Andre Jute wrote:
A STAX 252A amp, same as the 2050 sold in anglo markets, has parallel-
connected input ports, called "through ports". With both sets of
inputs connected, one to a CD player, one to a computer output, the
sound is muted, dulled. With the computer leads pulled, the sound is
louder and brighter.

Is this report what we would expect? What is the key mechanism at work
here? Suggest some ballpark values.


"This is left as an exercise for the student" :-)

For more fun, consider when one of the sources isn't even powered up.

The typical op-amp output stage has ESD protection diodes connected to
the power rails. So anything exceeding about 0.7V above or below the
respective positive or negative supplies will get clamped. And from 0.4
to 0.7 it's gonna be rather nonlinear. So it's still gonna sound really
bad...