My question: Does unplugging stereo equipment when not in use do more harm than good?
The issue: I have a four-year-old Bryston system with 7bsst2 amps, BP 26 preamp, CD 1 and DAC 1. I use the system once or twice a month on weekends. I unplug everything when not in use because I don't have a surge protector for the amps. My electrical service in that room is 15 amp and I don't want to buy a surge protector until I get a 20 amp dedicated line installed in about two or three years. I should note that only the amps are not surge protected. The other components are connected to a 10-year-old Monster Power Centre, but I unplug the whole thing when not in use.
My concern: I have heard that plugging and unplugging stereo equipment is not good for it. I've also had equipment malfunction after they've been left unplugged for several months or years. In addition, one of the output buttons on my Bryston DAC no longer works. It works with the remote, but not by pressing the button. It worked when it was new.
What should I do?: Lately, I been thinking I would use the system more often if it were left plugged in. But my concern for power surges stops me cold.
I welcome your comments/advice and whether my concerns are valid.
Hi
Generally speaking there are 4 basic advantages in my opinion to leaving things on:
1. The stresses on any circuit is much greater when they first get turned on so wear and tear are less of an issue if that cycle is minimized.
2. Circuit component parts expand when they are turned on and shrink when turn off (that's what she said1) - so there is less chance of capacitors and resistor parts etc, cracking over long periods of time.
3. There is always a nice constant thermal temperature on all the parts if left on so corrosion from air pollution and air born contaminants from landing and adhering to the circuit boards etc. is greatly reduced.
4. The engineers tell me I am delusional but I think my system sounds better when it has been on a day or so.
The down side to leaving gear on continuously is the cost of hydro obviously and the chance of damage during storms/spikes/etc. so a good surge and or isolation transformer like the Bryston BIT may be a good option.
So I listen to my system everyday so for me most times I leave my main system in Room 1 on all the time and I turn off the amplifiers in Room 2 and 3 and just leave the sources powered up. If I go away I always turn off all my components.
james
