Leave it on?

@mitch2 ,

I score it a win if it didn't degrade the sound, plus it was a cool things to do!

You know this, some things can be left on all the time, and some things can't. I wouldn't leave any tube gear on all the time unattended, on the other I think solid state could benefit from being powered up for long lengths of time. It could be true that the act of turning SS on and off a lot with the in-rush of current could increase the risk of component failure. 

I turn everything off after each session. I have a PS Audio P15 and part of its design is that it soft starts everything so there isn't the harsh inrush of current that could be damaging. The other reason is that my system was hit by lightening so it is now off and unplugged from the wall when I'm not listening. One strike is all it takes and that is the end of your equipment that you are trying to get extra life on. I also don't need the extra heat and electrical bill with the five amps being on at all times. 

Both arguments seem valid. I myself have a 25-year-old Harman Kardon integrated amp that has been turned on and off for almost every use and is still fully functional. However, remember that heat is still the worst enemy of electronics, so I would suggest leaving it on or in standby mode during the day when you’re actively listening. But if you go on vacation or will be away for an extended period, I don’t see any good reason to leave it on. Occasional power cycling won’t harm the gear, as it’s well within the design tolerances.  My Parasound a23 PA is running 126 deg F inside the chassis and the Harmony micro DAC is running 104 deg F on the top of chassis (so could be even higher inside).  I really don’t think it’s a good idea or good practice to leave it on all the time—unless you can convince someone that the high temperature won’t cause any damage to or degrade the performance of the electrolytic capacitors inside.