2. amps-preamps
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Thoughts on using a smart plug on intergrated amp.

I listen to music mostly at night before bed. My intergrated amp doesn't have a signal sense and doesn't turn off after music stops playing so when I wake up in the middle of the night I shut it off. What are your thoughts of using a smart plug on the amp so I can set a sleep timer? What effect if any will it have on the audio? Will it cause any issues to the amp by turning power on/off this way?

rbull11
rbull11 OP
25 posts
 

I have a Micromega M-100 with AE 509 speakers. The reason I like the amp turnned off is so the display / lights turn off. My previous Rotel intergrated amp and my Arcam both had signal sense so when my music stopped they’d shut off 10 to 15 minutes later. I use an Alexa device to control my streamer and I have a Geeni  smart plug that is also Alexa controlled and can be used as a sleep timer..

wncrob
5 posts
 

It takes a while for my integrated to warm up properly, so I leave it on 24/7 and have for years...and its doing fine!  So, I have max performance immediately.  I mostly listen to CD's, so I leave the CD player and tuner on as well.  

grunge1000
32 posts
 

This plug will not affect your listening pleasure.

Cheers,

jsalerno277
243 posts
 
  1. There are three points to consider.  
  2. Many integrated, pre, and power amps have electronic power supply protection circuits and/or software system checks on startup. Depending on the circuit or software design, leaving the power switch on and using a smart plug my bypass these failsafe designs.  I would contact the manufacturer in this regard to assure long term reliability will  affected, or if there is potential for surge damage.  
  3. +1 @ghdprentice Electromagnetic interferes, which includes radio frequency interference will enter at the weakest point causing distortion.  Assuming the smart plug has chips (timer, blue tooth, IR, or WIFi) it mat be an RF generator.  This may cause distortion called digital glare in the press.  An OTS smart plug may also affect AC power transmission limiting dynamics  Therefore, SQ may be affected.  
  4. +1 @jeffbij The best solution is to use another component with a remote like a DAC or disc player with a trigger connection, assuming your integrated amp has a trigger.  The trigger technology is old, so I would assume it has one.  The trigger circuit in your integrated amp should be designed to not bypass the power supply protection circuits or software system checks.  Check with the manufacturer. 

In conclusion, check with the manufacturer on ​​​​​​​1+ 3.   Test SQ on any solution.   Use good quality audiophile electrical connections, interconnects and cords in any solution you use.   Good luck  


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