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To warm up or not to warm up, and...?

So I bought one of those AC Infinity component coolers for my big fat receiver, and have been using it, and it definitely keeps it cool. But I've been wondering this... If a component performs better when it has warmed up, then should one use such a device as this AC Infinity that I now have, or would performance be better without it? Or perhaps there is a certain temperature I should let it get up to for best sound, or just keep it as cold as it will? I'm so confused now. Lol. Please help... Thank you!
jcolespeedway
denverfred's avatar
denverfred
252 posts
 


1) Leave your equipment ON 24/7. At least try it! Cost me <$1/mo.
Do you really think that amp is going to “burn out” before you do?!!
2) Use fans or coolers ONLY if the piece is very hot to touch. (solid state NOT tubes.)
3) Aim any cooling airstream AWAY from the gear not AT it. Don’t blow the hot air back onto the tubes/circuits.
4) Use extra caution with cabinets/enclosures and component stacking.
douglas_schroeder
3,281 posts
 
Let's try this again: 

Live in Alaska and keep the windows open!  ;)
gmosley
129 posts
 
I have tube gear and i would NEVER use a fan on my tubes, because of micro cracks in the glass.
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,569 posts
 
Micro cracks in the glass. And I thought I'd heard everything. 

The hotter a piece gets the more likely you will destroy your bank account by leaving it on. Amplifiers should always be turned off. I have a friend who always left his system on. His house got hit by lightening, blew his amp and destroyed his Wilsons. Worse, he did not have replacement value insurance so they prorated his stuff. He has been downsized to Vandersteens. If the amp had been off the Wilson's would have been just fine. 
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