Safe to Directly Turn On/Off at the Power Socket, Leave Power Button On?
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Generally safe.
In fact, I would say always safe, if the only question is "will it harm the particular unit that is being turned off?"
The only circumstance I can think of where there could be an issue is where the equipment's power switch has additional functions, such as a preamp that mutes its output when the power switch is turned off. I believe Marantz 3250 is one example. In that case, removing power at the socket will not trigger the muting, and the preamp might send an unpleasant transient signal to the power amp.
So far, I think I've been pretty objective. Now, to flame a bit: Equipment with a power switch that has additional functions should be avoided. Such switches tend to suck from the get-go, and are practically impossible to replace when they fail. (I'm looking at you, Alps, though the rest of your components are just fine.) Fortunately, use of such switches is relatively rare.
In fact, I would say always safe, if the only question is "will it harm the particular unit that is being turned off?"
The only circumstance I can think of where there could be an issue is where the equipment's power switch has additional functions, such as a preamp that mutes its output when the power switch is turned off. I believe Marantz 3250 is one example. In that case, removing power at the socket will not trigger the muting, and the preamp might send an unpleasant transient signal to the power amp.
So far, I think I've been pretty objective. Now, to flame a bit: Equipment with a power switch that has additional functions should be avoided. Such switches tend to suck from the get-go, and are practically impossible to replace when they fail. (I'm looking at you, Alps, though the rest of your components are just fine.) Fortunately, use of such switches is relatively rare.
many things turn off by breaking the connection between the cord and the transformer, so turning it off by the switch or at the outlet makes no functional difference. Gonna depend on the particular equipment though.
All of my stuff is plugged into a master power switch. I throw one thing and it all turns on, and more by luck than design it all plays nice together without making any burps or farts or whatever when turning on or off. Thats more for laziness reasons on my part than anything else though. I have 3 amps and a preamp that would need to be turned on, and one switch is easier than 4. Some setups will need things to be turned on in a specific sequence though.
All of my stuff is plugged into a master power switch. I throw one thing and it all turns on, and more by luck than design it all plays nice together without making any burps or farts or whatever when turning on or off. Thats more for laziness reasons on my part than anything else though. I have 3 amps and a preamp that would need to be turned on, and one switch is easier than 4. Some setups will need things to be turned on in a specific sequence though.
my preamp triggers my monster hts3600. one button powers everything on/off. well, not the turntable, that always has power so i can just walk away after powering down the rest and it will auto return and power down.(or hit stop to trigger auto return)
"I have read" is a phrase that seems to be associated with some half-truth, or maybe outright nonsense. In this case, a half-truth, I'd say.
Yes, no functional difference. I'm guessing the issue that's being addressed by the original advice is that arcing across the amplifier's mains switch could eventually cause it to fail. Keeping those switch contacts closed and powering off the unit at the mains socket would indeed prevent arcing and possible damage to the switch. If it's vintage equipment and an exact-same replacement would be difficult to find, maybe it's a sensible precaution.
My opinion is that it's being over-cautious.
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mozcho
Well-Known Member
Thanks for the replies thus far. While researching this issue, I also found this from psaudio:
"So, keep the lights on with your equipment - it helps everything live longer and sound better."
Not only they don't touch the power buttons, they don't even turn turn them off! How many of you guys are doing this?
Leave it on
https://www.psaudio.com/blogs/pauls-posts/leave"So, keep the lights on with your equipment - it helps everything live longer and sound better."
Not only they don't touch the power buttons, they don't even turn turn them off! How many of you guys are doing this?
definitely not me. Tubes cost too much for me to let them sit there baking away like that. The % of time I actually listen to things means the vast bulk of their useful life would be wasted as heat that I need to pay money all summer long to get rid of with the AC.
Mister Pig
Pigamus Maximus
I leave all my solid state gear on 24/7 unless going on a vacation. But I own exclusively solid state gear. Does sound best this way and I listen to my stereo at least twice a day for a couple.of hours a shot. More on the weekends.
mozcho
Well-Known Member
The tube mono blocks-are they ok to leave on?
Lavane
Lunatic Member
I just leave the power switches on and use the remote controlled outlets.
I never leave any if my tube gear on continually.
So, does it blow the fuse every time you recover from a neighborhood power failure, too? I would expect so (although maybe you turn everything off when the power goes off, which isn't a bad idea).
I'm sorry to say, but my opinion is that that's a design flaw.
DB-7
Super Member
I have all of my gear on power bars and turn them off after every use.
I shut down with the power bar most times but I will ocassionally use the power buttons on the Amps to keep them moving. Switches shouldn't stay in one position too long. It's good to work all your swithes and controls ever now and then.
I shut down with the power bar most times but I will ocassionally use the power buttons on the Amps to keep them moving. Switches shouldn't stay in one position too long. It's good to work all your swithes and controls ever now and then.
Bill Ferris
Lunatic Member
I have since 2000 with (2) different brand and room placed 100 wpc receivers, and my sunroom`s separates Mc. C33 preamp and MC 2205 power amp +(2) Velodyne 400 watt servo powered 15" subwoofers for multiple decades with only the 2205 needing its main filter caps replaced about 10 yrs. ago by me, no other failures with the above mentioned 24/7/365 powered up and daily playing music audio equipment.
And I almost forgot my electronic repair shop`s Mc. MA 6100 integrated amplifier for ~8 yrs since it was given to me by a friend and thoroughly tested and checked out by me with (1) channel`s leaking output transistors replaced before being placed into 24/7/365 powered up also playing elevated background music all day.
Bill Ferris
Lunatic Member
My tube gear only is turned on when listening.
Bill Ferris
Lunatic Member
They are fine being remotely powered on, as I do with my (4) 12 yr. old purchased new Mc MC275LE tube amps.
Their powered up/down via a 20 amp rated surge/spike powerup/down timed sequencer using the Furman brand front panel`s key. Confirmed A-OK to do so by a factory rep.
willyrover
Super Member
The amp has no idea where along its power cord the switch is located. The transformer either has voltage on it, or it doesn't.