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Using Smart Plugs to Turn on Subwoofers

I have a few TP Link Kasa Smart Plug HS103s lying around. I am currently running dual Rel T9x subs. The Rels only have a physical switch no remote. With my aging back, bending down to turn them on and off has been a challenge. I'm thinking about plugging each sub into a smart plug and have Alexa to turn them on and off. Anyone doing this? 

The plugs are rated Input 100-120V-60Hz 15A; Output 15A Maximum load 15A X 120V = 1800W. This should be enough power to supply the T9x. 

The other question is is it safe to turn on and off the subs without using the physical on/off switch. 
sean1216
13 responses Add your response
soix
9,456 posts
 
Just leave them powered on 24/7.  They probably burn very little electricity as they use Class A/B amps, and constantly turning electronic components on and off isn’t great either.  Sometimes the simplest solution is best.  FWIW. 
russ69's avatar
russ69
3,505 posts
 
"...The other question is is it safe to turn on and off the subs without using the physical on/off switch..."

That will work fine. Same as using the sub power switch. 
rocray's avatar
rocray
1,448 posts
 
Other than a power outage, or going on an extended vacation, my subwoofers(10 of them throughout the house) have been left on for years. The two little pioneers in the living room have been on roughly 9 years.  The power lights stay on,but they go into "sleep" mode without a signal.  
sean1216 OP
5 posts
 
@rocray Do most subs automatically go into sleep mode when no signal is fed? I read the REL T9x manual. There is no clear indication of that. I prefer keeping them on. 
soix
9,456 posts
 
For some reason REL only put a sleep mode on the 220V version, which explains why it’s not in your manual.  Seems pretty lame to me. 
sean1216 OP
5 posts
 
I'm going to give smart plugs a try. I guess the power consumption is low even if there's no sleep mode.
erik_squires
16,057 posts
 
Kind of curious why you ever turn them off.

However, you may be better served by a smart power strip.  One that knows when you turn on your main and turns on your sub with it.

I'm also a big Kasa fan for light switches. :)
rocray's avatar
rocray
1,448 posts
 
They only put the sleep mode on the 220v version?  That does seem very odd.  I’ve never had one,but they always get pretty stellar reviews.  If and when I upgrade subs,it will be rel or rythmik.  If I go rel,it looks like smart plugs too. Let us know how they work. 
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
Sean, those plugs will work fine. I am of the opinion like others that leaving them on in a steady state condition is best. Class AB amps draw very little power at rest, no more than a night light. 
sean1216 OP
5 posts
 
@rocray The T9x are pretty impressive. Granted they are the only subs I have ever owned. I was pretty happy with just Nova -> Triangle Alphas. A friend told me you got to get dual subs. The sound stage feels so much bigger with them. Everything sounds more dynamic. 

@ mijostyn Thanks. I'll probably just leave them on then. They provide  nice night light for the room.
rocray's avatar
rocray
1,448 posts
 
Hi sean1216, multiple subs are really great. If you can,try 3,4,or 5. It’s been discussed here many times about the benefits of multiple subs.  All the hype is true.  I can only squeeze 3 into my small listening room.  If you can’t for whatever reason run more, I totally agree with running them in pairs. 
jetter
3,033 posts
 
The first time you leave them on overnight feel how warm the sub's amplifiers are on the back just for your peace of mind.
three_easy_payments's avatar
three_easy_payments
2,097 posts
 
I’d just sit back on the couch and use The Clapper. ;-)
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