Power amp off when not in use?

Options
grumlenz
grumlenz Posts: 27
edited July 2008 in Electronics
Hello everybody. I just got a new Adcom gfa 5500 to power my rti a9's with the Onkyo tx-sr805. I have never used separates before and basically my question is do I turn the Adcom off when not in use? Or is it ok to leave it on all the time? Thanks for any help!
Post edited by grumlenz on
· Share on Facebook

Comments

  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited July 2008
    Options
    I leave mine on unless I'm going out of town or there is an immenient possibility of a lightening strike. Of course, just one opinion.
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
    · Share on Facebook
  • MADGSF
    MADGSF Posts: 603
    edited July 2008
    Options
    I have mine on a 12v trigger so it goes off with the AVR. If it did not have a trigger I would most likely be like George and leave it on unless leaving town.
    AVR: Elite VSX-21TXH
    Amplifier: B&K 7250 Series ii
    Misc: Velodyne SMS-1
    Mains: RTi-10
    Center: CSi-5
    Rear: Boston DSi460
    Sub: SVS PC-Ultra
    TV: Panasonic TC-P58V10
    DVD: Panasonic DMP-BD60K
    · Share on Facebook
  • joeparaski
    joeparaski Posts: 1,865
    edited July 2008
    Options
    Ever since my amp mishap, I don't leave my gear on unless I'm there listening to it.

    Joe
    Amplifiers: 1-SAE Mark IV, 4-SAE 2400, 1-SAE 2500, 2-SAE 2600, 1-Buttkicker BKA 1000N w/2-tactile transducers. Sources: Sony BDP CX7000es, Sony CX300/CX400/CX450/CX455, SAE 8000 tuner, Akai 4000D R2R, Technics 1100A TT, Epson 8500UB with Carada 100". Speakers:Polk SDA SRS, 3.1TL, FXi5, FXi3, 2-SVS 20-29, Yamaha, SVS center sub. Power:2-Monster HTS3500, Furman M-8D & RR16 Plus. 2-SAE 4000 X-overs, SAE 5000a noise reduction, MSB Link DAC III, MSB Powerbase, Behringer 2496, Monarchy DIP 24/96.
    · Share on Facebook
  • hockeyboy
    hockeyboy Posts: 1,428
    edited July 2008
    Options
    If you leave it on make sure you have a good power conditioner.
    My Main Gear
    Mitsu HC5000 (Proj.)
    Marantz SR8001 (AVR)
    Sunfire TGA7200 (AMP)
    Marantz DV7001 (SACD)
    Samsung BD-P1500 Blu-Ray
    LSi 15's (Front)
    LSiC (Center)
    LSiFx (Surrounds)
    DUAL SVS 20-39 CS Plus     (Passive Subs)
    Marantz IS201 I-Pod Dock[/SIZE]
    Panamax M5300EX
    Carada Criterion 106" Brightwhite Screen
    Sunfire TGA 5200 & (4) B&W 605's in the party room
    · Share on Facebook
  • tcrossma
    tcrossma Posts: 1,301
    edited July 2008
    Options
    I leave mine on except when going on vacation. I have a line conditioner for my other gear but my amp is plugged directly into the wall. You're probably going to get plenty from both sides on this one, it's kind of a split opinion subject.
    Speakers: Polk LSi15
    Pre: Adcom GFP-750 with HT Bypass
    Amp: Pass Labs X-150
    CD/DVD Player: Classe CDP-10
    Interconnects: MIT Shortgun S3 Pro XLR
    Speaker cables: MIT MH-750 bi-wire
    TT:Micro Seiki DD-35
    Cartridge:Denon DL-160
    Phono Pre:PS Audio GCPH
    · Share on Facebook
  • SDA SRS 1.2
    SDA SRS 1.2 Posts: 255
    edited July 2008
    Options
    joeparaski wrote: »
    Ever since my amp mishap, I don't leave my gear on unless I'm there listening to it.

    Joe

    Same here - a sudden storm came up and a lightning strike took out my beloved Carver TFM-45. Now my Sunfire isn't even plugged in unless I'm listening as well.
    Main System: Polk SDA SRS 1.2 Speakers, Sunfire Signature 600~two Amp, Carver C-16 Preamp, Carver TX-11b Tuner, Marantz 6350Q TT, Philips CDR-775 Recorder, Teac V-707RX Cassette Deck, Signal Cable Double Run Speaker Cable

    Upstairs Den: Marantz 2325 Receiver, Marantz 5220 Cassette Deck, Marantz HD-880 Speakers, Marantz 6370Q TT

    Exercise (Kabuki speaker) Room: Kenwood KR-9600 Receiver, Pioneer CS-99a Speakers, Sansui SP-X9000 Speakers (not pretty, but LOUD! :) )
    · Share on Facebook
  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited July 2008
    Options
    Mine is in standby mode. When I had an amp that didn't have one I left it on all the time. Unless a thunderstorm came in or I went away for a week.
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
    · Share on Facebook
  • beardog03
    beardog03 Posts: 5,550
    edited July 2008
    Options
    I used to leave them all on (or in stnby mode) all the time...but the electric bill was getting waaaay out hand, so now I leave them off until I get ready for a session or weekend

    They seem to work (sound) better the longer they have been on...that goes for both SS and tubes...
    Cary SLP-98L F1 DC Pre Amp (Jag Blue)
    Parasound HCA-3500
    Cary Audio V12 amp (Jag Red)
    Polk Audio Xm Reciever (Autographed by THE MAN Himself) :cool:
    Magnum Dynalab MD-102 Analog Tuna
    Jolida JD-100 CDP
    Polk Audio LSi9 Speaks (ebony)
    SVS PC-Ultra Sub
    AQ Bedrock Speaker Cables (Bi-Wired)
    MIT Shotgun S1 I/C`s
    AQ Black Thunder Sub Cables
    PS Audio Plus Power Cords
    Magnum Dynalab ST-2 FM Antenna
    Sanus Cherry wood Speak Stands
    Adona AV45CS3 / 3 Tier Rack (Black /Gold)

    :cool:
    · Share on Facebook
  • McLoki
    McLoki Posts: 5,231
    edited July 2008
    Options
    Mine is off all the time unless in use. Not that efficient as a room heater (although it does try) and only an extra 20" or so to turn it off and on. (about 10" from loading a DVD)
    Mains.............Polk LSi15 (Cherry)
    Center............Polk LSiC (Crossover upgraded)
    Surrounds.......Polk LSi7 (Gloss Black - wood sides removed and crossovers upgraded)
    Subwoofers.....SVS 25-31 CS+ and PC+ (both 20hz tune)
    Pre\Pro...........NAD T163 (Modded with LM4562 opamps)
    Amplifier.........Cinepro 3k6 (6-channel, 500wpc@4ohms)
    · Share on Facebook
  • candyliquor35m
    candyliquor35m Posts: 2,267
    edited July 2008
    Options
    The fireman told me to turn all my amps off next time :)
    · Share on Facebook
  • grumlenz
    grumlenz Posts: 27
    edited July 2008
    Options
    Thank you everybody for your replies! I have all of my components plugged into a Monster Power Center HTS2500 MKII. I don't know if that's a very good one or not, I have had it for about 4 years. Sounds like it's a safer bet to leave the amp off when not in use. I only saw that my receiver has 12 volt trigger for zone 2. I don't think that is what i need, since it's not hooked up to zone 2. Thanks guys you help me out a lot!
    · Share on Facebook
  • Monster Jam
    Monster Jam Posts: 919
    edited July 2008
    Options
    Turn it off whenever possible. That goes for any other piece of electronics that might be plugged in that you dont use at all times (cable modem comes to mind). Save yourself some cash.
    Do you hear that buzzing noise? :confused:
    · Share on Facebook
  • Norm Apter
    Norm Apter Posts: 1,036
    edited July 2008
    Options
    If one's amp (say 200 wpc) is on (not on stand-by, but actually on) and there is no music playing or current running through it, is it eating electricity? If so, is it the same amount as if music was playing or just a negligible amount?
    2 Ch.
    Parasound Halo A23 Amp
    Parasound Halo P3 Preamp
    Parasound Halo T3 Tuner
    Bada HD22SE tube CD Player
    Magnum Dynalab Signal Sleuth
    Magnum Dynalab ST-2 antenna
    polkaudio Lsi9s (upgraded cross-overs)
    MIT Shotgun S-3 Bi-wire Interface Speaker Cables
    MIT Shotgun S-3 Interconnects (3)
    IegO L70530 Power cords (3)

    HT
    Denon 2808ci AVR
    polkaudio RTi A5s (fronts)
    polkaudio RTi A1s (rears)
    polkaudio Csi A6 (center)
    Signal Cable Ultra Speaker Cables
    Signal Cable Analog II Interconnects
    · Share on Facebook
  • olilugo
    olilugo Posts: 405
    edited July 2008
    Options
    This is very similar to the thread I started a few days ago. I have read multiple times that amps need to be on idle for the IC and speaker cables to continue to sound as good as they can sound - I have even seen IC and speaker cables that have a box that keeps them warm... you know on and on... After reading my amp's manual (Sunfire TGA-5200) brand new amp, it says that it will consume 45w while in idle. so I called sunfire tech support to findout what will be the power consumption on stand-by, the tech said between 20 - 30w.
    Now keep this in mind say 20w an hour * 24 h in a day = 480w * 30 days in a month 14400w a month, now 14kw a month it just seams very excesive so I am keeping mine off unless in use.
    Current HT setup
    Mains: B&W 804s
    Center: Polk CSi5
    Surround: Polk FXi3
    Sub: Velodyne DLS-3750R
    Receiver: Pioneer SC-07
    Amplifier: Sunfire TGA5200
    TV: Sony KDS60A2020
    DBP: Sony DBP-S350
    CDP: Pioneer DV-48AV
    Interconnect cables: SignalCable analog II
    speaker cables: SignalCable Ultra Speaker Cables Bi-wire
    · Share on Facebook
  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,630
    edited July 2008
    Options
    Norm Apter wrote: »
    If one's amp (say 200 wpc) is on (not on stand-by, but actually on) and there is no music playing or current running through it, is it eating electricity? If so, is it the same amount as if music was playing or just a negligible amount?

    Yes it is using electricity. How much depends on the type of amp you have. A hefty heavily biased class A amp might draw half it's current capability while idling. An ICE power amp or Class D amp may draw very little current while idling. A Class A/B amp will draw somewhere between.

    Many amps sound better once all the components are warmed up and ready to go. This is NOT true for ICE, Class D, G and H. Those are all designed to run very cold and "pre-warming" is not an issue. My amp always sounds better after it's been on for about 30 minutes. Other amps may take up to an hour to "settle" in, obviously tubes take a while to "settle" in.

    H9
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | Holo Audio Cyan 2 Dac | MIT Shotgun S1 | Puritan Audio PSM136 Pwr Condtioner & Classic PC's | Legend L600 | Roon Nucleus 1 w/LPS - Tubes add soul!
    · Share on Facebook
  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,630
    edited July 2008
    Options
    olilugo wrote: »
    Now keep this in mind say 20w an hour * 24 h in a day = 480w * 30 days in a month 14400w a month, now 14kw a month it just seams very excesive so I am keeping mine off unless in use.

    Keep in mind where I live I pay 0.06042 per kWh so your example would cost $0.84 a month. Add the other fees based on kWh used and you looking at approx $1.25 a month to keep you amp on. Doesn't seem so bad unless you have 10 items that draw that amount.

    H9
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | Holo Audio Cyan 2 Dac | MIT Shotgun S1 | Puritan Audio PSM136 Pwr Condtioner & Classic PC's | Legend L600 | Roon Nucleus 1 w/LPS - Tubes add soul!
    · Share on Facebook
  • McLoki
    McLoki Posts: 5,231
    edited July 2008
    Options
    Norm Apter wrote: »
    If one's amp (say 200 wpc) is on (not on stand-by, but actually on) and there is no music playing or current running through it, is it eating electricity? If so, is it the same amount as if music was playing or just a negligible amount?

    Yes, but it depends on the amp design as to how much.

    Class A = full bore, signal or no.
    Class A/B = Full bore to x wattage, signal or no. (usually single digit wattage so not that bad, but who knows.) In general, the more expensive the amp, the higher wattage it will stay in class A mode.

    Other classes (D, G, H, etc.) = not sure, but typically more efficient than A/B so would expect a lower draw.

    In general - if on, it is drawing more power than when its not.
    Mains.............Polk LSi15 (Cherry)
    Center............Polk LSiC (Crossover upgraded)
    Surrounds.......Polk LSi7 (Gloss Black - wood sides removed and crossovers upgraded)
    Subwoofers.....SVS 25-31 CS+ and PC+ (both 20hz tune)
    Pre\Pro...........NAD T163 (Modded with LM4562 opamps)
    Amplifier.........Cinepro 3k6 (6-channel, 500wpc@4ohms)
    · Share on Facebook
  • olilugo
    olilugo Posts: 405
    edited July 2008
    Options
    Heiney, Thank for point this out I was just looking at the numbers and when you posted you reply I went to my electric bill. mine comes out to .1062 per KWh. This is an excellent point to keep everything in perspective. I still want to keep my off to be green :-)
    Current HT setup
    Mains: B&W 804s
    Center: Polk CSi5
    Surround: Polk FXi3
    Sub: Velodyne DLS-3750R
    Receiver: Pioneer SC-07
    Amplifier: Sunfire TGA5200
    TV: Sony KDS60A2020
    DBP: Sony DBP-S350
    CDP: Pioneer DV-48AV
    Interconnect cables: SignalCable analog II
    speaker cables: SignalCable Ultra Speaker Cables Bi-wire
    · Share on Facebook
  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,630
    edited July 2008
    Options
    olilugo wrote: »
    Heiney, Thank for point this out I was just looking at the numbers and when you posted you reply I went to my electric bill. mine comes out to .1062 per KWh. This is an excellent point to keep everything in perspective. I still want to keep my off to be green :-)

    There are several reasons to power off or to choose to keep the power on all the time. The cost for most common amps is negligible but if you have several components on and a computer and other appliances turning them all off can really save.

    I used to leave my system powered up only turning it off when I was gone for days or during a storm. I just don't listen to it as much anymore (too busy) and my gear is getting older and after what happened to Joe Parski with his amp meltdown and smoking speakers while he was gone I don't leave mine on continuously so much anymore when I'm not home.

    McLoki- we think alike see my post above yours :p

    H9
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | Holo Audio Cyan 2 Dac | MIT Shotgun S1 | Puritan Audio PSM136 Pwr Condtioner & Classic PC's | Legend L600 | Roon Nucleus 1 w/LPS - Tubes add soul!
    · Share on Facebook
  • xandra
    xandra Posts: 291
    edited July 2008
    Options
    Does the Adcom have trigger out? If so, why not plug it into the Onk's trigger in?
    LR Setup:
    Polk RTi10's, RTi6's, CSiA6 (5 ch setup)
    Onkyo 705 & Denon 3808ci Receiver, Onk 875
    Parasound 2250 Amp
    Sony 26" KDL series Bravia LCD
    Panny DMR-EH75 Recorder
    Panny DVD-F87 (5 disk DVD player)
    NAD T585 (DVD/SACD)
    Yamaha DVD-C961 (5 disk SACD/DVD)
    SciAnt Explorer 8500HD Cable Box
    Orig & 5Gen iPods, , Wii
    Plans/Fantasies:
    • 400 disk player that handles ALL formats, sounds as good as NAD with Panasonic interface & compatability.
    · Share on Facebook
  • WilliamM2
    WilliamM2 Posts: 4,811
    edited July 2008
    Options
    This is very similar to the thread I started a few days ago. I have read multiple times that amps need to be on idle for the IC and speaker cables to continue to sound as good as they can sound

    Don't know why you would pay any attention to claims like that.

    Personally, I turn all my equipment off. It's decent equipment, and doesn't require any warm up to sound as good as it can.
    · Share on Facebook
  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,546
    edited July 2008
    Options
    I turn mine off for 2 reasons:

    1) It's a very hot running amp
    2) After about 10 minutes, it settles right in
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Source: Rotel CD14MkII CD Player - Speakers: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
    · Share on Facebook
  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,630
    edited July 2008
    Options
    My bad misread your post..........carry on
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | Holo Audio Cyan 2 Dac | MIT Shotgun S1 | Puritan Audio PSM136 Pwr Condtioner & Classic PC's | Legend L600 | Roon Nucleus 1 w/LPS - Tubes add soul!
    · Share on Facebook