When turning system on, you start with the sources, and follow the interconnects to the pre-amp then amp(last). When powering down,reverse order. Turn off closest thing to the speakers...amp first, then pre-amp, CD, tuner,other sources etc.Equipment sounds better when you leave on particularly if it has standby!!! Make sure you ALWAYS turn the source off LAST!!!if not left on all the time. Hope this helps. Steve