Ya a compressed signal is more demanding on an amp because it will ask for more continuous high output. A compressed signal lacks dynamics you would normally find so the amp is not likely to clip but will have a more even output which could creat tremendous heat if played loud for long times. It has been my understanding that compression is used in recording and at radio stations to create the 'biggest' and 'loudest' sound that they can. They basically set the master recording volume very close to reference and then compress the snot out of it so that it neither clips nor dips into quiet.
On a side note - this is similar to what they do with tv commercials. The max volume for commercials is actually regulated to be lower than that for the program material but advertisers compress the commercials and set them as loud as they are allowed so they catch your attention. That's why they always seem louder than the show you are watching.
On a side note - this is similar to what they do with tv commercials. The max volume for commercials is actually regulated to be lower than that for the program material but advertisers compress the commercials and set them as loud as they are allowed so they catch your attention. That's why they always seem louder than the show you are watching.
