2. amps-preamps
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OK to have power amps powered w/o spkrs.?

Hi quick question. I just bought a stereo amp, and have a pair of mono-blocks as well. I would like to have them powered and warmed up before I do a comparison (a day or so).

Is it safe to have the power amps plugged in without being connected to speakers? Amps are solid state.

I plan to leave them plugged in 24/7 thereafter.

Maybe I'm being overly paranoid, but I recall reading something about amps and not using them without being connected to speakers....

Much appreciated. Thanks.

elf73
stanwal's avatar
stanwal
3,147 posts
 
Stupid me, I forgot the obvious, ask the manufacture of the amps.
elf73 OP
104 posts
 
Thanks Stanwal... I think I've answered my own question. I guess that's what the "search" function in forums is for...

From what I gleaned off the thread, it's a NO DON'T DO IT...

Although, I"m not sure it applies if I do not have a signal (source) going through the amp while not connected to a load/speakers...

but better to be safe than sorry.

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?aamps&1178450866&read&keyw&zzamp=without=a=load
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,276 posts
 
Are you purposely not telling us what your amps are? This info could factor into the correct response.

In general, if it's a recent design (last 20 years) solid state amp, then leaving it on won't be a problem. Tube amps are a completely different circumstance. Additionally, I would be wary of connecting or disconnecting loudspeakers from a powered on amp. It could result in a loud pulse coming from your speakers.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
12,061 posts
 
Some amplifiers do have stability issues without a load, so it is a good idea to check with the manufacturer. Otherwise, as a general rule of thumb, if the amplifier has no output load, do not put a signal into it.
elf73 OP
104 posts
 
Mccormack DNA .05 Rev.A

Monarchy SM70 pros

Both solid state. I'd turn off the amp when connecting/switching speakers and preamp.

Emailed SMC, they said it shouldn't be a problem.

Off topic, but they also encouraged leaving it on 24/7 for best sound.

Previous owner of the Mccormack informed me though, that it does sound best left on, but sound will degrade after 10 days and to turn it off every week or so for at least a few hours....... I'll have to find out myself.

Very Very nice smooth sounding amp straight out of the box though. Impressed.
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