Question about leaving the amp on
drummer86
Posts: 441
I hear about folks leaving their external amps on so there always "warmed up" and ready to go. My question is do you also leave everything else on? If my amp is on and I turn on the Pre-amp I get a nasty "pop" in the speakers which makes me terribly nervous. Is there a way to avoid this or should I just not bother leaving the amp running when the pre is off? The amp does not have a trigger control of any kind that I'm aware of.
Display: LG 47" LCD | AVR: Marantz SR5005 | BD: Panasonic BDT-210 | CD/SACD: Oppo 980 |
Amps: Rotel RB-990bx | Marantz MA-500 | Speakers: Totem Mite : Totem Mite-C : RC60i | Sub: HSU VTF-2 MKIV
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Amps: Rotel RB-990bx | Marantz MA-500 | Speakers: Totem Mite : Totem Mite-C : RC60i | Sub: HSU VTF-2 MKIV
HK AVR635 | Polk R30 | Sony DVD/SACD Player
Post edited by drummer86 on
Comments
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There is no reason to leave the amp on 24/7. The concensus among the majority of audiophiles polled in other popular forums is that it takes an average 20-30 minutes of warmup for a solid state amp to sound its best. Regarding turn-on pops, ideally you should turn on your preamp first and let it stabilize for a few seconds, then turn on the amp. Do the opposite at turn-off, amp first then preamp. I have Phase Linear and SAE amps that have no power switch, and run them off a Belkin PF-60 line conditioner, which has triggered outlets. The PF-60 outlets have delayed timing that powers the amps on/off in the proper sequence to avoid pops and thumps.Main System: Denon DP-59L | Audio-Technica AT33EV | Marantz SA-11S2 | Classe DR-10 | Classe CA-300 | Classe RC-1 | PSB Stratus Gold i's | DIY Balanced AC Power Conditioner | Acoustic Zen and NeoTech cables | Oyaide and Furutech power connectors | Dedicated 20A isolated ground line.
Home Theater: Toshiba D-VR5SU | Laptop #1 |Outlaw Audio OAW3 wireless audio system | Marantz SR-19 | Phase Linear 400 Series 2, modified | AudioSource 10.1 EQ (for subs) | Axiom M3 v3’s | Axiom VP150 | Optimus PRO-X55AVs | Dayton 12” powered subs (x2) | Belkin PureAV PF-60 line conditioner.
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Depends on whether or not you do not mind paying for wasted electricity. I found out accidentally that my previous amps (Cambridge-Audio 840W) sounded better after being on 24 hours. The same thing applies to my current amps (Pass X600.5). What I do is turn my amps on Friday morning before leaving for work. This has them 95% there for Friday night, and I leave them on overnight so they are 100% there for Saturday night.
As mentioned turn the pre on before the amps, and turn the amps off before the pre.Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes
Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
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Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables
Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
Three 20 amp circuits. -
I hear about folks leaving their external amps on so there always "warmed up" and ready to go. My question is do you also leave everything else on? If my amp is on and I turn on the Pre-amp I get a nasty "pop" in the speakers which makes me terribly nervous. Is there a way to avoid this or should I just not bother leaving the amp running when the pre is off? The amp does not have a trigger control of any kind that I'm aware of.
That's the right order. You can mute the preamp if there's a physical mute button when it turns on. I have a Class A amp so I don't leave it on all the time. I don't really notice the differences after 20 minutes of warm up.2Ch Tube Audio Convert -
Most pro-audio people follow the rule:
Power amps On last and OFF first. -
I hear about folks leaving their external amps on so there always "warmed up" and ready to go. My question is do you also leave everything else on? If my amp is on and I turn on the Pre-amp I get a nasty "pop" in the speakers which makes me terribly nervous. Is there a way to avoid this or should I just not bother leaving the amp running when the pre is off? The amp does not have a trigger control of any kind that I'm aware of.
It doesn't make any sense to leave the amp on and pre amp off as the pre amp needs time to warm up too.
I leave all of it on 24/7.Political Correctness'.........defined
"A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."
President of Club Polk -
The middle ground here is to just flip it all on an hour before you want to listen. Flip off when done. Not so hard gents, or does this generation need an app for that ? lolHT SYSTEM-
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lsi 9's -
^^^^i live by the rule if "If Kanye says its true, I believe him"
I turn it on right when I get home from work, take a long **** with Minesweeper, and *ding* amp is ready!Where’s the KABOOM?!?! There’s supposed to be an Earth shattering KABOOM!!! -
The middle ground here is to just flip it all on an hour before you want to listen. Flip off when done. Not so hard gents, or does this generation need an app for that ? lol
Awesome!!! -
I usually will turn the equipment on before I leave for work, or leave it on all weekend.
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Funny. I get a nasty pop when I turn my amp off (even if I turn it OFF first). Because of that, I just keep my on 24/7. Does the "pop" indicate something I should be concerned about? (e.g. a problem with my amp?)Polk Fronts: RTi A7's
Polk Center: CSi A6
Polk Surrounds: FXi A6's
Polk Rear Surround: RTi4
Sub: HSU VTF-3 (MK1)
AVR: Yamaha RX-A2010
B&K Reference 200.7
TV: Sharp LC-70LE847U
Oppo BDP-103 -
You're on it Tony..Some final words,
"If you keep banging your head against the wall,
you're going to have headaches."
Warren -
Funny. I get a nasty pop when I turn my amp off (even if I turn it OFF first). Because of that, I just keep my on 24/7. Does the "pop" indicate something I should be concerned about? (e.g. a problem with my amp?)
I'm not 100%, but I'm pretty sure your amp has mute relays to prevent the pop from the caps discharging, so if your amp has the mute relays, they need replacing.Political Correctness'.........defined
"A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."
President of Club Polk -
Funny. I get a nasty pop when I turn my amp off (even if I turn it OFF first). Because of that, I just keep my on 24/7. Does the "pop" indicate something I should be concerned about? (e.g. a problem with my amp?)
Usually there's a thump when an amp is turned on or off and mine does that as well. This is the power supply caps dissipating its energy quickly and this is perfectly normal. I'm not sure I've ever heard of a "pop" though.2Ch Tube Audio Convert -
^^^^i live by the rule if "If Kanye says its true, I believe him"
I turn it on right when I get home from work, take a long **** with Minesweeper, and *ding* amp is ready!
Perfect on so many levels. This response made the whole thread worth it. Thanks!Display: LG 47" LCD | AVR: Marantz SR5005 | BD: Panasonic BDT-210 | CD/SACD: Oppo 980 |
Amps: Rotel RB-990bx | Marantz MA-500 | Speakers: Totem Mite : Totem Mite-C : RC60i | Sub: HSU VTF-2 MKIV
HK AVR635 | Polk R30 | Sony DVD/SACD Player -
Same as BlueFox, power amp gets turned on Friday for the weekend and the pre is on 24/7 since it doesn't have an on/off switch.
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I'm not 100%, but I'm pretty sure your amp has mute relays to prevent the pop from the caps discharging, so if your amp has the mute relays, they need replacing.
Yup, newer amps usually have a relay to disconnect the speakers as soon as it is turned off. Not too sure about relays being broken? No clue on this.2Ch Tube Audio Convert -
I'm not 100%, but I'm pretty sure your amp has mute relays to prevent the pop from the caps discharging, so if your amp has the mute relays, they need replacing.
Thanks. I always get a tad worried when I'm not sure what's "normal" or not and I buy my equipment used.Usually there's a thump when an amp is turned on or off and mine does that as well. This is the power supply caps dissipating its energy quickly and this is perfectly normal. I'm not sure I've ever heard of a "pop" though.
Yeah, it might be better described as a "thump", than a "pop". Definitely a recognizable sound.Yup, newer amps usually have a relay to disconnect the speakers as soon as it is turned off. Not too sure about relays being broken? No clue on this.
It's a somewhat older B&K, maybe circa 2005-2007? Anywho, maybe 'll get it looked it if I find a good dealer and some time. I appreciate the feedback.Polk Fronts: RTi A7's
Polk Center: CSi A6
Polk Surrounds: FXi A6's
Polk Rear Surround: RTi4
Sub: HSU VTF-3 (MK1)
AVR: Yamaha RX-A2010
B&K Reference 200.7
TV: Sharp LC-70LE847U
Oppo BDP-103 -
Keeping an amp on 24/7 is a waste of power and it prematurely ages the capacitors and other internal components. An hour warm-up and you will be at 95% of steady state with most amps. If there is a little sonic improvement between that 95% and 100%, I doubt most of us could discern it reliably.For rig details, see my profile. Nothing here anymore...
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Thanks. I always get a tad worried when I'm not sure what's "normal" or not and I buy my equipment used.
Yeah, it might be better described as a "thump", than a "pop". Definitely a recognizable sound.
It's a somewhat older B&K, maybe circa 2005-2007? Anywho, maybe 'll get it looked it if I find a good dealer and some time. I appreciate the feedback.
If the amp always did this since you got it, I wouldn't worry about it too much. Unless the thump starts getting louder, then I'd just leave it alone. Some of my more modern amps thump while others don't and others would just continue playing until the caps dissipate all their energy.2Ch Tube Audio Convert -
Yeah, it might be better described as a "thump", than a "pop". Definitely a recognizable sound.
It's a somewhat older B&K, maybe circa 2005-2007? Anywho, maybe 'll get it looked it if I find a good dealer and some time. I appreciate the feedback.
My B&K ST202+ gives a "whump" about 5 seconds after I power down. That's my cue to power down the pre. :razz:
I don't worry about it.Jay
SDA 2BTL * Musical Fidelity A5cr amp * Oppo BDP-93 * Modded Adcom GDA-600 DAC * Rythmik F8 (x2)
Micro Seiki DQ-50 * Hagerman Cornet 2 Phono * A hodgepodge of cabling * Belkin PF60
Preamp rotation: Krell KSL (SCompRacer recapped) * Manley Shrimp * PS Audio 5.0 -
That depends on the amp one uses. In some cases, the sonic differences are more than subtly obvious.There is no reason to leave the amp on 24/7.
Tom~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~ -
Keeping an amp on 24/7 is a waste of power and it prematurely ages the capacitors and other internal components.
I like wasting power, especially if it pisses off the greenie types. As for the caps, etc., I'm not seeing that angle.Political Correctness'.........defined
"A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."
President of Club Polk -
I turn the pre on, then amp go walk the dogs 45 minutes to an hour, after their walk its time to listen to music.Home Theater
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I hate pushing buttons so I leave my trio of stereo amps( triamp) and single mono unit for sub woofer powered on 24/7.But then again being 90% efficient they don't draw much at idle.
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On 24/7...ready to go anytime the mood strikes. No harm whatsoever."2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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The problem with wasting power is you are wasting money. If electricity is cheap where you live then it is no big deal. If it is expensive then you might think twice, unless you are loaded, about wasting money. Other than that, nobody gives a **** how you spend your money.
In my case, I spent 16K installing solar panels so I could keep my electric bill low while I wasted electricity. :eek:Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes
Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables
Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
Three 20 amp circuits. -
I like wasting power, especially if it pisses off the greenie types. As for the caps, etc., I'm not seeing that angle.
Not seeing that angle? Capacitors have a lifetime rating. A really good quality audio cap would probably rated at 10,000 hours @ 105C. The lower the temp, the longer it would last, but you see the point. Whenever a cap is powered up, and heated up, that clock is ticking. A simple math calc tells you that leaving on 24/7 would get close to 9000 hours in 1 year.
Sometimes re-capping an amp is not too expensive, but other times, it can cost a small fortune. Just ask anyone who has one of the Mark Levinson No 33x series amps.For rig details, see my profile. Nothing here anymore... -
Capacitors have a lifetime rating. A really good quality audio cap would probably rated at 10,000 hours @ 105C. The lower the temp, the longer it would last, but you see the point. Whenever a cap is powered up, and heated up, that clock is ticking.
I'm pretty sure that is the estimated duty cycle. When they are not busy charging and discharging they aren't doing much.A simple math calc tells you that leaving on 24/7 would get close to 9000 hours in 1 year.
I've had one amp on basically 24/7 since 2007, so let's say 54,000 hours and there's nothing wrong with the caps.Political Correctness'.........defined
"A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."
President of Club Polk -
Funny. I get a nasty pop when I turn my amp off (even if I turn it OFF first). Because of that, I just keep my on 24/7. Does the "pop" indicate something I should be concerned about? (e.g. a problem with my amp?)
To this day B&Ks stuff POPs when you turn it off or switch inputs. Its 100% ok. ( I install and use B&K).B&W CM9Classé Sigma -
^^^^i live by the rule if "If Kanye says its true, I believe him"
I turn it on right when I get home from work, take a long **** with Minesweeper, and *ding* amp is ready!
What is the recommended diet regimen - ratio of proteins to carbs - that will result in the recommended "**** duration" that will allow my amp to warm up properly?
