unpluggin entire system

Typical advice is to go backwards in the chain for powering off.

Amps then pre then...and so on.

I don't think it makes a bit of difference when powering down, but I'd personally turn OFF each piece of equipment first, then unplug everything. From past experience, most of my equipment failures have all taken place when turning ON equipment. 

I can report that sometimes it DOES make a difference. I have at least one piece that blows its fuse  if not powered down first.

Word.

As fuzztone reports, some amps have a slow start function.  It limits current flow into the large power storage devices (caps and inductors) to keep from blowing fuses.  If you have one of these type amps, then your manual will tell you so.  I have an amp with huge capacitors (taller than the transformers) and it has no slow start feature.  

So I just turn off my PP10 when I go on vacation and turn it back on when I return. If your component has a simple on off switch with no associated circuitry, then it makes no difference. 

The second question would be whether your power plant likes to start up under load.  my load is only 200 watts so I am not concerned. 

Jerry

Maybe it's just been routine for me, and I should have been a little bit more specific. For me personally, when powering down, in this order:

1) power amps 2) preamp 3) any other audio gear after that 4) finally power conditioners. Power amp first, so that speaker damage doesn't take place by powering down any other piece of equipment first, by sending some type of pop or snap through the power amp(s).

When powering up, the same, but in reverse order.

@fuzztone Hmmm, interesting scenario. What piece of equipment might that be, and why do you think it's doing that? If it's a power amp, no explanation needed. 

As stated above always work backwards from your speakers to source when powering down. And the opposite direction when powering up.

Amp, DAC, source, conditioner.If you have a turntable, anytime is good.

Always remember Amplifiers (LOFO) LAST ON FIRST OFF

Years ago I asked Kent @ Pass and he responded:

"Power cords,

thanks for the helpful input. 

Many pieces of audio equipment have two off / on switches… one on the front and one on the back. This is because many have some kind of hibernation or low power mode. 
 

Given the question… we are not really talking about ending a listening session and turning stuff off.. but reaching behind or “shutting down completely a unit” before unplugging. So, you should “shut down” or turn off the rear power switch if there is one before turning off the power conditioner. Many streamers are very specialized PCs and don’t like power shut down. Most components are not sensitive… but not worth the chance.

When turning off any chain of switches it’s best to reduce or stop the downstream current first. So, assuming you have an amp, surge protector, and beraker, here is the turn off sequence:

1. Amp
2. Surge protector
3. Branch Breaker
4. Main house breaker (after all branches are already off, except in emergencies, then go ahead and flip the main at any time)

When turning off the house breaker you should turn off all the branches first, and reverse when turning back on:

1. Main house
2. Branches (1 at a time)
3. Surge protector
4. Amp

The idea is that switches wear faster when they stop flowing current. The arc/spark caused on disconnecting can cause resistance to build up on the switch contacts. Any switch rated for x amps will of course do OK if turned off at rated current, but if you want to be gentle and preserve them try to stop current flow first.

Poweramp first, in my case that’s the active speakers. Pre amp is next. Then Dac and after that streamer and after that internet switch.