The way someone here in the Audio Echo explained clipping ... and
a number of other dangers to audio systems to me a few years ago was:
        All main portions of any audio system are connected to the
main smoke seal. When a pre-amp burns up, an amp blows or any number of
other serious problems take place....the smoke seal ruptures and allows 
smoke to pour out the top of your system. The smoke is a warning device
to keep you from burning down your whole home. For those among us who are
blind/unsighted, engineers have provided a backup system of burning
wires and electronics smell that can be detected at some distance and
tip you to the fact that the smoke seal has probably ruptured.
        An Audio Novice like myself, first looks to check a smoke seal 
failure or rupture when he does something really stupid like crosses
wires or over drives something. If the seal holds...he (I) think I got
away with it, and can blame any delayed structure fires on something and 
someone else.
Cheers, John
Graduate, Tim The Tool Mans' School of Audio Repair
            and
Volunteer Fireman.
        
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