2. amps-preamps
  3. 155098-92692

Pass Labs XA-25 on all the time?

My Pass Labs XA-25 stays on most of the day. It does sound its best about an hour after it turns on. I'm thinking of leaving it on all the time. Does this help or hurt the amplifier in some way. I  have a PS Stellar S300 in another system that stays on all of the time. It's a class D amp so it uses very little power at idle . PS recommends leaving it on. It sounds better to me that way. Other than the power consumption, is there a downside to leaving the Pass on all the time? Thanks Larry
128x128cooperjack
terry9
2,354 posts
 
The only reason to turn off a SS amp is heat. If it gets too hot, the big caps will age prematurely. I use a separate power supply in another room, so it's not a problem. I use the Class A amps as auxiliary space heaters, so it's cost neutral.
kcpellethead
137 posts
 
There is a video of Nelson Pass saying to turn off his amps when not in use.  I believe it's the video Steve Guttenburg shot where Nelson gives a tour of his listening room, but it might be a different one.
skypunk's avatar
skypunk
499 posts
 
Moon by Simaudio recommends leaving you amp an preamp on so I do.

If going to gone more than 5 days I kill power to my entire system.

Goo question.
chilli42
111 posts
 
I have Pass Labs 60.8.  When I am not listening I just keep it in standby.  Never turn it off completely unless I will be away for a week or more.
phomchick's avatar
phomchick
209 posts
 
Turn it off:

  1. It is expensive to leave it on.
  2. Nelson Pass says turn it off.
  3. The extra heat will prematurely damage all the electrolytic capacitors
You could always email Nelson and ask. His email is out there.
More to discover