Is clipping an issue?

[hooda1]

A few years ago I invested in a couple of Ampeg SVT Pro3 amps at different times. This was when they first came out and both outputs in both amps went out. So I shied away from them even though I loved the sound. So I'm ready to try again but I can't remember if these amps clipped early or not. I play smaller venues these days and I don't need the big dogs,however, I am concerned bout the clipping. Any advice is surely welcomed. Thanks

[Jerrold Tiers]

What's "early" as far as clipping in your mind?

Every amp clips.

if you mis-adjust them, they may clip in the preamp before the power amp does, and for sure the power amp has some point at which it clips.

that and $10 should get you coffee at Starbucks........

[hooda1]

I'm concerned on the pre side. I understand the gain structure but I have had some amps start clipping a lot quicker on the pre side. I usually run a fairly clean signal so I use the master more than the gain but some amps just flat out start clipping early and the power seems faint. However, I am in my sixties so- what did you say.

[JimmyM]

If anything, 3 Pros clip late. When I had one, it would start clipping in the pre right around the 3:00 point.