Should I leave my equipment on ?

Elizabeth, you're close! Actually, it's the coupling or storage capacitors in the amp/preamp, that take time to charge, stabilize, and reach optimum performance. The cross-over networks in most speakers are passive, and are good to go, immediately. Of course, new speakers will take time to "burn in" the cross-overs and drivers to reach optimum sound. And if you don't play your speakers for several days, it mat take a few hours for them, as well as your cables and interconnects, to reach peak performance again.

Thanks to all for such comprehensive answers. FYI what prompeted this question was, among other things, comments I've read from some audiophiles who stated their equipment has NEVER been turned off.

Here is a similar query- I'm currently evaluating different pieces of equipment and interconnects, etc. I have to turn some things off to switch things around. If the equipment is turned off for but a few minutes after it's been on for , say several days, is that the equivalent of a full blown cool down ??

Thanks again to anyone with advice for me.

Even if the equipment is turned off for a few minutes it usually means that it will require another 24 hours to stabilise on turning back on.

pre-amps should stay on all the time they draw very little power.when it comes to amps though if there is no stand-by the bill at the end of the month can be excessive.leaving my three bryston amps on all day as well as two mark levinson amps cost about 200 can dollars a month.i use the bryston's for home theatre and the levinson's for audio.the bryston's being turned off did not make any difference to the movies.the levinson's have a standby switch which just keeps the amps warm,it sounds great and the electric bill is a lot cheaper.hard to believe but i monitered this over an eight month period.good luck

Side note... If you have the Cambridge CD players with the IEC power socket, then upgrade your power cord if you've not already done so. Makes a big difference. For $80 I'd recommend the Blue Circle BC61.