Leave it on?

Remember that suggesting a nuclear solution is not denying climate change. 

I have nothing against SAFE nuclear. Whatever gets us out of this mess that doesn't kill anyone is fine. 

Here’s a question — I relatively recently required a tube preamp.  I like to keep my amp and all components on and could leave the rube pre on too because the tubes last a long time and are cheap. The question is if I leave my amp and source components on and turn the preamp off is that a potential issue?  I know you’re always supposed to turn the pre on before the amp, but that’s when starting with everything off. I’m thinking it should be fine since the amp is already on but just wanted thoughts if any potential problems doing this. 

There would be a problem if the preamp/linestage emits a thump when it is turned on or off and your amplifier is on and sends that thump to your speaker.  If it is loud enough, it may be annoying, or even worse, damaging.  

@larryi  Thanks!  Very helpful and just the info I was looking for.  I’ll contact my preamp manufacturer and ask them. 

@soix 

Yes, definitely ask the manufacturer on that. The more sophisticated (expensive) balanced tube preamps I’ve owned (ARC Ref 6, Rogue Hera, VAC Master) have relay-timed outputs: the outputs are not "live" during a warm-up period, and are first disengaged on shut-down. These have been OK when I’ve inadvertently violated the usual start up / shut-down order - no thumps. BUT I think for general "gear hygeine" it’s still smart to stick to the usual order, as much as possible. But also, these days, with all the protection options available, I think it’s very hard to justify manufacturing any preamp that could cause an awful THUMP in speakers!