How many switches do you have to flip the play a CD?

So it occurred to me the other day that I have to flip at least five switches to play a CD: one on each of my power amplifiers, one on my preamp, one on my digital to analog converter, one on the CD player (which I am only using as a transport) and another one on the DAC to make sure it's using the correct input.

What about powered subwoofers? I have two for the 2-channel system.

Instead of CD transport and separate DAC, for me it's turntable, phono stage, line stage, amplifier, and subs. Actually, since the subs are class D that automatically turn on when they receive signal, I just leave those on. I'd leave the phono and line stages on all the time but they're tubed units with NOS tubes, which I want to last as long as possible.

Then there's the 7.2 surround system--TV, AV Pre/pro, Blu-ray player, 5-channel amp, 2-channel amp for rear surround speakers, and two subs. Again, the subs have automatic turn-on but the rest of the components have to be turned on for use.

hi robbi:

perhaps i overreacted.

in my case, i turn on a cd player and select a track from the remote-- a two step process.

Your amp and preamp are permanently on, but your CD player is off? Something's fishy.

Regards,