The notion that speakers or amplifiers need a significant amount of time to "warm up" before sounding their best has been a topic of interest among audiophiles for years. However, is this really true? In this article, we'll delve into the concept of amplifier warm-up and examine the specific guidelines provided by various manufacturers.
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The Concept of Warm-Up
Many people believe that amplifiers are tuned on factory settings to provide optimal sound quality. As a result, they assume that allowing an amp to "warm up" will allow it to reach its full potential. However, this is not necessarily the case.
In reality, most modern audio equipment reaches thermal equilibrium within minutes of turning them on. This means that the warm-up period is largely a myth, and the sound quality is typically unaffected by extended running times.
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Manufacturer Guidelines
We looked at various manufacturer guidelines to see how they approach the concept of warm-up. Here are some examples:
- Audio Research REF 160M: The manual recommends keeping the amplifier in a room with an ambient operating temperature between 86°F (30°C) to avoid overheating. There is no specific warm-up time recommended, but the power LED will flash for about 2 minutes during the auto mute cycle. [*]
- Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum III: This amp requires at least 30 minutes of warm-up time before it's ready to use. [*]
- Naim NAP 100: The manual states that Naim equipment takes a considerable amount of time to run in before performing at its best. However, there is no specific warm-up time recommended, and the system is designed to remain permanently switched on via its rear panel switch. [*]
Interestingly, not all manufacturers provide guidelines for warm-up times. For example:
- McIntosh MC275: This amp features an LED indicator that displays the warm-up period. [*]
- Bryston SST: No warm-up recommendations were found. [*]
- Pass Labs Xs 150: There is no recommended warm-up time provided, but the power supply LED will light up, and the meter will slowly move to near the center position of the dial. [*]
- Schiit Tyr: This amp is designed for use in typical air-conditioned indoor temperatures. While there is no information about warm-up times, it does recommend additional fan cooling if used in warmer environments. [*]
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Conclusion
In reality, most modern audio equipment reaches thermal equilibrium within minutes of turning them on. The concept of amplifier warm-up is largely a myth, and the sound quality is typically unaffected by extended running times.
While some manufacturers do provide guidelines for warm-up times, others do not. In general, it's essential to refer to your user manual for specific instructions on how to properly use and maintain your audio equipment.
Ultimately, when it comes to amplifier warm-up, trust your ears. Listen to your system and determine whether the sound quality is affected by extended running times.
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