2. amps-preamps
  3. 164140-153226

Adcom 555se on a smart strip?

I'm thinking about a used Adcom 555se to power my new Ohm Walsh 4000s as recommended by John and Evan. This amp doesn't have a 12v trigger. My stereo "area" is the living room and the preamp will sit in the built-in cabinets next to the fireplace. I don't really want to put a high powered amp in the cabinet for ventilation reasons, so the basement seems like a good choice (and save space in the cabinets for more LPs). With no 12v trigger to power the amp on/off, I was thinking about having the preamp plugged into the control outlet of a smart power strip, and the amp plugged into one of the switched outlets. This will of course work for powering on, but I'm concerned about powering off. When powering off the preamp which will happen first, will it create a pop sound before the amp gets shut off? 

If this smart strip is a viable way to go in this situation, the used 555se will be a great cost savings. If not, I'll start looking at the Adcom 575se or maybe the Parasound A21+. 

Thanks guys and gals.
keysrawk
fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,636 posts
 
My PS Audio seperates turn off simultaneously.
No noise. 13W idle 29W LOUD.
rcprince
3,076 posts
 
Normally, like gdnrbob, I'd advise against the power strip because it can limit the power draw from the amp.  Adcom used to make a unit called the ACE 515 (not sure of the model number, but I owned one), which had outlets for both sources and amplifiers, and (if memory serves correctly) also provided for powering preamp on first with power amp afterward, and powering the amp off before the preamp.  You might look to see if you could find one of those, it worked fine for me in a second system with an Adcom amp and NAD preamp.  
rhljazz
1,255 posts
 
Fuzztone, Class D is 90% + efficient while playing.  So if your consumption is only 29w when perceived as loud, the output to the speakers is probably around 25w.  That’s a very friendly setup on your electric bill.
keysrawk OP
15 posts
 
Alright, sounds like the smart strip isn't a grand idea. I'm tempted to just stick the amp in the cabinet where it could be powered on and off manually. The cabinet isn't vented other than some grommets in the top at the back for wiring. Manual says 4" clearance around the vents of the amp and I have room in the cabinet for that. I can't imagine it's going to overheat to the point it will hurt the amp. I'd still rather keep it in the basement though. 

Not a huge fan of leaving it on not because of cost but just because it seems wasteful. I waste enough energy for the pool pump running 24x7. But it is an option.

It sounds like some people are saying that the 12v trigger doesn't cause a pop sound on power off. Seems specific to the rig though. Maybe I'm worrying about something that isn't worth worrying about. I'm not aware of any reasonably priced power conditioners that have triggers. Then again maybe I should just pay for an amp that has the triggers I want.

Class D could be cool - maybe I should really splurge with an NAD M33 and let it live on top of the cabinet because it's so pretty. 
thecarpathian's avatar
thecarpathian
4,848 posts
 
I do not know the specifics of your fireplace, but the heat generated from it may be a concern if your cabinets are built into the side of it. Proximity to the fire box and flue should be taken into consideration. Also, if it is a wood burning fireplace, smoke particles, no matter how careful you are, will enter your room, which means potentially entering your gear. Neither scenario is optimum for your equipment.
Thought I’d play Devils Advocate for a minute there. Something you may want to take into consideration.
More to discover