Leaving my amplifier on ok?


Would it be ok to leave my amplifier on all the time if I want to extend the reliability of the amp? Many amplifiers ar Class A, high current bias and tubes might be a problem if energy consumption is a factor. Not to mention Excessive heat from bias operation. Is it possible to extend the life of the amp with leaving it on all the time?

highend64

Since the argument against leaving your SS amps on 24/7 is the damage caused by heat (mostly), what is the temp of your equipment both when in use and when idling?  At Idle, my Hegel H30 measures +/- 90F on the warmest part of the case and 100F is the warmest temp I can shoot inside the case.  When in operation, both go up about 10 degrees F.  It would seem my equipment would suffer more heat damage sitting in Pheonix completed turned off.  

The other concern is electrical storms, odd power fluctuations, etc., and not being there to shut down until the situation is over.  Still, when I ran solid state I did leave the electronics on all of the time to avoid warmup issues (I still leave my server on all of the time for this reason).

I did have a carver receiver go up in flames, but it only lasted a split second, and unless there was a lot of paper and kindling on top of the receiver there was no chance of a fire.

First, yes, there are many older posts that discuss this topic at length.  However, the OP asked a question and is requesting help, not a scolding for not reviewing prior posts.

If you don't want to help, then don't answer. 

Second, most new components have soft start circuitry that dramatically reduce the inrush and damage to components.  So this shouldn't be an issue with newer components.

I have yet to hear any high end system that didn't sound great after about 45 minutes of warm up.

There are so many golden ears out there.  But really, your system sounds like crap even after an hour of warm up?  really?

If you aren't concerned about tube life, then leave them on 24/7.  Just remember, sometimes with heat and leaving on, when they go, they really go spectacularly, and may take your home with it.

I never leave my system components on.  When I want to listen, I turn it on, do some other things, and then after a warm up period settle down and enjoy.

Most manufacturers won't recommend leaving they devices on 24/7.  Some low powered stuff may be okay.

I have some pretty decent tube gear and power tubes typically last 2000 hours and are really expensive.

I've had an amp or two launch a tube or two with resistors and other circuitry.  Not fun and thankfully I was home.

I have a Krell KBS balanced crossover made specifically for my Martin Logan Monolith III speakers that is always on, no power switch.  Which I believe is really stupid.  Some components went up in flames.  So, subsequently, after repairing it, I unplug that sucker most times until it is needed.

But, it is up to you.  Listen after an hour or so warm up.  Then listen after 24 hours of it being left on.  Hear any difference?  Of course you have to go by memory on this one.

There you go.

enjoy

Looks like what I stated, and the few responses are in this limited space a case of s 'pearls before swine'.

As stated, the MANUFACTURERS Recommendations are the only ones worth seriously considering, and are the ones that will be investigated by a authority, especially a Insurance Company at the time of a Claim, if the device is the cause of the claim.

What is thrown around on a forum is BS to these types, they will not be looking for any advice in such a place. 

Hence, "Speak to your Home Insurance and Amp's Manufacturer."