or the Yammies pre-outs (also doubtful given the Emo's sensitivity).

Without calibration, who knows if the volume readout corresponds to actual spl. Cranking it up to "0" on the readout seems like putting your foot through the carburetor to me, but if that causes clipping or not would be content dependant. No many sources will demand full power to all channels simultaneously, but I'm sure you could find content that would bring the equipment to it's knees with the volume so cranked.

Are there specific things you feel need improvement? Or more of a general theory/practice type question?