Is it recommended to use a switched outlet for a power amp with a soft start feature? Or, should one simply use the power button on the amp itself, and deal eventually with wear and tear on its power switch?
... is there a way that I can safely and
remotely power on my Fairchild tube amps from the 50's? (would apply
also to say, a Mcintosh MC275 or 2 mono blocks)- It's very inconvenient
to squeeze behind my rack to hit the two power switches on the amps ...
OK- not to beat a dead horse, but is there a way that I can safely and remotely power on my Fairchild tube amps from the 50's? (would apply also to say, a Mcintosh MC275 or 2 mono blocks)- It's very inconvenient to squeeze behind my rack to hit the two power switches on the amps, and I often forget just because they are so out of the way, and there is no convenient way to orient them or make them more reachable. I see rackmount power strips with a switch on the front for each outlet in the back. Will using one of these things hurt my amp? Thanks.
@jea48 ... it's amazing how much diversity of opinion there is on this subject. It makes for voluminous reading. I agree that the power switch likely will outlast me, and have discovered that keeping the amp on perennially likely could result in excessive wear on caps, etc. So, in the spirit of "k.i.s.s." (not the band), I'm just going with the on/off route as per the designer. This issue has been almost as difficult as trying to understand the BJT vs MOSFET debate, which is something I considered before purchasing my new amp. Methinks I have way too much time on my hands.
Why would you ever want to shut your amp off? All my amps have been on for the last 40 years. The only time they go off is during a power outage. That's the only time I touch the power switch. It's harder on your amp to turn it on and off all the time, and wears out the switch. Turn it on and fuggetaboutit. And switched outlets?! That ain't audiophile stuff there son.
Agree with bullitt. Every amp I have owned, tube or ss, sounded best after burn in, warm up, whatever term you want to use. Not only in tonality, but in pure ease, smoothness and finesse. I leave all of my ss gear on, continuously, as I listen daily.
A lot of we crazy audiophiles never turn our amps off because it sounds better after it's been on for a period of time. I thought it was a crazy idea for a long time too, but my opinion changed. I can hear a difference. But, to each their own opinion. I only turn things off if we are leaving for days or the threat of a voltage surge due to weather.
Yup - just use the switch on the amp. You may want to see if there is any record of switch failure - ask the manufacturer (I had one class A amp that had such a turn on current surge that it kept welding the switch contacts together, but I doubt it happens much any more).
@tablejockey ... no offense taken. It’s all good and you were correct ... in retrospect, I really did ask somewhat of a dumb question; however, since the amp is brand new, I’m still in that early "OMG" period of paranoia. I trust that, too, shall pass like a bad burrito.
Well, I took the advice and asked the designer of the amp. Here's his response ... "Just turn it ON when using, then turn OFF. You might turn it on a few minutes earlier, but even that I don't think is required." As an audiophile, simplicity eludes me at times.
Some power amp will not turn on and only at standby mode when AC power apply to it, you still need to push the front power switch to bring it out from standby, and probably the soft start circuitry is built in.
First, let me say that this may not be the perfect solution...but it is an interesting option that might work...especially since your amp is soft start which means you are less likely to get a thump...no matter what order you turn things on/off as long as the volume is down...but you won't know until you try.
So, here goes.....Assuming you have a 12v trigger on your preamp or player...but not on your amp...then here is a powerstrip with a trigger that you could plug your amp into....
as you can see though, the trigger input is not the pin type it is a phoenix connector which would require you to cut one pin end of the trigger wire off so that you could separate the two wires that will then go into the phoenix connector on the power strip.
Rib, Generally not a good idea unless it is a low power amp. High powered amps can be too much of a load for those switches even if they have a soft start. Triggers have taken over as the preferred method of remota start up.
@sleepwalker65 ... I may have been unclear in my initial post. The amp does have a mute/soft start circuit of its own ... the switched outlet does not. I am curious as to whether using the amp through a switched outlet is advisable. Sorry for my lack of clarity.
The amplifier would ideally have a 12 volt trigger that would power it up -after- all of the power-up transients from the pre-amp and sources have come and gone. Likewise the amp should be the first thing powered off. A soft start circuit is not advisable because ideally, the amplifier should handle that on its own. Power amplifiers that are well designed often include a mute circuit that cuts drive to the output stage until the rest of the amplifier itself is powered up and stabilized.
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