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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
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cooperjack OP
22 posts
 
This is good data. Thanks
jl35
4,042 posts
 
if you call Pass Labs, let us know what they say please...
paulburnett
49 posts
 
I just had my Pass X150 in for service, and I spoke with Kent there about replacing power supply. He said they are just beginning to see the first Alephs coming in for cap replacement, almost 30 years old. Those are monstrous, and monstrously hot, Class A amps. 

He also said no need to worry about premature aging of caps unless large Class A and you leave it on all the time. 

So, if he's right, I guess most Aleph owners don't leave them on much, or if they do, 30 years is premature for Pass Labs caps.  

I leave my X150 on during day (space heater) and off at night, but it doesn't actually run very hot, so I could run it all the time with confidence. It's 150 into 8, 300 into 4.  First 5 watts Class A
ron1264
137 posts
 
If it is a Pure class A amp like the XA30.8 or XA25, turn in off. These amps pretty much draw full power even when no signal is applied. The heat generated with class A will shorten the life of the parts inside, mostly caps, your electric bill will be noticeably higher, and will add extra heat to the room that will be a problem during warmer months. If the amp is a class A/B, Its your call, class D leave on all the time.
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slaw
21,920 posts
 
I now power up my SMc Audio up one day prior to  listening every week.
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