What happens to the Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) percentage levels as an amplifier approaches rated power?

As an amplifier approaches its rated power, the Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) percentage levels tend to skyrocket. This occurs due to the increasing demand on the amplifier as it operates closer to its maximum output capacity. At these higher power levels, the amplifier may struggle to faithfully reproduce the input signal, causing more deviations and nonlinearities in the output. These nonlinearities lead to an increase in harmonic distortion, which results in a higher THD reading.

As amplifiers operate within their limits, they typically produce clearer and more accurate sound, but as power levels rise and the amplifier is pushed towards its rated limits, the ability to maintain linearity diminishes, causing the distortion levels to increase significantly. This characteristic is critical for audio professionals to understand, as it impacts the quality of sound reproduction and the performance of sound systems under high volumes.