2. amps-preamps
  3. 151678-83203

Warm up time for amps

My amps ( I have many but as an example in this case Bryston 7b3's) seem to take a good 45 minutes to reach best sound. My question is ... how do I warm them up quicker? Is playing them on a revolving loop or shuttle BEFORE my listening starts the only option? If that is the case does playing at low volume achieve the same results, and/or does playing louder speed things up, and if so presumably the louder, the quicker in proportions?
And in that box, is the ambient temperature (eg summer or winter) a factor? To me, it should make no difference with all that stuff going on inside a confined space,  but someone will tell me otherwise? I could rig up small fan heaters to blow for ten minutes? If it cuts down warm up time by half for example it may not be such a  stupid or strange idea as I think it might be, as it would increase the proportion of "enjoyable" listening time substantially.
I could even be super smart by putting timers on the fans (which in case anyone points out a supply contamination issue ... could be on a different circuit entirely
The amps are rarely switched off.
This issue does frustrate. All that expensive kit not performing at best for a period ....
tatyana69

Showing 1 response by b_limo

b_limo's avatar
b_limo
2,273 posts
 
Interesting topic and relevant for me.  I’ve been thinking about this lately as well.

I leave my solid state amp on 24/7 (and always have)but I feel like there is still a noticeable improvement after about an hour of music being played through it.

I also feel like moderate to high volume speeds up the process a bit.  I’ll start playing music about 30-60 minutes before I sit down and critically listen.

I used to believe that it was only the amp that needed to be warmed up but now I’m wondering if its the speakers, cables etc all “warming up” as well.

I recall a friend who had a thumping car system and he would wait 30 minutes or so before really cranking up the volume.  I take the same precautions with my home speakers.  I wouldn’t get in my car and redline it as I’m pulling out of my neighborhood.  I think it’s a good idea to ease into putting large strain on mechanical components until they are at optimal temperature!
More to discover