Clipping?

Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Car Audio
Forum Discription: Car Stereos, Amplifiers, Crossovers, Processors, Speakers, Subwoofers, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=15785
Printed Date: July 23, 2025 at 7:05 AM

Topic: Clipping?

Posted By: CousinCleotis
Subject: Clipping?
Date Posted: July 02, 2003 at 11:38 AM

Just got word on an amp I am having repaired. The tech told me that excessive clipping is what blew the amp.

What is clipping and how do I know when it is happining? :errr:

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Replies:

Posted By: DYohn
Date Posted: July 02, 2003 at 1:50 PM

Clipping is distortion that occurs when an amplifier is being pushed beyond it's usable limits. It is called clipping because on an oscilloscope you can see the waveform tops being "clipped" off and flattened out. Trained ears can her it when it begins, and most anyone can hear it when it's severe. Lower quality amplifiers (and especially head unit buiilt-in amplifiers) tend to go into clipping at the RMS output limit.

Clipping can destroy a speaker, and in very severe cases can destroy an amp. Sounds like your amp was VERY underpowered for your application if clipping is actually what "destroyed" it, or it was being used with too low an impedence (ohm) load.

Posted By: CousinCleotis
Date Posted: July 02, 2003 at 4:09 PM

The amp is a Lanzar d2000m hooked to two Autotek MX 12's. The subs are duel 4ohm wired in parrall in side the box and series back to the amp. The amp says it is 1ohm stable and should be able to handle the 2 ohm load presented to it.

Is this amp just no good?

How about Fusion? Anyone got the 411 on their products?

Cousin Cleotis

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Posted By: DYohn
Date Posted: July 02, 2003 at 5:47 PM

I've never used either of the components you list, but I do know the Lanzar class D monoblock sub amps have a reputation for failing (usually the protection circuit kicks in for no reason) and that they are very prone to clipping if the gain is set too high. But I'll let others chime in here who have actual experience with your setup!