12-26-13: Bifwynne
Al, can I assume, therefore, if one leaves their amp on unattended for even a short period of time, they could learn upon resuming their listening session that not only does their amp not work, they may be minus one or two speakers as well?? Al, there is obviously no written rule out there that I am aware of, ... but at the risk of too quick a turn-off/turn-on, what's your rule of thumb about leaving a tube amp on unattended?
Hi Bruce,
As you realize, the basic point behind my earlier post is that when a tube component, especially an amp, is left on unattended for significant periods of time, in addition to the very small (but non-zero) possibility of fire (which always seems to get mentioned in this kind of discussion), there is also the presumably much greater (but less often mentioned) possibility that a minor failure of a tube or other part will result in major damage to the equipment, if not discovered promptly.
As the experience I cited illustrates, that can even happen as a result of a problem with a small signal tube, especially if the small signal tube is in a power amp or integrated amp.
It seems clear that a case that is at least somewhat reasonable can be made on all sides of these questions, but FWIW my own practice is that the only equipment I leave on unattended are solid state components having no power switch (which are therefore presumably designed with the expectation that they will be left on all the time), and my solid state CDP.
Regarding your mention of the possible risks of turning on too soon after turning off, I second Larry's comment. I can't base that on personal experience, though, as I've always allowed at least a couple of minutes, and usually more, between those actions. Intuitively it just seems to me to not be good practice to do otherwise.
Best,
-- Al
