2. amps-preamps
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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
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!
ieales's avatar
ieales
1,201 posts
 
Some products have dozens of internal connections for transformers, B+ rails, driver to power transition, etc.

Every connection, unless soldered or compression fused, acts as a variable resistor.

As these connections change temperature, they change value and alter the level and phase of AC signals.

As the connections age, the deltas become more extreme due to corrosion from metal or atmospheric interactions.

!!!! WARNING - Only for the technically skilled !!!!
Over the years, I have made permanent improvements to electronics by removing all unsoldered internal connections. 

barts's avatar
barts
687 posts
 
@noromance 
I totally agree. I'm simply saying that if you start at a higher temp, the amp will reach thermal stasis quicker, which was the question posed by the OP.

@b_limo 
Agree also, starting an ice-cold engine is the worst thing you can do to it.
But, it's hard to ignore that on a hot summer day the internal components
reach there proper thermal properties (read: tolerances) quicker.

BTW, ARC breaks in all of their equipment.  And back in the day they used a "hot room" to do it, can't speak to if they take the same approach today. 

I simply know my ARC amps (all four of them) like to be turned on for at least 30 minutes and then play moderately (softly) for another thirty and  then it's off to the races as far as I'm concerned. 
tatyana69 OP
269 posts
 
According to  mijostyn you should change your amps then !
What do you think of that  suggestion?
tatyana69 OP
269 posts
 
The usual suspect naysayers will say a signal is a signal. Amps and cables have nothing to do with any digital signal. So why do we say otherwise ...?
Sorry I digress, just thought I  would tell the morons what is what
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