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Warm-up time for amps and preamps

How long does it take for your system to sound good from a cold start?
I try to keep my system on most of the time.  But occasionally I turn it off and it sounds like crap for a good half-hour to an hour.
i know there has been discussion here on the virtue of leaving tube preamps on all the time.
But my solid state amp (modified NuForce mono blocks) technician advises turning even them off occasionally.
rvpiano
ebm
9,311 posts
 
My preamp 24 1/2 min amp is 31 1/2 min then they sound way cool.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
12,088 posts
 
Leaving your system on all the time can dry out the electrolytic capacitors (even on tube equipment).
This statement is incorrect. Usually filter caps have the longest life if kept charged. However, they don't like heat, insofar as long life is concerned.
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,592 posts
 
Atmasphere,  thank you for your post. That is how I understood it also. Heat is the enemy really. 
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,447 posts
 
It is simply drying out of electrolyte.  Every 10 degrees Celsius temperature increase cuts capacitor life by half.  Presence of voltage on capacitor is beneficial since it is rebuilding dielectric layer (aluminum oxide).  Without voltage electrolyte slowly eats up this layer.
mtrot
804 posts
 
Well, maybe it's all in my head, instead of my ears, but it seems like my Kell FPB 400cx "comes in" after it's been on all day.  That's when I really think it sounds great.
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