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Do class A amps draw power even when turned off?

I have a Pathos TT integrated amp (class A). The manual said it draws 300 watts even when there is no signal running thru it. Does this mean that it is drawing 300 watts even when I have it turned off, or only when it is turned on regardless of whether or not it's playing music???

If it still draws 300 watts of power when turned off, I guess there is no harm in un-plugging it?
pdreher
elevick
2,640 posts
 
Many class A amps stress to leave them on all of the time (except vacations). The fact they there are always running is less stress than powering on/off. Some will have a standby mode which is a nice comprimise.
timrhu
2,779 posts
 
Zaiksman, thanks for that info. Yes it does make sense, even without the engine analogy.
rossman
80 posts
 

You DO NOT need to have your class A powered all the time... All this does is increase your power bill.  A Class A amplifier will sound best after being warmed up between 30 minutes to an hour.  Caps age over time whether the amplifier is turned on or not.  The moral of the story... if you want to have a higher power bill just keep your amp powered on all the time, lol.  

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