I've always wondered if it is better to leave an amp powered on when you're not using it or put it in Standby. The power consumption difference between the modes is pretty significant if I remember correctly from the manual, but what is better for the unit? Better to keep more juice running through it and keep things warm or is Standby just as good?

Good question from squebel.

Here's another: How about totally powering it down?
Problems?
Better?
Worse?

Long-term?

I don’t know what type of capacitors are used in Outlaw amplifier power supplies, but there is a known, slow deterioration of the dielectric in wet electrolytic capacitors when they spend long periods of time (read months) in a discharged state. Having the capacitor charged on a regular basis prevents this particular deterioration, it doesn't have to be continuously on. Conservative power supply design takes into account that capacitors will not always perform to their maximum capability and that some small current leakage and temperature build-up will occur. When the design allows for this, then the rated performance of the power supply will still be available even if some aging occurs. Basically, don’t worry, trust the very capable amplifier designers.

Stand-by versus total shut down: usually a stand-by mode allows a monitoring/switching circuit to remain normally powered while the rest of the unit is fully powered down. When a trigger voltage or command from a remote is received, then the rest of the unit is powered up. Usually the higher-power portion of the unit is fully shut down even in stand by, so, for these power circuits, there is no difference between being in ‘stand-by’ or having the unit fully shut off. Two questions: for regular use, do you want the unit to respond to an external command, or do you want to physically turn it on? If all users are going to be absent for many days, on a trip for instance, do you wish to physically disconnect your system from the electrical system and from any other external wiring, such as satellite, cable, or telephone lines, so that in the event of some freakish power event or lightning strike your system components are isolated (unless they are directly hit)?

In response
bestbang4thebuck
wrote

Two questions: for regular use, do you want the unit to respond to an external command, or do you want to physically turn it on? If all users are going to be absent for many days, on a trip for instance, do you wish to physically disconnect your system from the electrical system and from any other external wiring, such as satellite, cable, or telephone lines, so that in the event of some freakish power event or lightning strike your system components are isolated (unless they are directly hit)?

Of course when we are away I disconnect everything from the mains, including all electronic equipment , TVs etc.

I was specifically asking about overnight. For example when we hit the hay I have been powering down the entire rack of equipment (via the Monster Conditioner button) and powering it on in the morning. Thoughts? I'm not sure it matters, just wondering.

Standby!

From the amplifier's perspective, it does not really mattter since the standby and main amplifier electronics are independent, with the standby portion only controlling the main power to the amplifier section. You won't hurt anything by powering down completely, the only downside being having to turn the main power back on.

I shut down everything in my apartment except the furnace, stove, and refrigerator except when I use them. Most devices are on power conditioners or surge protectors and the others I just unplug. I've been doing this for about 6 months and the difference in utility bills is substantial.

Check the last issue of Good magazine for a chart of average electricity use for various appliances.

I went through this also...after a lot of research I did...I leave them on!!

Not to mention the difference it contributes to the environment!

I think firing up your car impacts the environment far more than leaving on an amplifier.