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Warm Up Time/Cost of Operation

When I have solid state gear I will leave it on 24/7. For amplifiers this was no big deal and with certain amps previously I could hear the differences between a cold start up and 3 days of power up. 

A year ago I bought a pair of Classe Omega monoblocks. A bit ago the wife was commenting on our electrical bill. I could not find online specs for power consumption but this morning I located the manual.

Consumption is listed at 706 watts. I assume this is per amp and hourly consumption. Electricity here is 12.6 cents per KWH. A calculator shows the cost of 24/7 on ad being $126 a month. 

It's a bit wasteful to idle like that so I am planning on switching off moving forward. But I am wondering what should my plan be moving forward.

 Thinking I will turn them on when listening in the morning casually, shut them off while at work, turn them on when I get back, and shut off when I go to bed. 

Anyone have experiences running big amps like mine in this manner? Thoughts and experiences are greatly appreciated. 

neonknight

Showing 1 response by carlsbad2

carlsbad2's avatar
carlsbad2
1,382 posts
 

240 watts is still a lot of heat.  This costs you twice in the summer since you put that much heat in the room and then remove it with your air conditioner.  In the winter, you get some of it back on your heat bill.

that much heat also degrades components.  As a rule of thumb, electrical components that run cool will last forever and the warmer they are, the shorter thier life.

Turn it on, go to the kitchen and get a drink sit down and listen.  Maybe it will sound better after a while, enjoy.

Jerry

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