signal processor: 14712A Power Limiter

[gearfreak]

I am running active, 3 way with 9442A's.
At the moment I've got a little series resistance to reign in the MF, HF.

Another solution to 'lower' the power of the 9442 would be the 14712A octal units. Some on ebay now.

All that I can find (of the 'spec' sheet) are the bullet points transcribed below.

Anyone have one of these and an idea of what it does / or what can you asses from the verbiage below?

i.e. How's this any different than just pulling back on the 9442A's level controls / putting a pot ahead of the amp?
Is it processing the input signal? (I don't think I'd want to do that).

thanks!



14712A Power Limiter

Features:
Feed forward hard limiter design
Field-selectable response times
Corrects for Peak Inversion
Field-selectable power limits
Plug-in design

Benefits:
Complete stability at (infinity) : 1 compression ratio
Permits optimum adjustment for low, full, or high frequency drivers.
Eliminates over-compression of low frequencies for more transparent sound
Restricts maximum output power of amplifier
No additional rack space required and no external power source required

Advantages:
Positive limiting control
Protection of loudspeaker components
No annoying system "thumping" protects against system distortion
Protects against over-driving of acoustical components
Cost effective

[Old Guy]

A limiter sets a ceiling, at which point it starts to "turn down" the power. But it's way more complicated.
How fast? There are hard and soft limiters. Really hard limiters are known as "brick wall" limiters. And more worms in the can after that.
Soft limiters are more gradual, hard ones the opposite.

But I think a limiter for home stereo...well, my honest reaction is "ugh!".
Just don't push the amp. No band aids needed.

[gearfreak]

Thanks OG. Yeah, I suppose that was the essence of the question - is it really a 'limiter' in that sense. and agreed, I'd go without for hifi.