My hybrid (class D and tubes) PS Audio M1200 monoblocks sound their best after ten minutes of playing music. Really interesting to hear how the sound improves during those first ten minutes of getting warmed up.
When I inquired specifically, my current amp Vendor (Class D Audio) instructed to turn mine off when not using. It always sounds fine then when turned on to use. I always left my prior amps on in the past. I also cannot say I noticed any burn in period with this amp ie it sounded fine right out of the gate. I will say when I heard my first Class D amps (pre-owned Bel Canto ref1000m) many years ago, it was my ears that had to totally adapt to the dramatic change in sound (for the better by far). YMMV. I would say this is a case where you have to try and see unless there is clear evidence pertaining to your specific amp that can be banked on.
In short, the amount of time is not important. At the component level, especially IC's, there are behavioral differences caused by temperature. If you experienced a difference after a 48-hour warmup, it was simply due to the difference in temperature between the two times you listened, your blood pressure, mood, what-have-you.
If class D amp changes (improves) sound after few hours, I would recommend to see a “hi-fi doctor” :-).
Despite class D amps are running much cooler comparing to AB/A amps, stress conditions on internal connections/soldering/capacitors/etc are much higher than hot A or AB class amps. I’ve seen capacitors “resurrect” after running few hours, closer to 50%/75% normal, despite 30% performance at start!
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