Leave it on?


I just listened to Paul McGowan explain that turning SS equipment on and off degrades the capacitors from the tiny power surge and that leaving SS equipment on ALL THE TIME is best. What do you do? 

maprik

I would go by whatever the manufacturer recommends. Generally, I leave most of my gear "on" or in "standby".  If I owned a Class A solid state or tube amp, I'd likely turn it off in the summer to keep from heating up the room too much but might leave them on in the winter. As noted, thermal cycling is what kills electronics or them getting too hot from the buildup of dust - so every once in a blue moon, clean your gear out carefully - or cover up the ventilation holes and slots when not in use if they are turned off. Streamers, your Wi-Fi router, and modem need to be rebooted every once in a while, to maintain a good connection and clear out any "cobwebs".  I do mine about once a month. 

I have done plenty of research on the subject. Fact is renewables are in place despite the fact that the best solution has been available throughout this whole mess. Check out all the important facts about efficiency and cleanliness and get back to me. So yes both at the same time, until it is time to change entirely to a modern nuclear grid. I think the correct solution is very obvious.

Remember that suggesting a nuclear solution is not denying climate change. 

Remember that suggesting a nuclear solution is not denying climate change. 

I have nothing against SAFE nuclear. Whatever gets us out of this mess that doesn't kill anyone is fine. 

Here’s a question — I relatively recently required a tube preamp.  I like to keep my amp and all components on and could leave the rube pre on too because the tubes last a long time and are cheap. The question is if I leave my amp and source components on and turn the preamp off is that a potential issue?  I know you’re always supposed to turn the pre on before the amp, but that’s when starting with everything off. I’m thinking it should be fine since the amp is already on but just wanted thoughts if any potential problems doing this. 

There would be a problem if the preamp/linestage emits a thump when it is turned on or off and your amplifier is on and sends that thump to your speaker.  If it is loud enough, it may be annoying, or even worse, damaging.