When there’s a convenient On and Off switch—no. It only takes about 20 seconds for the tubes to warm up where the system is playable even if it’s not "optimal", and I suspect it’s about the same on most systems. If I’m not directly listening, I consider it an unnecessary waste of energy, and I’m paying for it, society is paying for it, with its impact on the power grid, as minor as that might seem—it's cumulative among different households. I also turn out lights in any room I’m not in. I consider expensive high-powered amps a luxury rather than a necessity, and I feel better when using energy responsibly.
Does anyone leave their amp and preamp on all the time?
I listen most nights after work. I find that the system takes a while to warm up and sounds it's best if it has been shut off. So I leave it on. I always have and this is vintage stuff. The amp is a 25/25 Bedini class A. It stays warm but never hot. It has never caused an issue but recently I've been speaking with others that were stunned that I would do this. So let me know if I'm the only one that lets it run. Do you shut off the equipment after each session?