AudioCircle
Industry Circles => Audio by Van Alstine => Topic started by: Nick B on 22 Oct 2022, 07:37 am
-
I’ve been an enthusiast of the SET 120 from the first day. Got mine used for a nice price. My usual routine is to turn it and the Supratek Chardonnay preamp on at least an hour before critical listening. The best sound is after midnight and after 5-6 hours of use. Some weeks ago, I turned the preamp off, but not the SET 120. I discovered that in the afternoon and just decided to leave it on til listening time at nine.
I was in for quite a surprise with the SQ improvement that night. We can differ on many things like more air, deeper soundstage etc. But I was unmistakably hearing additional individual voices within a chorus and additional instruments as well. I didn’t see anything in the manual about leaving it on all the time, so I emailed Frank. His response was to definitely turn it off each time. While I’m respectful of the manufacturer’s opinion, it just sounds too good not to leave it on 24/7. My Border Patrol SEi dac, iFi Zen Streamer and streamer linear power supply are all on 24/7.
So I’m wondering who else has their 120, 225, 400 amps on all the time. If you haven’t tried it yet, you should consider it. I had been thinking of trying another amp, but the improvement now is like having another amp! 🎶
-
Did Frank say why NOT to leave it on? (I assume to save energy and to avoid a potential fire hazard or short)
-
Did Frank say why NOT to leave it on? (I assume to save energy and to avoid a potential fire hazard or short)
Yes he did. I’ll paraphrase by saying he said heat is the enemy of solid state devices. I’ve known some guys, though, who leave their ss amps on all the time. Some will say the constant on/off cycling is worse. I have no idea as to that, but mine is an appreciably better sounding amp when on 24/7.
-
My power amps are on Thursday evening through Saturday night.
24 hours warm up makes a difference that is easy to hear. 48 hours even better.
I tried leaving the amps on 24x7 and found it made further improvements regarding delicacy , tonality, “sweetness” if you will, but no perceived difference in dynamics or speed.
I felt guilty leaving them on without listening every day so no they go off after listening sessions Saturday night until Thursday evening.
-
Did you pay your electrical bill? If so. guilt is not required!
-
Nick B they are solid state so you are good, leave them on all the time if you can hear the difference. I leave all my kit on except the turntable and tape deck as the motors will burn out. I have been in my new place for just over 3 years and the kit has been on all that time, they are always ready to go. I use them every day, so makes sense to leave them on.
-
Nick B they are solid state so you are good, leave them on all the time if you can hear the difference. I leave all my kit on except the turntable and tape deck as the motors will burn out. I have been in my new place for just over 3 years and the kit has been on all that time, they are always ready to go. I use them every day, so makes sense to leave them on.
I’m quite comfortable leaving it on. It just sounds better that way.I did turn it off for a four day trip. A free amp upgrade :thumb:
-
I tend to leave my equipment during waking hours since I retired. This attitude has been tempered, since. I had a rectifier and the power supply filter caps burn out in one channel of an A/B amp (not one of Frank's amps) that was left on when I went out for a while. No storms, no surges, nothing to indicate anything but a random component failure.
Nothing like walking in the house and getting an immediate whiff of burned electronics. No collateral damage but still a disconcerting event for me. So, I leave things on as long as I around the house and awake, now.
-
I tend to leave my equipment during waking hours since I retired. This attitude has been tempered, since. I had a rectifier and the power supply filter caps burn out in one channel of an A/B amp (not one of Frank's amps) that was left on when I went out for a while. No storms, no surges, nothing to indicate anything but a random component failure.
Nothing like walking in the house and getting an immediate whiff of burned electronics. No collateral damage but still a disconcerting event for me. So, I leave things on as long as I around the house and awake, now.
Thanks for your note. I will definitely turn mine off when leaving on trips.
-
For many years, I have left my Classe, Bryston, Simaudio, McCormack, Audio Research, and AVA solid state amps on all the time with no issues. They do actually sound better if left on for long periods of time.
I also believe that power cycling is more damaging to an amp then leaving it on all the time. Only exception would be tube amps.
The only time I turn them off is when I leave on long business trips or vacations.