[stereocilia]

I would like to be able to use a 12V trigger to turn my FetValve Ultra 550 on/off.  To do this would require something like a Russound ACT-1 AC power switch.  However, I remember (or perhaps mis-remember) reading that external switches are verboten.  I do know better than to plug the amp into the switched AC outlet on the preamp (it's not remote controlled anyway).

My reason for wanting doing this is that I'm not the only one who uses the system, and it's easier to ensure that the amp will actually be off when not in use if I do it this way.   Any of your thoughts are appreciated.

[Wayner]

The reason Frank doesn't want people to use the switched outlets on the back of the preamp for power amps is because of limited ampacity. Those 3 convience outlets are really for low current devices like CD players and FM tuners or turntables.

I see nothing wrong with putting an automated switch in the circuit, however, some are more sofisticated then others allowing sequential turn on. I use a power center for this myself. It allows the preamp to be manually turned on, then does a 10 second countdown and fires up the amp.

When I shut the preamp off, everything goes out at once. Most controlled power centers have a second power cord that is plugged into the back of the preamp to sense power to make all the magic happen.

Wayner

[stereocilia]

Thanks Wayner.  I looked at the Panamax with a sequencer that can be controlled by a trigger, but it's a little too pricey for me right now.  I also use a Harmony remote that sequences by sending the remote signal at specified intervals so something like that might be redundant.

The Russound ACT-1 looks like the best deal.  I know Niles makes similar but more expensive one called the AC-3.  I also discovered that Parasound used to make something called a SCAMP, but as far as I can tell it's discontinued.  Those are the options I've found so far.

[Wayner]

Someone on AC had an Adcom ACE-515 for sale that had these features (I owned one). But there are others.

Wayner 

[avahifi]

Note that big AVA amps have 80 amp inrush current rated power switches - -  necessary to keep the switch alive long term as the power supply pulls much more than 15 amps momentarily at turn on.

If your remote switcher or switchable AC box does not have this kind of rating, it won't work well for long.

Frank

[stereocilia]

Thanks Frank.  It looks like the Russound has a 10 amp breaker.  So, basically I would be beating the snot of this little box if used as I intend.