Run amp 24/7 pros and cons

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roymail

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Run amp 24/7 pros and cons
« on: 3 Dec 2014, 07:43 pm »
Is it better to turn your amp off at the end of the day or when not being used.  What do you do?  I've read about some who run their amps 24/7.  Maybe it's a toss up.  Don't really know so I'm asking for opinions.  Thanks!

*Scotty*

Re: Run amp 24/7 pros and cons
« Reply #1 on: 3 Dec 2014, 09:26 pm »
Most SS amps fail at turn-on when they fail. If they have a soft start circuit not so much.  Solid state devices don't age like incandescent light bulbs, they really don't know how old they are, especially if they are operated inside their thermally safe margins so as to avoid derating.
 If the amp is left on 24/7 it is more likely to be subjected to brown-outs and AC switching transients during power outages, these dangers also have to be figured into any potential advantages derived from being left on. Power strips and power conditioners with MOV surge protection are a good thing to have in place.
 I have run my SS amps and my front end gear, 24/7 since the late 90s and have encountered no problems thus far. My reasons for 24/7 operation have to do with warmup time and storage capacitor behavior. The amps have sounded noticeably better when they have not been turned off. That being said, I do not have Class A power amplifiers, if I did I might be turning them off to avoid the heat and power bills that would be associated with 24/7 operation.
 If you can't hear any sonic benefit from leaving the amp on 24/7 then you should probably turn it off when not in use.
Scotty

2wo

Re: Run amp 24/7 pros and cons
« Reply #2 on: 3 Dec 2014, 09:41 pm »
One gauge is how much heat your amp puts out at idle. Heat is hard on electrolytic caps not to mention your electric bill...John 

RDavidson

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Re: Run amp 24/7 pros and cons
« Reply #3 on: 3 Dec 2014, 09:52 pm »
Yeah. Unless you're running Class A, then you can pretty much do whatever you choose. Nelson Pass recommends turning off Pass Labs / First Watt amps (the models that don't have a standby mode). With Class A, the output devices are full on at all times (hence the heat). While Pass amps are sturdy and robust, parts still don't have an infinite life. Over time, the number of on and off cycles the amp is subjected to will likely still cause less wear and tear than running 24/7. And mentioned too, heat is a concern.